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City of Toronto Environment Portal

Welcome to the City of Toronto's Environment portal - a summary of the City's environmental projects, programs and policies compiled for your convenience.

Environment slideshow

Did you know? The City of Toronto has reduced greenhouse gas emissions from its own operations by 40% since 1990. Learn more about how the City is greening its own operations.


Environment Watch
Help ‘Green’ the Future of Lawn and Garden Care
November 23 & 24, 2009: Join us to share your thoughts on how we can reduce the harmful greenhouse gas emissions and smog-causing pollutants caused by small engine equipment, i.e. leaf blowers, chainsaws, lawnmowers, trimmers and concrete saws. Attend a public consultation – one for residents, one for members of the landscaping community. More details.

City launches Home Energy Assistance Toronto
The City has officially launched HEAT, a program offering residents up to $1,000 when they upgrade their home insulation. Lower energy costs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and access additional grants from the Federal and Provincial governments. Learn more.

Help Build Toronto’s Energy Action Plan
Toronto is at an energy crossroads. Our goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 per cent by 2050. In order to reach this aggressive target, we need your help. On October 14, join us to create a more sustainable future. Learn where we are and share your thoughts on how we can conserve energy and protect our environment. More details.

City receives national environmental award
On June 16, 2009, the City of Toronto was recognized with a Pollution Prevention Award by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment. The City won the prestigious honour in the category of greenhouse gas reduction for its efforts to green its own operations. More information on the award.

Cut it Out Toronto!: Recycle your old, polluting two-stroke lawn equipment today
New this fall, visit your local Community Environment Day to recycle your old two-stroke gas mower, trimmer, leaf blower or chainsaw. You could receive a $10 Home Depot gift card and enter to WIN brand new electric lawn care products! Click here to learn more.

Eco-Roof Incentive Grants – First Round of Funding Announced and Call for Fall Applications!
The City is pleased to announce the first round of successful applicants for its Eco-Roof Incentive Program, an initiative aimed at encouraging Toronto’s commercial, industrial and institutional buildings to install green or cool roofs to help combat climate change. In total, 22 applicants were awarded a cumulative $500,000. The deadline for fall applications is quickly approaching – September 11! Learn more about the successful projects, and how you can apply for funding.

Live Green Toronto – rebates, green experts, grants and more…
Live Green Toronto's expertise, funding and one-stop website full of resources, rebates and tips has everything you need to green your home, neighbourhood and community. Get tips and rebates to help you live green, apply for a grant to green your neighbourhood, and get advice to help you get started. Visit livegreentoronto.ca.

Climate Change, Clean Air & Sustainable Energy Action Plan
In July 2007, Council unanimously approved Toronto's Climate Change, Clean Air & Sustainable Energy Action Plan. This plan outlines how the City of Toronto, and its residents, businesses and communities will cut greenhouse gas emissions, clean the air and help create a sustainable energy future.

Climate Change Adaptation
Ahead of the Storm, Toronto's climate change adaptation framework addresses the need to take pro-active, protective measures to cope with the effects of long-term changes in our weather patterns. Learn more...

2009 Green Toronto Awards – learn about the winners and finalists
Mayor Miller, Deputy Mayor Pantalone and special guest Ed Begley Jr. announced the winners of the 2009 Green Toronto Awards at a special awards ceremony in April. Find out who walked the green carpet, and which ten finalists received a prestigious Green Toronto Award and $5,000 donation to the charity of their choice. Get the details.

GreenScenez Toronto Youth Video Challenge – watch the winning videos
Six teams of Toronto students won the chance to turn their great ‘green’ ideas into 30-second videos Planet in Focus during the March school break. Watch the videos and find out what Toronto’s youth have to say about living green.

Climate Change Adaptation Reference Collection
Toronto's Climate Change Adaptation Reference Collection offers quick links to publicly-available studies, reports and tools related to climate change adaptation issued by governments, universities and organizations around the world. Learn more...

Green Bin Program launched in apartments, condos and co-ops
Toronto's innovative Green Bin initiative is being phased in to more than 4,500 apartment buildings, condominiums and co-ops receiving City collection services. The Green Bin Program diverts waste from landfill by keeping organic material out of garbage and turning it into compost.

Garbage fees in effect November 1, 2008
The City's new Solid Waste Management Fee Program for households receiving curb side garbage collection service came into effect Nov. 1, 2008. The new billing practice charges residents for the amount of garbage they set out for collection. The City is now sending one Utility Bill that includes separate charges for water billing and Solid Waste Management Fees. All garbage must be set out in Garbage Bins or tagged with a City bag tag to receive collection (one tag per garbage bag). There continues to be no charge to pick up Blue Bin recyclables, Green Bin organics and leaf and yard waste.

Smart Commute Toronto-Central promotes alternatives to single occupant vehicle trips
Smart Commute Toronto-Central works with businesses and employees in downtown Toronto to promote sustainable alternatives to the single occupant vehicle such as walking, cycling, carpooling, public transit and telework. Our goal is to help make commuting easier, healthier and more enjoyable.

Zerofootprint Toronto helps you measure and track your carbon footprint
Concerned about climate change and poor air quality but don't know how to make a difference? Calculate your carbon footprint and get practical tips to help you reduce it today.

Toronto to host 2009 International Green Roofs Congress: CitiesAlive!
CitiesAlive!, the first international congress on Green Roofs help spread green infrastructure across Toronto and North America and attract stakeholders from around the world. For details and to register for the congress which runs from October 19 – 22 in Toronto, visit CitiesAlive!

Cycling News and events
Get involved in cycling and community group activities! Subscribe to Cyclometer today!

The Atmospheric
The Atmospheric, the newsletter of the Toronto Atmospheric Fund (TAF), will bring you information on climate change and air-quality related projects TAF is supporting, and put you in touch with a wide variety of urban emission reduction ideas and solutions we think need to be shared more widely.

Energy and Waste Management Office
The Energy and Waste Management Office (EWMO) is the City of Toronto's centre of expertise for internal energy conservation and waste management programs. The EWMO works with City Agencies, Boards, Commissions and Divisions to help them meet Council's energy reduction and waste diversion goals. For more information visit the new EWMO website.

Indexed listing
Environment links on the City of Toronto Web.

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Live Green Toronto Live Green Toronto
Tips, tools and rebates to help you live green
Community Environment Day Community Environment Days - find an event near you
Green Toronto Awards Green Toronto Awards for environmental leadership
New Blue Bins and Garbage Bins New Blue Bins and Garbage Bins

Highlights
Toronto Environment Office
City environmental initiatives presentations
Climate Change Action Plan
70% Waste Diversion
Green Bins
Green Roofs
Green Economic Strategy
Green Development Standard
Pesticide By-law
Zerofootprint Toronto
   

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