After reading this post, don't forget to enter our contest – you could win a new dishwasher. Plus, do you have your own story to tell? Send it to greenchallenge@canadianliving.com (no more than 300 words, please), and you could win one of 30 daily prizes. Congratulations to Leigh Smith of Halifax, the first of our 30 daily winners.

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I used to live in a rural area of Nova Scotia. Along with the pretty scenery and laid-back living, I had to contend every day with the complete antithesis of the laid-back life – rush hour traffic, the bane of my existence. To encourage my longevity and provide a good example to my son, I decided to move into the city. We now live in a much smaller two-bedroom condo with fluorescent lights, programmable thermostats, cold-water washes in the washer – all the good things a little environmental Do Bee does and happily, I might add. The fringe benefits of reducing our carbon footprints far outweigh the inconveniences. We walk everywhere and take the bus when we can. My car hasn't had a oil change since I moved into the city nine months ago – I haven't put any miles on it. Walking encourages dialogue between a recalcitrant toddler and his frazzled mommy. We talk more than ever and open up the lines of communication that, hopefully, will remain. I knew I was on the right track with moving into the city the other day, though, when my son said on the bus, "Mommy, I love taking the bus. I feel sad for people who can't take the bus." Me too, kiddo.We have a long way to go, but I think it's worth it. My blood pressure is normal, my child seems to be a budding environmentalist and walking gives us a chance to talk.

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Thanks to Leigh for her inspiring story. Here's what she's won: 3 energy-saving dimmable bulbs by Philips, courtesy of Home Depot and recommended by our managing editor. A copy of the book Silence of the Songbirds by Bridget Stutchbury, courtesy of HarperCollins. All 30 winners will also be receiving a stylish Canadian Living tote bag. Today's code word: bus Read more: • How many editors does it take to change a lightbulb? • 5 ways to celebrate Earth Day • 6 ways to foster a love of nature in your children