Food Systems Responsible for a Third of Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Sunflower oil factory farm

A new study, published in Nature Food and conducted by researchers from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre, found that food systems are responsible for about one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions. The study examined every stage of the global food chain from production to consumption. Predictably, […]

World Economic Forum

Futuristic global business

The Forum engages the foremost political, business and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. It was established in 1971 as a not-for-profit foundation and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. It is independent, impartial and not tied to any special interests. The Forum strives in all its efforts to demonstrate entrepreneurship […]

Happiness and Sustainability Go Hand-in-Hand…

Family walking in a summer park

“I have decided to be happy because it is good for my health.” (Voltaire) As greetings of Happy New Year fade into recent history – let’s take a moment to explore what ‘happiness’ can mean to all of us and how it relates to realizing a healthier life-style and ultimately a healthier planet. The thesis […]

Sustainable Orillia’s Youth Council Leads the Way

Zoom screen from youth council meeting

When looking for inspiration in the fight against climate change – Orillians needn’t look any further than to local high schools, universities and colleges to find motivated young people joining forces to take on this challenge. Not only do our youth increasingly understand the science and the consequences of climate change, more than any other […]

Sustainable Orillia Welcomes New Directors at First Annual General Meeting

Zoom meeting

Twenty-five Orillians came together virtually on Sunday, February 28th for Sustainable Orillia’s Annual General Meeting. Chairman Stan Mathewson welcomed friends, directors and guest speakers to the meeting, which featured a review of the previous year’s activities and expenditures, plus an overview of the organization’s strategic priorities for the year to come. Membership in the local […]

It’s “BYOB” at Orillia’s Home Hardware Building Centre

disposable plastic bag, waste, recycling, environmental issues

Our local Home Hardware store on West Street has taken yet one more step toward greater sustainability: as of February 1, 2020, the store will no longer be providing single use plastic bags for customer purchases. If customers ask for a bag for their purchases, they will be given a choice of two sizes of […]

Rustic cottage that feels like a spaceship is environmentally sustainable

construction tools on wood

By Nathan Taylor – Orillia Matters A local attraction that has been around for more than a century has an ambitious plan for the future. YMCA Geneva Park in Ramara Township is in a rejuvenation process, and replacing its dozens of rustic cottages is a big part of it. The organization teamed up with Peterborough’s Endeavour […]

Winter at Night

Starry sky with trees silhouetted

February is WinterActive month. It’s intended to encourage physical activity through play in the elements. Most outdoor activities typically embrace snow and colder temps during daylight hours, but what if your adventurous spirit didn’t have to end when the sun goes down? Let’s consider some options for getting active outside under the cover of night […]

Winter is for the Birds

Red cardinal sitting on a branch in winter

Winter can easily become a time of boredom and shuttering ourselves indoors, so it helps to be reminded there’s never been a better time to get outside to explore and connect with nature. Lockdown restrictions have severely limited our entertainment options but if this steers us back to nature then everyone and our furry and […]

Notice of Annual General Meeting

Close up of a calendar page

Please note that the Annual General Meeting of Members (“Friends”) of Sustainable Orillia will be held in a virtual Zoom meeting on Sunday, February 28, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. Zoom sign- in will begin at 12:50 p.m. Your participation is important. Sign up to become a member here to receive an invitation to the event: […]