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Challenges for Residents
One Million Acts of Green
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 Be More Active
From volleyball to dancing to gardening and everything in between, sign up for one of the City of Pickering’s many programs. Visit http://www.cityofpickering.com/standard/lifestyle/index.html. Car Heaven Program
This Clean Air Foundation program provides charitable tax receipts and free towing of retired vehicles to donors, and recycles vehicles in an environmentally sound way. Visit http://www.cleanairfoundation.org/programs.asp or call 416.922.9038 or 1.866.535.7312. Cool Savings Rebate Program
This Ontario Power Authority program encourages people to replace old air conditioners and furnaces with Energy Star qualified/electricity-efficient ones. Visit http://www.everykilowattcounts.com/residential/coolsavings/. ecoEnergy Retrofit
This federal program from Natural Resources Canada offers property owners grants for improving the energy efficiency of their homes and reducing their home’s impact on the environment. Visit http://www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca/residential/personal/retrofit-homes/retrofit-qualify-grant.cfm?attr=4 .
Every Kilowatt Counts Power Savings Event
Residential customers who sign up and reduce their energy consumption by 10% over the contest period can win green prizes. Visit http://everykilowattcounts.ca/residential/powersavings/.
Go Solar Program
This program from the Clean Air Foundation gives residents information needed to install solar energy systems. Visit http://www.cleanairfoundation.org/programs.asp or call 416.922.9038 or 1.866.535.7312.
Great Refrigerator Roundup
If you have an old, inefficient fridge or freezer, this program offered through Veridian Connections will ensure it is taken away and disposed of properly for free. Visit http://www.veridian.on.ca/connections_residential_powerwise_start.asp. Join Neighbourhood Watch
A community crime prevention program designed to reduce the threat of crime to neighbours and property, offered through Durham Regional Police Services. Participants receive lessons in crime prevention and learn about Operation Identification. Visit http://www.drps.ca/internet_explorer/community_support/DRPS_Services.asp or call 905.683.9100 ext. 3410.  Keep Cool ProgramThis Clean Air Foundation program encourages people to retire and recycle old, inefficient room air conditioners and install cleaner, more efficient alternatives. Visit http://www.cleanairfoundation.org/programs.asp or call 416.922.9038 or 1.866.535.7312. Materials Exchange Program Exchange non-hazardous materials for free. Fill out the online form through our Materials Exchange program.
Mow Down Pollution Program
This Clean Air Foundation Program rewards people for relinquishing old gas lawnmowers by providing rebates on new cleaner ones and recycles old mowers responsibly. Visit http://www.cleanairfoundation.org/programs.asp or call 416.922.9038 or 1.866.535.7312.
peaksaver Program
Veridian Connections offers homeowners 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.
You may be wondering where the summer went (or if it ever really arrived), but in recent years, hot weather and smog alerts have become a regular occurrence in September. So don’t rush to throw the cover back on the air conditioner just yet. Rather, make sure it is equipped with a peaksaver device before you do tuck it in again for the winter. By getting your local utility to install a peaksaver device, you’ll be doing your bit to help our climate by reducing dirty coal use and you’ll be eligible to enter our great PeakBusters contest. You could win a $200 gift card for Future Shop electronics, MEC outdoor gear, Lululemon clothing, or Indigo books and music. And your kids will have a great topic for their autumn school paper: "How my family is fighting climate change.” You can’t lose! If you don’t have A/C, you can still enter by telling us about your other great energy saving actions. Enter the contest now. The contest deadline is Sept. 30th, 2009. 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. 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 or individuals to take part in tree planting. Visit www.mnr.gov.on.ca or call 1.800.667.1940 or 905.713.7400.
Sign up for Paperless Billing Reduce the use of paper by paying bills online. Contact your bank or utility to find out how. 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.
Volunteer for Meals on Wheels
Deliver nutritious meals to clients at their homes, through Community Care Durham.
Visit http://www.communitycaredurham.on.ca/volunteer.php.  Volunteer Your TimeMany charitable organizations need a hand. Check out the list of Charitable Organizations & Social Services under community links on the City’s homepage at http://www.cityofpickering.com. Also, look at opportunities through Volunteer Energy – Durham Region.
We Have the Power
Take the "We Have the Power” pledge through Durham Sustain Ability! Visit http://www.sustain-ability.ca/ecohomes-programs.php or call 905.427.0061 to learn how to be energy-efficient in your own home.
Seasonal Challenges
March: Earth Hour
Switch off your lights for one hour at 8:30 pm 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.
April: Earth Week Events
Earth week in April offers many ways to get out, meet new people and improve your community. Visit the Event Calendar next March for details on current Earth Week activities.
May: Energy Conservation Week
Energy Conservation Week in May is about working together to create the culture of conservation Ontario needs to reach its short and long-term energy conservation goals. Visit www.energyconservationweek.ca for events and tips. 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 United States. Visit http://www.blackoutday.ca/index.php.  |
