It’s that time of year again; the weather is warming up and it is time to go and open the cottage! The Co-operators wants to help you save money and the environment. That’s why we have come up with some tips that will help your budget as well as the purity of the cottage life you enjoy.

Do some earth-keeping 

• Don’t soap up in the lake. Many soaps advertise that they are phosphate free and biodegradable, but don’t assume that these are safe for the environment. 
  
  
• Follow Fido. Modern scientists have identified that dog doo is a major source of water pollution in many areas. Make sure you pick it up or bury it so it doesn’t contaminate water sources.

Rough it a little more 

• Retire that old beer fridge. If you can’t get rid of it altogether, then make sure you unplug it in the winter months. 
  
  
• Cut the heat seekers. If you’re away from the cottage during the week, make sure you turn down the hot water heater down to medium or low.

Scout out troublemakers 

• Watch out for spider webs. They tell you where the cracks are. Seal them up and save on your energy bills. 
  
  
• Keep an eye on your firewood. Don’t pile it near anything combustible, and keep it far enough from the cottage to deter termites and other critters.