Throughout the pandemic, we saw an increase in the single-use plastics, especially in the food industry. According to the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup annual reports, the single-use food and beverage category made up 15.3 per cent of the litter found in 2019, 26.6 per cent in 2020 and 32 percent in 2021. Each year, the … More The Future of the Reusable Economy – Registration Now Open
Every year, Earth Day is celebrated on April 22. The City of Burlington’s sustainability and forestry staff along with Burlington Hydro, Burlington Green and Plug’n Drive hosted the Action on Climate Earth Day event in the Central Arena parking lot. Thank you to the organizations who helped us make this a successful event and to … More Action on Climate Earth Day Event – Thank You
On Aug. 5, 2021, we published ‘Mow green to lower emissions and noise’ to encourage Burlington residents to make the switch to battery powered and/or plug-in electric landscape equipment. Making the switch reduces greenhouse gas and air emissions and has the co-benefit of reducing noise pollution in our neighbourhoods. One of the questions that was … More How do I retire my gas-powered equipment?
Are you passionate about sustainability? Do you want to gain experience in solving real world problems? Do you have a passion for creating innovative solutions? Do you want to connect with industry leaders and build your resume? If yes, APPLY NOW to participate in the virtual Innovation Hackathon. Applications are due on Oct. 17, 2021. … More Innovation Hackathon: Sustainable Student Solutions
Lowering our carbon footprint comes in many shapes and forms and is a crucial step to reduce the impacts of climate change. Actions and activities can be big or small, but all are important. Below are some examples of everyday changes we can apply to our lives to live more sustainably. Big actions: Purchasing a … More Share your Switch contest!
When travel plans were cancelled or altered due to COVID-19, companies saw a big surge in interest in backyard pools. While backyard pools offer a refreshing and fun option creating many lifelong memories, it’s important to follow some basic environmentally-friendly actions. Good eco-friendly pool, spa and hot tub maintenance actually starts with knowing about sanitary … More Eco tips to maintain your pool, hot tub and spa this summer
April 8, 2021 update: Due to the current stay-at-home order, Burlington’s Community Clean-Up has been postponed until the order is lifted. Once that happens, the opportunity will then be extended through to the end of October. Spring has sprung. The days are getting longer, outdoor temperatures are rising, spring bulbs are emerging, and early spring … More Register for BurlingtonGreen’s Annual Community Clean Up
Happy New Year! With a new year comes hope for positive change. The last Take Action Burlington blog post of 2020 presented a Year in Review. This blog post will present some of the upcoming programs, initiatives and reports related to the environment planned so far for 2021. Climate Change Adapting to a Changing Climate … More 2021 Environmental Action Sneak Peek
For most of us, 2020 has been a year unlike any other that we have experienced in our lifetime. With the year almost over, I thought it would be a good opportunity to highlight some environmentally related initiatives that have taken place in Burlington this year. In January, Burlington staff began using an updated template … More 2020: A Year in Review
Waste Reduction Week in Canada Waste Reduction Week in Canada is a national campaign led by the Recycling Council of Ontario. It is a year-round campaign focused on the principles of circular economy, resource efficiency and waste. Each year, the third week of October focuses on celebrating environmental efforts and achievements and empowering Canadians to … More Take Action on Waste
It’s that time of year again where the end of August typically marks the end of summer vacation and the return to a routine. For those of you with kids, you may be hearing some groaning or at the other end of the spectrum, some excitement at the prospect of your kids seeing their friends … More Back to School Eco Tips
With summer travel plans altered due to COVID-19, backyard staycations and pools are increasing in popularity. While backyard pools offer a refreshing and fun option creating many lifelong memories, it’s important to follow some basic environmentally-friendly actions. Good eco-friendly pool, spa and hot tub maintenance actually starts with knowing about sanitary and storm sewers. Did … More Eco tips to maintain your pool, hot tub and spa this summer
With physical distancing due to COVID-19, many organizations are staying engaged with residents by creating and promoting different activities that you can do or learn at home. This post highlights some of the environmentally related or nature-based activities that are currently available. Since early April, the Royal Botanical Gardens has been running interactive content on … More Enviro Fun @ Home
Did you know that ‘flushable’ wipes are actually NOT flushable? While you might see the wipes go down your toilet bowl, it’s what you’re not seeing that is having a great impact. (Wipes vs. Toilet Paper video concept and creative courtesy of Metro Vancouver). While toilet paper breaks down quickly, wipes do not. Wipes twist … More Flush only the three P’s … Poop, Pee and Toilet Paper!
