Operating our homes can have a considerable impact on our environment. Burning fossil fuels as a heating source, electricity consumption, water consumption, waste water disposal, using pesticides and hazardous household products, all contribute to the environmental footprint we make with our homes. Clean Nova Scotia's Home Tune-Up program gives homeowners the opportunity to have a comprehensive assessment of their home, looking at energy efficiency, efficient use of resources, and environmental impact. The goal is to provide homeowners with the knowledge and information to make changes to their home that will save money, increase comfort, conserve resources, and help reduce household environmental impact. Climate Change and Our Homes One of the most serious environmental impacts we create in our homes is our contribution to climate change.
Climate change refers to the impact of human activity on our global climate.
The main contributor to climate change is the release of greenhouse gases. Twenty-seven per cent of greenhouse gas emissions in Nova Scotia in 1995 came from households. A conventional kitchen faucet uses 13-15 litres per minute. A toilet generally uses 13-15 litres per flush . An ultra low-flush toilet only uses 6 litres per flush.