As summer vacations wind down and families prepare to jump back into familiar routines, it is a great time to adopt some simple, sustainable habits that benefit both your household and the environment.
Try a Greener Commute
In Burlington, transportation sources and existing buildings are the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions in our community. Choosing low-emission or emission-free ways to get around helps reduce pollution, improve air quality and public health, lower costs and move closer to our community’s goal of becoming net carbon neutral by 2050.
Curious about your commuting costs or environmental impact? Try using this Smart Commute Calculator to estimate your emissions and explore how choosing greener travel options could help you save money and reduce your impact.
Active Transportation
Walking, biking and scootering are not only affordable, emission-free ways to get to school, work or run errands, they are also a great way to incorporate some physical activity in your day.
If you’re 16 years of age or older, and your route includes the Centennial Trail, anywhere between Brant Street and Burloak Drive, try out the City’s new e-scooter pilot program. It’s a faster, emissions-free and fun way to get around while the weather is still clear.
Also, keep an eye out for International Walk to School Month (iWalk) in October. Ask your school if it’s participating. If it’s not, encourage your school’s principal to register to help support the movement by encouraging walking in your school community!
Public Transit
Taking public transit is another sustainable and affordable way to commute to school.
- If you are under 12 years old and taking the bus, your ride is free on Burlington Transit.
- Youth ages 13 -19 can use the Youth Tap 20 Program running from Sept. 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026.
- After twenty paid rides in a month, the rest of your trips on Burlington Transit that month are free!
- Don’t forget youth also travel for free on weekdays after 6 p.m. and all weekend.
- Full-time students from McMaster University, Mohawk College and Redeemer University can also get unlimited access to Burlington Transit with a $30 monthly U-pass add-on.
Please note: to access the youth programs, you’ll need a PRESTO card (physical or digital) with a youth concession applied. You can get a PRESTO card and set up the youth fare at the Burlington Transit customer service wicket, located at Burlington GO Station, or at any Shoppers Drug Mart location.
Driving and Anti-Idling
Of course, walking, biking, and scootering aren’t always possible for everyone, and sometimes driving is simply the most practical option. Carpooling and parking your vehicle a block away and walking the rest of the way are great ways to reduce emissions and ease school traffic improving school safety.
Another easy habit to adopt is turning your engine off while waiting during school drop-off or pickup.
Idling wastes fuel, adds wear to your engine, and releases unnecessary emissions further contributing to climate change and poor air quality. In Burlington, unnecessary idling for more than one minute may result in a $120 fine.
These simple habits not only help the environment, but they also save money and set a positive example for students.
A Few Extra Green Tips for Back to School
Pack smarter: Choose low-waste or litter-free lunches by using reusable containers and cutlery, refillable water bottles, and bulk snacks instead of single-use disposable items like plastic bags or aluminum foil.
Shop greener: Take a moment to see what school supplies you already have. If you need a few extras, exploring second-hand options is a great way to shop sustainably. When buying new, choose eco-friendly products like refillable pens, notebooks made from recycled paper or items with minimal or recyclable packaging.
If you need some new back-to-school clothes, instead of buying new, consider shopping second hand or giving life to pieces you already own. You could donate items you no longer wear to your local thrift store or try restyling them, such as cropping, adding patches or dyeing them to make them feel fresh again. If you know how to sew, you could even use the Burlington Public Library’s sewing machine to repurpose or tailor your clothes for a unique and personalized look.
Rethink what you need to own: Before making a big purchase, see what you can borrow. For example, instead of buying a printer, use printing services at the Burlington Public Library (BPL). Since many assignments are submitted online, you probably won’t print enough to need your own. BPL also offers free access to computers, scanners, iPads, DVD players, helpful software, and course-related books to help you save money and reduce waste.
If you need creative tools for a project, check out BPL’s MakerSpace at Central Branch and MakerStation at Alton Branch, which offer equipment like sewing machines, 3D printers, and button makers. Equipment availability is location-specific and some equipment requires the purchase of materials from the library, so please visit the BPL website for details. A third maker site, MakerStudio, will open Sept. 15, 2025, at the relocated New Appleby Branch.
Take Action Burlington! By making small changes in our daily habits this back-to-school season, we can reduce our emissions. Collectively, we can make a difference in creating a healthier planet.
This post was provided by Hannah S., Transportation Student, City of Burlington.
Take Action Burlington 