York Region puts Climate Change Action Plan in place with your help!
The Regional Municipality of York recently released its Climate Change Action Plan, setting a path for reduced emissions and preparing for York Region’s future climate.
The Action Plan identifies 20 actions to achieve the following outcomes:
- Mitigation: Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions with the long-term goal of becoming a net-zero Region by 2050
- Adaptation: Increase resiliency and capacity of the Region to withstand and respond to current and future climate events
Action areas of the plan include a focus on resilient communities and infrastructure, low carbon living and helping residents, businesses and communities thrive in a low-carbon economy. York Region has a number of actions underway including incorporating sustainable building policies and focusing on transportation projects including electric fleet vehicles.
How can I lower carbon emissions and help combat the impacts of climate change?
While no one can solve the climate crisis alone, there are several actions residents, along with community partners, governments and other stakeholders can take to work towards net-zero emissions.
Some easy actions you can take to make a difference include:
- Empty and scrape food from containers before putting them in the blue box and properly sort your curbside waste, recycling and green bin items
- Enter the item you no longer need or select a category and Bindicator will find the best options for where it should go
- Take batteries, cell phones and hazardous materials to a waste depot
- Turn off the tap while you brush your teeth – this can save up to 16 litres of water each time you brush
- Drink tap water for a safe, clean and affordable solution to drinking water
- Use a reusable water bottle or mug for beverages and a reusable bag when shopping
- Take transit, walk and cycle to get to your destination
- Choose local ingredients and buy fresh food at your local farmers’ market
Eliminating waste and pollution while conserving and reusing resources will lead to less impact on the environment, allowing earth’s resources to recover and regenerate.
Visit york.ca/circulareconomy to find resources for residents and tips on how you can help support a circular economy and stay informed.
What else is York Region doing?
York Region heard your feedback about Climate Change and has incorporated them into our Climate Change Action Plan.
A Circular Economy Roadmap among other plans are in place to see through an active circular economy and approach waste management from a reduce, reuse, recycle and recover perspective.
York Region will continue to play an active role and coordinate strategies with its partners to bolster communities and prepare in the best way possible.
Learn more about the Climate Change Action Plan and how everyone can help combat a changing climate at york.ca/climatechange
