Reduce your carbon footprint by purchasing locally produced ingredients
Support local businesses during these challenging and unprecedented times caused by the global pandemic
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
Organize a cleanup in your neighbourhood
Each year, thousands of community members are keeping Markham beautiful by cleaning up litter on our streets, walkways, ravines, parks and public spaces
Organize your own cleanup with members of your immediate household
Make sustainable home improvements
Improving the energy efficiency of a home can save money, improve home comfort and reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Most homes use fossil fuels such as natural gas, oil and/or propane for thermal (heat) energy needs
Certain measures can help reduce and/or avoid the use of fossil fuels, lessening the impact on the environment.
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
Related links:
Smart Thermostat Rebate — Enbridge Gas
Home Winterproofing Program — Enbridge Gas
Energy Saving Rebate Program — Environment and Climate Change Canada
Energy Affordibility Program — SaveOnEnergy
Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN) – List of financial incentives
Canada Mortgage & Housing Corporation (CMHC) – 25%
back on the CMHC mortgage loan insurance premium
Enjoy environmental films, books and more from Markham Public Library
Read the latest children’s book Adventures of the
905 Green Team: Exploring Markham’s Energy
, written by Markham youth.
Sort your recycling, organics and garbage properly
Use our What Goes Where search tool
Sign up for personalized alerts and reminders so you never miss another collection day
Access your recycling and garbage collection schedule
online
or on the
Access Markham mobile app
Plant a tree
Markham supports residents in planting trees with LEAF Backyard Tree Planting Program , including a contactless delivery option and discounts
The Markham
Tree Preservation By-law
protects the urban forest. Contact the City before you prune or cut down trees
Try a plant-based meal
Cut down on food waste
Learn about the meaning behind “best before” dates and how to reduce food waste at Love Food Hate Waste
Additionally, review the advice offered by York Region Food Network for their
Good Food Challenge
Create an action plan
Our lifestyle choices often translate into greenhouse gas emissions
Calculate your
carbon footprint
,
foodprint
, and
plastic consumption
to identify ways you can reduce your impact
Shinrin Yoku is the Japanese practice known as Forest Bathing or Forest Therapy
Deepen your connection with the forest by visiting a self-guided Shinrin Yoku trail in the City of Markham
There are so many easy ways to reduce your water use indoors and outdoors
Protect the environment, our water supply and keep your water bill down
Fats, oils and grease (also known as F.O.G.) should never go down the drain
Avoid sewer backups and costly repairs
Explore the world of water online
Explore the world of water with a trained professional from the classroom or the comfort of your own home.
Educators:
Sign up to receive a live Get to Know H20 session or a pre-recorded session for your students
Parents:
Sign up to receive a pre-recorded Get to Know H20 session to watch from the comfort of your own home (individual live sessions not available)
Speak to your children’s teacher and ask for a live Get to Know H20 session be presented to the class
Pack your work lunches and snacks in reusable containers
Buy bulk or bake snack at home so you don’t have any wrappers
Clean out your closet
Don’t let fashion go to waste
Drop off your unwanted textiles to one of Markham’s textile
donation bins
so they can be recycled into new products
Shop sustainably
Save money and reduce waste by purchasing second-hand from a local thrift store or organizing exchanges between friends and family
Avoid purchasing magazines, books, movies, and other media content that can be accessed for free at the Markham Public Library
Use less plastic while shopping by bringing reusable bags and refillable containers (bulk stores) on your trips
Get outdoors for some exercise and enjoy our open spaces
These locations accept items for recycling that are not collected at the curb (Styrofoam packaging, batteries, plastic bags, metal and more)
Do your part and help keep items out of the landfill
Watch Markham Teen Arts Council Eco-Inspired 24-Hour Film Challenge
One of the Markham Teen Arts Council’s signature events that unites youth across the city to celebrate the art of film-making
Be Creative
Create eco-art from foraged or repurposed materials