Reducing My Footprint
Lori Dueck, Victoria, BC
Volume 41 Issue 4, 5 & 6 | Posted: June 2, 2026
As a ‘nature is beauty girl’ growing up in Goldstream park I’ve always been aware of my environment. I would leave a campsite cleaner than I found it, recycled before it was an option and I have been careful of how much electricity I use. BC Hydro offered ‘reduce your electricity use by 20 percent events during peak times of usage in the winter’. My usage was already low so I had to challenge myself on how I could lower it more. I didn’t realize how much power you can save when you unplug small appliances when not in use. I was surprised that when I did that, it lowered my usage by 78 per cent! Not only am I saving a few dollars but I am being kind to my environment.
Despite BC Hydro being better than other major sources of electrical power as it clean energy not contributing to air pollution or global warming but unfortunately their use of hydroelectric dams are disrupting the fish and wildlife.
BC Hydro’s electricity is over 95 per cent renewable, however I am reducing my environmental footprint when reducing usage as it reduces the need for the province to generate or import higher carbon energy during peak times or dry years.
Lori Dueck, Victoria, BC