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8- The Oakville Beaver, Friday January 2, 2009 www.oakvillebeaver.com Your Halton Connection January `09 www.halton.ca Steps Toward a Sustainable Future by Regional Chair Gary Carr An incredible shift in priorities is taking place as we start to weigh the choices we make with what affect they will have on the earth: what we do with our garbage, whether we walk, bike or drive, how much water we use, what kind of appliances we buy etc. There is also a shift taking place within all levels of government. Where before, decision making often centred solely on economics and social issues, now the environment is being to be balanced into the equation. It may not yet be an equal partner, but its weight is being recognized. Part of the process of sustainability is learning from other jurisdictions. That's why we're pleased that Whistler, B.C.'s Mayor, Ken Melamed, is coming to Halton to share his successes so far with their community sustainability plan, Whistler2020. Whistler is leading the way with their action for community building and global change. Adopted in 2005, after three years of consultation, Whistler has been bringing the community and businesses together to work with local government as they build a resort community that will be more sustainable in the years to come. We are looking forward to learning how Whistler's approach may help shape our own as we continue our planning. We hope that you will join us at the Community Sustainability Forum, which will also showcase some of the initiatives you see below, along with other environmental work by our partners in the community. The Forum will be held Thursday, January 8, 2009 at the Halton Regional Centre Auditorium from 6:00 ­ 9:00 p.m. For more details on the Forum, visit www.halton.ca. The numerous innovative initiatives below are already underway in an attempt to offer services in a more efficient and sustainable way: from gaining a better understanding about air quality in our communities, to capturing and converting landfill gas emissions into electricity ­ just to name two. In addition, we are currently developing a Corporate Sustainability Plan to examine where we are internally in using our resources wisely. The plan will also prioritize where we want to be, and determine how we will measure our success in reaching our goals. Later on, the Corporate Sustainability Plan will expand into an Integrated Community Sustainability Plan. This start is encouraging. We know it will be a long process, but we're committed to taking the steps we can to hand down ­ in tact ­ to our children and future generations, the incredible natural wealth that surrounds us in Halton. Being Green at Home Conserve Water Don't keep the water running while you brush your teeth or shave. Fill your dishwasher and washing machine to capacity before running them. Check your toilet for leaks, even silent ones (i.e., add food colouring to the tank, if the water in your toilet bowl turns colour, there is a leak). Take shorter showers and limit baths. Reduce Energy Use Walk or bike to your destination ­ good for the environment, and good for your body. Take public transit, or carpool whenever possible ­ you'll save on gas and build your community network. Change your incandescent Wrap your water heater in an insulating jacket if located in an unheated space such as a basement or garage. Current Green Initiatives within the Region Air Quality Program: this program is directed at reducing emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gases across the Region. For more details, visit www.halton.ca/airquality. gas and uses it to produce electricity. It reduces odours in and methane emissions. The project provides enough "green" energy to power approximately 1,500 homes. Take it Back! Halton: a one source directory that provides information on retailers that take items back for reuse, recycling or proper disposal. Examples of items that can be taken back batteries, cell phones, eye glasses. GreenCart Organics Collection: a program to divert food Halton Region to achieve its goal of 60 per cent waste diversion and protect the investment we've made by extending the life of Simply Local: supports the continued viability of agriculture in Halton and encourages healthy eating and physical activity. It promotes the consumption of local farm products and strong link between the Halton farming community and local consumers. Residential Ultra Low Flow Toilet Rebate Program: through this program, Halton residents in single family homes, including town houses and condos, and residents on private Reduce and Reuse Choose washable, reusable cloths over disposable products like paper towels. If using paper towels, dispose of them in your GreenCart. Buy products in bulk or with minimal packaging. www.halton.ca/toiletrebate. Corporate Energy Management: manages energy Replace rated models. on the environment. Two highlights already underway technology, and Green Fleet initiatives that include the use program at www.halton.ca/ toiletrebate). January Meetings at Halton Region Headquarters Jan. 13, 9:30 a.m. Jan. 14, 1:30 p.m. Jan. 21, 9:00 a.m. Jan. 21, 9:30 a.m. Health & Social Services Cte Administration & Finance Cte Planning & Public Works Cte Regional Council We welcome your feedback. Contact Access Halton at accesshalton@halton.ca This page has been donated by this newspaper to communicate important information to Halton residents at no cost to taxpayers.