|
Challenges for Businesses and Community Groups
Power Savings Blitz - become energy efficient for little or no cost CBC and The Hour with George Stroumboulopoulos want to mobilize Canadians to do One Million Acts of Green. The idea is that one small act can make a big difference. Go to http://green.cbc.ca/ and register one act – or more − and the green calculator will determine the impact of those acts on the environment. Count Me In!
Sign the "Count Me In!" online pledge and choose how you will conserve from a list of 100 energy saving ideas. Collectively, these steps save energy and money, reduce greenhouse emissions and contribute to a cleaner, healthier Ontario. Everyone is encouraged to share ideas, events and activities at http://www.countmeinontario.ca Adopt-a-Park
Help keep our vital green space areas safe and clean. As a participant you ensure your adopted park area is litter-free and to report any maintenance, vandalism or safety issues to the City. For more information Visit our Community Clean-Up Initiatives page or call 905.420.4660 ext. 2043. Become an EcoBusiness member with Durham Sustain Ability
The focus of this new program is on supporting and recognizing the positive practical actions that businesses can take to be part of the solution. For more information, visit http://www.sustain-ability.ca or call 905.427.0061. Clean Air Commute
Businesses can register with Pollution Probe to encourage employees to commute in ways that promote cleaner air. Visit http://www.pollutionprobe.org/cleanair/index.html. Register by calling 416.926.1907 ext. 244. Cool Shops Program
This Clean Air Foundation initiative provides retailers with energy audits and facilitates implementation of energy-saving measures. Visit http://www.cleanairfoundation.org/programs.asp or call 416.922.9038 or 1.866.535.7312. Eco-Checklist for APBoT members
Businesses can use the Eco-Checklist to evaluate their role in doing all they can to sustain a cleaner environment. Download and compare your business practices to the Eco-Checklist. Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade members earn the right to display our Eco-Business "Certificate of Commitment.” Once you’ve completed 80% of these "little to no cost” items, you achieve a "Certificate of Achievement.” Visit www.apboardoftrade.com for more information. Evergreen Community Tree Planting Grant Program
Grants of $5,000 to $15,000 are available to support native tree-planting projects on publicly accessible lands in Ontario’s cities and towns. Visit www.evergreen.ca/en/cg/cg-funding.html or call 416.596.1495 ext 285. peaksaver Program
Veridian Connections offers businesses a $25 incentive if they sign up to have Veridian temporarily power down air conditioners during peak energy use periods. Visit http://www.veridian.on.ca/connections_residential_powerwise_start.asp. Pickering Blooms
Take part in the garden competition. Showcase your floral displays. Adopt a park or plant trees. Visit http://www.cityofpickering.com/PickeringBlooms/main.html or call 905.683.7575. Pitch-in Parties
Donate some time to cleaning up a local greenspace, stream, trail, road or neighbourhood. The City can suggest some areas that need a helping hand. For more information Visit our Community Clean-Up Initiatives page or call 905.420.4660 ext. 2043. Plant a Tree Challenge
This program from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources challenges groups to take part in tree planting. Visit www.mnr.gov.on.ca or call 1.800.667.1940 or 905.713.7400. Recycle
Register with one of many charities that accept cell phones, rechargeable batteries and ink cartridges, such as www.think-food.com and www.rbrc.org/call2recycle. Smart Commute
Help reduce traffic congestion and take action on climate change through transportation efficiency. For more information, visit www.smartcommutedurham.ca or call 1.888.444.5758. Switch the Stat Program
This program from the Clean Air Foundation encourages heating and cooling contractors to promote and install efficient programmable thermostats and recycle old thermostats containing mercury properly. Visit http://www.cleanairfoundation.org/programs.asp or call 416.922.9038 or 1.866.535.7312. Seasonal Challenges
March: Earth Hour
Switch off your lights for one hour at 8:30pm one evening every year in March to send a global message that we care enough about climate change to take action. Visit http://www.earthhour.org/.
April: 20-Minute Pickering Makeover
Each April, give part of our community a makeover by picking up litter for 20 minutes. Since 2005 over 48,000 participants have taken part. Plan to join us in 2010 to clean up litter around you. Call 905.683.7575 to register. July & August: Think Outside the Car Sustainable Transportation Contest
Durham Sustain Ability's launches Think Outside the Car Sustainable Transportation contest. Starting Friday, July 17, 2009 to Tuesday, August 31, 2009, businesses and residents are encouraged to share what they do to be a sustainable transporter and express their ideas to improve sustainable transportation in the region.
We want to hear from individuals who walk, cycle, carpool, or take transit to work. We want to put the spotlight on the alternative transportation leaders in the community. Participants will have the chance to win great prizes and the winners will be announced at a public recognition ceremony in the fall. For more information and to enter the contest visit www.sustain-ability.ca. August: Blackout Challenge
Power down on August 14 every year − the anniversary of the huge blackout that affected southeastern Canada and the northeastern U.S. Visit http://www.blackoutday.ca/index.php. September: TD Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup
Register for the TD Great Canadian Shoreline Clean Up, which takes place every September. Visit http://www.vanaqua.org/cleanup/home.php or call 905.420.4660 ext. 2043. |