January 2020 not only brings a new year but also a new decade. From a climate change perspective, this is a very important decade as the impacts of our daily decisions need to be considered now more than ever. Please continue reading to find out why. The Science The International Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) … More Use a climate lens for personal decision-making
Are you or do you know a Halton youth in grade seven to 12 interested in learning about climate action in a fun, engaging and interactive way? If so, you need to check out the Generation Green Youth Un-conference designed by youth for youth. What’s in it for you: Engage in climate action leadership Be … More Check out the Generation Green Youth Un-conference
It’s hard to believe that another school year is here and with it comes a friendly reminder about idling. In an ideal world, it would be great if your kids walked or rolled to school. However, if you are doing school drop-off and pick up by vehicle, please turn your engine off while you wait. … More A back to school reminder for drivers: Turn your engines off while you wait.
Earlier this summer, City of Burlington sustainability staff presented Take Action Burlington – An Update on Our Local Environment to Council. This report provides an overview on the state of Burlington’s environment including information on local sustainability efforts and actions that can be taken. This is the last in a series of five blog posts … More Take Action Burlington: An Update on Our Local Environment – Waste
On June 17, 2019 City of Burlington sustainability staff presented the Take Action Burlington – An Update on Our Local Environment to Council. This report provides an overview on the state of Burlington’s environment including information on local sustainability efforts and actions that can be taken. This is the second in a series of five … More Take Action Burlington: An Update on Our Local Environment – Land
Summer is finally here! Wasn’t it a pleasant surprise that our first official weekend of summer truly felt like summer? I’m sure those of you with backyard pools finally enjoyed a swim. While backyard pools are a lot of fun and create lifelong memories, it’s important to follow some basic environmentally-friendly actions. Good eco-friendly pool, … More Eco-friendly tips to maintain your pool, spa and hot tub this summer
On June 17, 2019 City of Burlington sustainability staff presented Take Action Burlington – An Update on Our Local Environment to Council. This report provides an overview on the state of Burlington’s environment including information on local sustainability efforts and actions that can be taken. This is the first of five posts about the report. … More Take Action Burlington – An Update on Our Local Environment
Are you a creative and environmentally minded person? If so, this might appeal to you. The Halton Green Screens Amateur Film Festival is about getting our local community involved in environmental stewardship. Who can participate? The Film Festival is open to all residents of Halton, of all ages, including post-secondary students who are currently away … More Halton Green Screens Amateur Film Festival 2019
On Tuesday, April 23rd, 2019, Burlington’s City Council unanimously passed a motion to declare a climate emergency, joining over 400 local governments around the world. There were 12 delegations in support of the declaration – ten in person and two written. What is a climate emergency? A climate emergency helps to raise the profile that … More City of Burlington declares climate emergency
Twelve years ago, residents in Sydney, Australia created a movement by turning their lights off for one hour for climate change. This was the beginning of Earth Hour. Last year, 188 countries and territories celebrated Earth Hour. Earth Hour 2018-2020 is about our connection to nature and the impacts climate change will have on our … More Connect2Earth this Earth Hour
Are you interested in learning more about climate change and how cities like Burlington can take action? If yes, then you should consider attending the Cities in Action – Bay Area Climate Change Summit taking place from March 25 to 28, 2019 at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington. You can attend one, two or … More Cities in Action – Bay Area Climate Change Summit
Take Action Burlington 