Earth Day 2024: Ways we can all support a healthy planet

April 18, 2024
York Region Transit and people taking their bicycles to work

Here are a few simple ways we can all support a healthy planet for generations to come:

  • Conduct a home water leak test; a leaking toilet can waste up to 200,000 litres of water per year but go almost unnoticed  
  • Help grow the York Regional Forest at a family-friendly day of tree planting on Saturday, May 11 at Centennial Tract in the Town of East Gwillimbury – registration now open at york.ca/ForestEvents 
  • Shop your pantry, fridge and freezer and use a grocery list to waste less food  
  • Take transit, walk or cycle to your destination  
  • Use Bindicator to find the best way to reuse or dispose of items you no longer need or visit york.ca/WasteDepots 
  • Use reusable water bottles, mugs, grocery bags, straws and cutlery to reduce your waste  
     

York Region is also partnering with residents, businesses and local cities and towns to invest in our planet by:

Building and supporting partnerships to advance the circular economy

The circular economy involves sharing, lending, reusing, repairing and recycling goods, materials, food and resources. Through better product design and continuous reuse, we can eliminate waste and conserve our natural resources.  

York Region is working hard to further shift in a circular direction with new initiatives like a network for circular-minded businesses and community leaders and new strategies to reduce single-use items.

Keeping our infrastructure resilient and your water safe

Over the next 10 years, York Region will invest more than $3 billion in roads and transit projects to keep our pedestrians, buses and cars moving efficiently, and $2.5 billion in water and wastewater.

We all play a vital role in maintaining a safe, reliable and resilient water and wastewater system now and for future generations. From its source, water is collected, treated, pumped, stored, continuously tested and monitored – all before reaching your tap. In 2023, York Region water scored 98.87 in the Chief Drinking Water Inspector’s Annual Report.

Making sure energy and our cities are sustainable

Electrifying our transit fleet, using solar energy and operating energy-efficient buildings are some of the ways we are reducing our carbon footprint to reach our goal of producing zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.  

Recently, the Region added two electric buses to its transit’s fleet, increasing the electric fleet size to 14 buses and installed 62 electric vehicle chargers available to the public at Regional facilities, offering those who drive electric vehicles a reliable and convenient option to charge  

On top of that, the Yonge North Subway Extension is expected to reduce traffic congestion, decreasing greenhouse gas emissions by 4,800 tons per year.

Continuing the conversation

Looking to continue the conversation about investing in our planet? So are we! Connect with us for helpful information to protect your health from climate-related issues and find more ways to celebrate Earth Day, every day.

  • Stay informed by following York Region on social media 
    Share everyday things you do that help invest in our planet with family, friends or businesses that matter to you 
  • Be prepared for future events like flooding, ice storms, or other events that can impact your home or lead to power outages in your neighbourhood; be more prepared by checking out York Region’s Emergency Preparedness Guide  
  • Do your part for the environment and try some tips in this story to help you get started!  

Learn more about the actions York Region is taking at york.ca/ClimateChange