Sustainability Also Means Affordability
Long-time Orillia councilor Ralph Cipolla often refers to the need for “appropriate housing.” Some residents require housing which is governed by rent controls. Seniors looking to downsize will look for smaller, accessible units. Some seniors will look to band with other seniors in a collective type of home ownership. People with adult children living at […]
Zero Emission Housing is Affordable Housing
by Jim Saunders No consideration of a Sustainable Orillia is complete without addressing the importance of how actions taken with respect to housing can contribute to environmental sustainability. Extreme weather related to climate change is costing everyone. Insurance payouts in Canada because of more frequent and violent weather events have risen from $400,000 ten years […]
Investing in the Future? Go “Sustainable.”
by Jackie Ramler and Sophie Mathewson While the bigger issue of climate change and the plastic crisis in our oceans seems overwhelming and beyond our ability to change, there are many things we can do in our communities to make a positive difference. These ‘little’ changes don’t have to cost much and really are just […]
Start Harvesting Rain Water & Protect Lake Simcoe
This spring is shaping up to be different than most. Like many charities, Living Green Barrie is adapting to new realities brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. One project that we have modified is our rain barrel sale! We are thrilled to be able to offer an online rain barrel sale in partnership with rainbarrel.ca. […]
Ecological Footprint
by Emily Hawton An ecological footprint is a measurement of the ecological assets that an individual requires to produce the natural resources they consume. I am going to assess my ecological footprint using footprintnetwork.org. I believe my ecological footprint will be higher than average because I drive a lot to get places and I eat […]
The 2020 Orillia Food Map and Directory
Introducing the digital version of the 2020 Orillia Food Map & Directory! The new food map allows for increased awareness and connectivity between consumers and available food sources. Click on the image to download the file.
Unsustainable Fishing Practices in Canada
by Emily Hawton Fishing is very important to many societies and cultures worldwide. Fishing provides sport, food for communities near bodies of water, and also provides cultural and spiritual connections. Fishing can support livelihoods but overfishing can destroy ecosystems and biodiversity. Overfishing is when more fish are caught than needed to maintain the fish population […]
Greening your Clothes Closet
St. Patrick’s Day has come and gone, but the idea of ‘greening’ our clothing choices is a good year-round practice. Over the past decade, we have become increasingly aware of the damaging effects mass textile production and apparel manufacturing have on the environment. For example, to produce one kilo of cotton takes 20,000 litres of […]
Sustainability Begins on the Farm
“EAT TODAY? THANK A FARMER.” All of us have seen this slogan on license plates and in signs in our community. Since the production of healthy, plentiful food for the people of this community and this planet is key to life itself, to ensure that agricultural practices in Ontario and in our local community are […]
Easy Ways to Help the Environment
As you may know the environment is something we need to protect. You’ve probably heard this a million times and people probably have already told you to help, but this is a climate crisis, which is why we need everyone’s help! So please read the following to learn some simple and easy ways to help […]