Earth Day 2026: Make an impact for a cleaner, greener future
Wednesday, April 22 is Earth Day – a day to promote conservation and sustainability of Earth’s natural resources. The 2026 theme, Our Power, Our Planet, focuses on the impactful role people and communities play in sustaining environmental protections that affect the cost of living, infrastructure reliability, long-term stability and public health
Our everyday actions at home, at work and in our communities shape the future of our communities and power a healthier planet:
Take action at home:
- Protect your pipes and avoid costly clogs and sewer buildups that impact our water and wastewater systems
- Find and fix water leaks to prevent costly damage and water waste
- Plant a tree, shrub or native flowers to attract butterflies, bees and other important pollinators to your yard
- Look for energy-efficient appliances and lighting labeled ENERGY STAR that use less power
- Turn off idle tech like lights and computer monitors when not in use
- Use a programmable thermostat to reduce overall energy consumption Reduce waste by using reusable cutlery, grocery bags, mugs, straws and water bottles
Join Community Efforts:
- Connect with nature on one of our guided walks in the York Regional Forest
- Join us for a community Green Up, Clean Up event on April 18 or Tree Planting Day on May 9 to help keep our forests clean and healthy
- Find a Lendery or Repair Café and donation/drop off bins to reduce, repair and reuse
- Buy fresh food at local farmers’ markets and learn how to store fruits and vegetables properly
How York Region is taking action
York Region is taking meaningful action on climate change through the Climate Change Action Plan, working to cut emissions and prepare for future climate impacts. The Region’s goal is to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 and build more resilient communities.
Making sustainable and accessible transportation choices
Choosing sustainable transportation reduces emissions, relieves congestion and improves air quality. York Region is committed to reducing reliance on fossil fuels and cutting greenhouse gas emissions through sustainable transportation options.
The Region has installed 119 electric vehicle chargers at 22 facilities and deployed 25 fully electric and 56 hybrid vehicles. York Region Transit reached a record high ridership of 23.7 million trips in 2025. By late 2027, an additional 82 electric buses will reduce emissions and operating costs, helping deliver a quieter, cleaner and more efficient ride.
Once complete, the Yonge North Subway Extension will provide up to 22 minutes in travel time savings between Richmond Hill and Toronto, reducing congestion and greenhouse gas emissions by 4,800 tonnes per year (which is roughly equal to taking about 1,500 gasoline‑powered cars off the road for an entire year)
Focusing on waste reduction and contributing to a circular economy
Reducing, repairing and reusing waste cuts costs, saves landfill space, protects the environment and strengthens the recycling system. York Region supports these efforts through Curbside Giveaways and Repair Cafés, helping reduce waste across the entire waste management system.
Growing and appreciating forests and green spaces
York Region and its residents work together to protect the environment by caring for forests and green spaces. Healthy forests cool neighbourhoods, improve air quality and protect communities from flooding.
In 2025, the Region planted 125,000 trees through community initiatives. These programs connect residents to nature while ensuring green spaces stay vibrant as the Region grows.
Maintaining safe drinking water and treating wastewater
By using water wisely and supporting system upgrades, residents and the Region help keep drinking water safe and protect the environment. In 2025, York Region delivered 125 billion litres of clean water and treated 1,353 billion litres of wastewater.
Over the next 10 years, the Region is investing $4.5 billion to ensure the water and wastewater system remains reliable, efficient and ready to support growing communities. More than 175 capital projects are underway to maintain and upgrade infrastructure.
York Region uses 24/7 monitoring and completes over 25,000 lab tests each year to ensure clean, safe drinking water. In 2025, the Region scored 100% in the Chief Drinking Water Inspector’s Annual Report.
Making energy efficient choices
Choosing renewable energy helps shrink greenhouse gas emissions, reduce dependence on fossil fuels and protect the climate. York Region continues to upgrade buildings and facilities to improve energy efficiency, including installing solar panels, achieving LEED certification in over 22 buildings and building the Forest Stewardship and Education Centre, which generates more energy than it consumes and earned four Petal certifications under the Living Building Challenge.
Learn more about the actions York Region is taking at york.ca/ClimateChange and york.ca/Energy
