Thursday, April 22, is Earth Day, an annual global event to celebrate and protect our natural environment. As a father and grandfather, I am passionate about the environment and how the choices we make now will impact future generations. We can all do our part to preserve and care for natural spaces in Halton by participating in Regional waste management programs and services, and protecting our drinking water sources through responsible use and proper disposal of hazardous chemicals.
This Earth Day, I’m pleased to share the important work that the Region is doing to address climate change. Environmental sustainability and climate change are key priorities for Halton, as identified in the
2019-2022 Strategic Business Plan, and at the Region, we are working to reduce our carbon footprint through our programs and services to ensure that our community is prepared for severe weather events.
Halton Region to partner with Halton Environmental Network on action against climate change
Regional Council has directed staff to prepare a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Halton Environmental Network (HEN) to advance the Region’s work in addressing climate change. The MOU would formalize a partnership with the
Halton Environmental Network to:
- prepare a community Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory;
- work with partners to inventory and report on the range of community options that could ultimately form a Community Action Plan;
- develop a Community Engagement and Outreach Plan in collaboration with the Halton Climate Collective; and
- formally position the Halton Climate Collective to coordinate climate action in the region.
The MOU will also enhance our ability to address climate change across Halton and develop a collaborative approach to support the sustainability of the region for generations to come. To learn more about Halton’s climate change response or read the staff report, visit the
Council Documents page on
halton.ca.
We can all do our part to preserve the natural spaces which keep our region a great place to live. Here are some programs and services we can all participate in to be environmental stewards not just on Earth Day, but throughout the year:
- Participate in our reliable and easy to use waste management programs, such as the Blue Box and Green Cart. Through these programs, residents have significantly reduced the amount of materials that are landfilled and have helped to extend the life of our landfill, the Halton Waste Management Site, by over 30 years!
- Properly dispose of hazardous materials, electronic waste and other items by dropping them off at our convenient Halton Waste Management Site container station and depots.
- It is also important to use these waste programs properly. If you are ever unsure as to what goes where, use our Put Waste In Its Place sorting tool to quickly find out the right way to dispose of it.
- If you are a landowner with woodland resources, you can apply to the Woodland’s Stewardship Program. To learn about the financial assistance available for preparing forest management plans and to apply, visit halton.ca.
- Help protect drinking water sources through responsible use and proper disposal of hazardous chemicals. Halton works closely with land and business owners to implement Source Protection Plans, aimed at reducing risks associated with potential contamination and overuse of our municipal drinking water sources.
Together, we can help keep Halton a great place to live, work, raise a family and retire today and for future generations. For more information, visit
halton.ca.