The ‘Little House’ – Leaks, Drafts, Doors and More!
Welcome to the second entry on my journey to sustainably retrofit and expand a ‘Little House’. This entry focuses on the energy efficiency audit for the existing building. Findings and […]
“What will Orillia Look Like in 2050?” Sustainable Orillia Announces new Art Contest for 2022.
Sustainable Orillia’s “Arts & Culture Sector” invites Orillia and area artists to participate in an art contest with the theme, “Orillia 2050 — a Sustainable City.” The contest asks artists […]
Clear Bagging Launch
By now, most Orillia households and businesses are aware that as of February 7th, 2022 the city is implementing ‘clear bagging’ for household garbage. Simply put, instead of using the […]
On the Road to Net-Zero – an Overview of Sustainable Orillia’s 2022 Strategic Plan
The new year promises both hope and change … hope that the pandemic will take its leave and allow the world to take a deep breath, safely unmasked in the […]
Six suggestions from Sustainable Orillia for your 2022 reading
There are thousands of words being written these days about the damage human activity has done to our planet (not just through global warming) and about the climate crisis that […]
Strawberries in the middle of Winter
The title of this article is taken from a recent interview with David Suzuki and his wife, Tara Cullis. The article was full of insight and reflections; however, it was […]
A Year-End Update on Orillia’s Climate Future Project
The most significant sustainability initiative currently underway in Orillia is the development of a Community Climate Change Action Plan (CCCAP). This plan, now appropriately christened ‘Orillia’s Climate Future’, is being […]
Kirk McLean, Sustainable Orillia board member – has found a home in Orillia
It’s fair to say that Kirk McLean has retailing in his DNA. Specifically, hardware retailing. Along with his grandfather, father and brother, Kirk is the fourth in his family to […]
Reducing Housing Emissions – Part 2: Where the Real Savings are!
Recently we published an article about actions you can take personally to reduce your housing emissions, with a focus on the easiest—and least expensive—things to do to reduce energy use […]
Building Construction is Changing with the Times
The Orillia-based Lowry Building Co. focuses on sustainable, environmentally-friendly building methods that emit fewer greenhouse gases than conventional construction. Owner Ben Lowry says he’s “mostly interested in energy use, passive-house-style […]