People who live in The Blue Mountains are being encouraged to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
The town has launched a new campaign called Your Community, Your Planet.
Environmental Initiatives Coordinator Adam McMullin says it’s all about showing people that small changes truly can add up to make a big difference.
McMullin says volunteers are going door to door handing out Greenhouse Gas Reduction Kits.
The main component is an information guide which outlines simple steps any household can undertake to help out the environment.
McMullin says some of the easy ideas are installing low-flow showerheads or turning the temperature on your fridge down.
He also says there are more involved changes people can make if they’re willing, such as updating the insulation in their homes.
McMullin says it’s an added bonus that if you reduce your household greenhouse gas emissions, you will also reduce your household expenses.
He says while it makes sense that you pay less if you use less, people are still surprised – and happy – when they see their energy and water bills go down.
McMullin says The Blue Mountains wanted to spearhead this campaign because it’s part of the town’s mandate to enhance and preserve the natural environment.
He also says while the environment is already a huge topic in this day and age, localizing it always helps to encourage more people to get involved.
McMullin says to that end, they’ve highlighted local ambassadors in the kit who can share their real-life success stories.
The ambassadors include Blue Mountains Resort, where energy and money are being saved by replacing nearly 11-thousand light bulbs with compact fluorescents.
McMullin says the kit also promotes an online greenhouse gas reduction calculator — www.ecoactionteams.ca — so that families can track their own success.
If you don’t receive a Greenhouse Gas Reduction Kit, you can pick one up at the town office in Thornbury.
Starting this month — the kits will also be available at The Blue Mountains Public Library.