April 22 is Earth Day, an annual global event to celebrate and demonstrate support for protecting the natural environment. On Earth Day, we are reminded that every action we take to help protect the planet makes a difference.
Addressing climate change has become a priority in Halton. Our weather has become warmer, wetter and wilder, making it more clear than ever that we must continue to take steps to protect our environment. Having children and grandchildren, I am passionate about the impact our choices will have on future generations. This Earth Day, I encourage you to make sustainable choices and continue putting these habits into practice in your everyday life.
Here are some tips for making sustainable choices:
Reduce and dispose of waste properly
Halton Region provides convenient waste reduction programs that make managing your household waste an easy part of your daily routine. To help reduce community waste, you can:
- Choose reusable items such as canvas bags, metal utensils and refillable bottles and products.
- Plan your meals, shop locally and use up your food left overs.
- Consider repurposing clothes and upcycling household items.
- Donate gently used items to a local charity or bring them to the Reuse Depot at the Halton Waste Management Site.
- Ensure you are sorting your items correctly by using our online sorting tool.
Conserve water
You can help to protect our water resources:
- Avoid running the tap when brushing your teeth, cleaning dishes or shaving.
- Regularly check your faucets and toilets for leaks.
- Use low-flow shower heads, faucets and toilets.
For more ideas, visit our Indoor Water Efficiency page.
Shop local
Among the many benefits of choosing to shop local, buying products close to home is good for the environment since it requires less energy for transportation, processing and packaging.
Use our Simply Local map to find farm-fresh produce and goods near you.
Make your commute more eco-friendly
Consider using Halton Region’s cycling lanes, sidewalks and multiuse paths. Our active transportation infrastructure makes it easy to get to your destination while getting physical activity! Car-pooling and public transit are also great ways to make your commute more environmentally friendly.
Get involved
Have your say and provide input for the Halton Community Climate Plan (external link). On May 30, Halton Environmental Network will be hosting a community consultation and engagement opportunity. Learn more and find event details Halton Community Climate Plan (external link).
Beyond practicing sustainable habits, taking steps to prepare your home for severe weather is another important part of responding to the impacts of climate change.
To help residents undertake home improvements that can help reduce the risk flooding, Halton Region offers an Enhanced Basement Flooding Prevention Subsidy Program. Through the program, eligible residents can receive financial support for making necessary improvements to their private property that help prevent storm water from entering the wastewater system and to reduce the risk of flooding from sewer backup.
Making improvements in your home helps ensure that the Region’s wastewater sewer system is more resilient to impacts of climate change. You can find out what subsidies are available and learn more by visiting our Enhanced Basement Flooding Prevention Subsidy Program page.
Halton Region’s response to climate change
At the Region, we are working to reduce our carbon footprint through our programs and services, while ensuring that our community is prepared for severe weather events.
Regional Council declared a climate emergency in 2019, and committed to protecting and improving the resilience of the economy, environment and community
Halton Region is also a part of the Partners for Climate Protection (PCP) program (external link), a network of more than 450 municipalities who are committed to reducing local greenhouse gas emissions.
Each action we take will help to make a positive impact now and in the future. By working together to promote sustainability and protect the environment, we help keep Halton a great place to live, work, raise a family and retire.