It's the end of an era for a good cause. Retailing giant Canadian Tire has confirmed it's killing off its iconic catalogue after 80 straight years of publication. The reason: changes in the way consumers shop and a desire to help save the environment.

The company explains many consumers now prefer to surf the Net before or instead of coming into a store, buying products online. The catalogue will still be there, but won't be coming to your door any more. Canadian Tire won't say how much money it's saving through the move, but admits the funds will be used to upgrade its online services and communications systems.

All of which came on the heels of Friday's big giveaway at the chain's Queensway store. Breakfast Television's Frank Ferragine was up past his bedtime helping staff hand out hundreds of free CFL (compact fluorescent light) bulbs, the new type of illuminators that draw less energy and put out more light.

Hundreds of people came by to collect the freebies, bringing only a donation to the Daily Bread Food Bank and some good advice about saving the planet in exchange. Suggestions ranged from the obvious 'keep the lights off when they're not needed' to 'don't leave the water gushing when you're brushing your teeth.'

But at least one mother-daughter duo were planning to attend a special event in their building during Saturday's Earth Hour, which will see the lights dimmed across the city from 8pm to 9pm to raise awareness of conservation and climate change. 

"They're going to have "An Inconvenient Truth" showing in our lounge," the mom named Francis explains. "So they're encouraging everyone to go down there, watch the show and turn their lights off."

Like the light bulbs being given out, all those who stopped by were burning bright. But in case you couldn't make it and you're not familiar with the CFLs, you will be. 

Ontario will be phasing out the old incandescent kind by 2012, leaving only the more environmentally friendly type on store shelves. Not only do they save you money when you turn them on, but they're also a dough riser overall - some of the bulbs last between five and seven years before you ever need to replace them.