As the last few carefree summer days are winding down and the first day of school approaches, let’s consider how we can take action to reduce our impact on our local environment.
Getting to and from school
If you live close enough to school in urban areas – within 1.6 km for elementary students and 3.2 km for high school students – bussing is typically not an option. The good news is that Burlington Transit is an option.
Burlington Transit
Did you know that Burlington Transit is free all day for those 12 and under and 65 and older with a PRESTO card and after 6 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends for youth 13-19? And, if you’re a McMaster University, Mohawk College or Redeemer University student, you can get unlimited access to Burlington Transit with a monthly U-pass add-on for $30 enjoying unlimited access in both Burlington and Hamilton. As of Sept. 3, you will see more Burlington Transit buses on the road to get you where you need to be.
You’re closer than you think! Walk or roll to school.
For those who live closer to school, a healthier option to being driven includes walking or rolling (cycling, skateboarding, etc.). Not only will you and your child be getting exercise, but it also offers an opportunity to relax and have some great conversations. Check out the Every Metre Counts website to use their interactive Walk and Roll Travel Time Map. You’re really closer than you think!
You can still get some steps in and breathe easier
If you must drive your child to school, consider parking your car a little further from school and walking the rest of the way. This will help reduce the pollutants that are around schools from all the vehicles. It will also be a much safer environment for everyone with less cars on the property.
Turn your engines off
If you drop off or pick your child up in your vehicle, please turn your engine off. If you idle unnecessarily in Burlington for longer than one minute, you could receive a $120 ticket. Your car, pocketbook and children will thank you.
Waste free lunches
When packing lunches, consider waste free lunches. While the snack size or individual packages might be convenient, they do generate a lot of garbage because often these packages can’t be recycled.
While there is a lot of signage at schools as to the proper bin to place one’s waste, I have seen it first-hand that many kids, like adults, throw their waste in the nearest bin. Or, they might be practicing wish-cycling assuming that the package must be recyclable.
Another great way to reduce waste is to provide your child with a reusable water bottle, rather than a single use bottle. If needed, your child can refill their bottle at the school bottle refilling stations.
Back to school shopping
Try not to get caught up in the back to school shopping frenzy. Yes, your child has likely outgrown their clothes from last September, but do you need to buy new? Consider checking out local reuse stores. Even if your child wears a uniform to school, some of these stores have plenty of crested tops and navy bottoms. Schools also often have uniform exchange opportunities. Not only are you saving money but also reducing the impact from manufacturing new clothes.
Do you really need to buy new pens, pencils, rulers, etc.? Do an inventory of school supplies and don’t forget to make a list before heading out the door to avoid impulse purchases.
Connection to climate action
Changing your school commute from driving to walking or rolling will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help us meet our greenhouse gas target to be a net carbon neutral community by 2050. Buying second hand or reusable items also reduces the emissions associated with producing, transporting and disposing of products.
Take Action Burlington! Let’s make our back to school experience as environmentally friendly as possible. Collectively we can make a difference!
Take Action Burlington 