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LiveSmart BC

LiveSmart BC Community Hero

The little things make a huge difference

Living green is something that stay at home mom Teri Coles does every day by consistently making smart choices that make a difference to the environment.

"I think my children have really helped me become more environmentally conscious," she said. "I'm thinking about the world we're leaving to them and I don't want that world to be a mess."

With her kids in mind, Coles made the switch from plastic water bottles and now uses a stainless steel water bottle.

She makes sure that her two young daughters follow her example, by using reusable drinking containers instead of juice boxes.

"I don't like the environmental impact there is for the production of water bottles," explained Coles. "Plus, the stainless steel water bottle is easy and it keeps the water cold."

With the environmental impact of plastics in mind, Coles made the switch from plastic shopping bags to more environmentally friendly reusable cloth bags. She keeps them in her car so that they are always handy when she goes shopping.

"I love reusable shopping bags," she said. "They hold more and are so strong. They are much better than plastic bags."

Shopping itself is also an area where Coles is environmentally friendly. She shops local whenever possible and if she needs to go out of town to shop, she plans her trips to make the best use of her time.

Coles certainly understands the impact driving can have on the environment and does her best to minimize time in the car.

In addition to that, she carpools several kids to and from school every day.

Other ways that Coles makes the earth a better a place is by recycling everything she can, including making crafts from reusable items with her children, such as stuffed mitten men from old mittens.

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