There are many ways to protect our planet! Here are some topics and ideas to get you started. Remember, you don’t have to do it all, but every little bit you do can make a difference! Find what interests you, opportunities to learn, and take action today.

Power Up and Save Energy!

• Improve the energy efficiency of your home through home retrofits to save money, improve home comfort and reduce greenhouse gas emissions
• Consider the following retrofit options: air or ground heat pumps, air sealing (building envelope, ducts and windows, doors), Energy Star water heater replacement, smart thermostats with zone control, high efficiency furnace (Energy Star), Solar PV options with battery storage
• Attend a Home Efficiency Retrofit Orientation (HERO) Workshop to learn about upgrading the home to reduce emissions and increase eneryg efficiency. Check the Home Energy Retrofits page to register for the next workshop (tentatively Fall 2024)

• Reduce your energy consumption by unplugging any unused electronics or switching power bars to eliminate phantom power, turning off lights when you leave the room, and taking shorter showers

Good Food for a Good Life

• Reduce your carbon food-print and support local businesses by purchasing locally produced ingredients which you can find through the York Farm Fresh Multilingual App
• Try out a plant-based meal — check out the York Region Food Network for a list of recipes 
• Learn tips on how to reduce food waste at Love Food Hate Waste and the Good Food Challenge 

Why Waste? Recycle Right, Recycle More!

• Not sure how to Sort your recycling, organics and garbage, check out using the What Goes Where search tool
• Don’t miss the truck! Access your recycling and garbage collection schedule online or on the  Access Markham mobile app
• Protect your pipes by disposing of fats, oils and grease (also known as F.O.G.) in the green bin, and never down the drain
• Drop off your unwanted textiles to one of Markham’s textile donation bins so they can be recycled into new products

Nearby Nature 

• Plant a tree through the LEAF Backyard Tree Planting Program , including a contactless delivery option and discounts
• Contact the City before you prune or cut down trees to abide by Markham’s Tree Preservation By-law which protects the urban forest.
• Experience Forest Therapy through Shinrin Yoku, the Japanese practice known as Forest Bathring or Forest Therapy by visiting a self-guided Shinrin Yoku trail in the City of Markham
• Learn how to use water efficiently by reading the Water Efficiency: At-Home Guide
• Explore the world of water online through the Water Education Program
• Visit a park or trail in your neighbourhood
• Explore walking and cycling in Markham

Keep on Learning!

• Calculate your carbon footprint , foodprint , and plastic consumption to identify ways you can reduce your impact
• Visit Markham Public Library for Earth Month events, reading lists, and blogs to learn more!