When the name 'Forest City' is mentioned, London, Ontario obviously comes to mind. As citizens of this community, it is our responsiblity to help keep our city clean and green and to improve the environment that we live in.

Materials
Perhaps one of the most overlooked methods to improve the environment is actually where the problem begins. Although this method is more towards improving environment in the world than London itself, there is no harm in trying to help the world we live in either. You can begin by purchasing recycled products, such as bags, paper, etc. as it reduces the amount of new products being made, thus decreasing the size of the carbon footprint. Although an individual's single attempt to use recycled paper may seem insignificant, it can add up when many individuals are willing to do so. There are even economic benefits to using recycled and waste-reducing products. Many places these days sell organic cotton and hemp bags that can be used for groceries saving you from purchasing grocery bags, which can cost up to $0.15/bag. When looking at the figures, it's easy to see the savings, since most of us visit the grocery store 30 times a year or more, and each time purchasing around 5 - 10 bags, that ends up costing $20 - $50/year in grocery bags. Also using aluminum or reusable plastic bottles can also save you from purchasing bottled water. The rewards far outweigh the small initial investment, especially when you realize that you're helping the environment.

Recycling
Although recycling is the most recognized method to improve the enviornment, it is often ignored by many people without realizing the consequences. London provides the public with a recycling schedule and list of recyclables and a recycling box can be purchased for under $10.00 at a local hardware or department store. For a list of details visit this link.

Proper Disposal
If recycling is not an option for some particular materials that you need to throw out, make sure there is a proper method of disposal for these materials. Products like batteries should NOT be included with regular garbage, rather, used batteries can be collected for proper disposal. Most local grocery stores have bins for used batteries that they collect which they then properly dispose or perhaps recycle.

Planting
A more local and immediate effect is planting young trees. It can be accomplished in a small or grand scale, where small scale planting would be planting flowers or trees on your own property and grand scale planting would be to take part in large tree planting operations that are held yearly or through volunteer opportunities. For more information on how you can help reforest areas around london, visit this link.

Even if you are reading this article and don't reside in the area of London, you can still do the suggested ideas to help your own community and perhaps even encourage others to do so. London has been 'acknowledged' as the Forest City for as long as some can remember, let's keep it that way by doing our part! Recycle, pick up trash around your neighborhood, use recycled or waste-reducing products, and remind others to do the same!