Taking part in the annual community cleanup, recycling your electronics, buying a rain barrel, or planting a tree are some of the ways you can mark Earth Month in Newmarket.
"One of council’s priorities is environmental sustainability with the goal of preserving our environmental assets and addressing climate change. Earth Day is a reminder that we can all do more to reduce environmental impacts in our community,” Mayor John Taylor said in a Town of Newmarket news release. "I encourage everyone to participate in one of the eco-friendly events held in Newmarket this month...Your efforts will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and pollution.”
Hear are some of the events and programs in celebration of Earth Month throughout April.
1. Electronics and Battery Recycling Event
You can drop off unwanted electronics and used batteries at the town’s popular annual recycling event Saturday, April 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Robert N. Shelton Operations Centre at 1275 Maple Hill Court. Electronic items collected at the event will be recycled by Quantum Lifecycle Partners LP and batteries will be recycled by Environmental 360 Solutions.
At last year’s event, 18,603 pounds of electronic items and 828 pounds of batteries were diverted from landfills, the town stated.
Accepted items include computers, headphones, cameras (including security cameras), TVs, telephones, cellphones, computer parts and used household batteries such as standard AA, AAA, C and D cell, 6 and 9-volt batteries and rechargeable battery packs.
Automotive batteries, children’s toys, textiles, power tools, small and large appliances, damaged batteries, and equipment weighing more than 250kg are not accepted at this event.
Recycling batteries will help keep heavy and harmful metals from contaminating soils, and groundwater and streams. If you can’t make it to the event, you can drop them off at a battery collection bin in select town facilities.
For more information on what is accepted and not, visit newmarket.ca/ecoevents.
2. Rain Barrel Sale
The Town of Newmarket is holding an online rain barrel sale through Enviro World from April 22 to May 31. Purchasing a rain barrel for $79.95 can help conserve water, reduce stormwater run-off, and promote plant and soil health. Place your order online at enviroworld.ca/newmarket by May 31 for home delivery from June 1 and 30.
3. Participate in the 46th annual Community Cleanup presented by TD
You can help keep Newmarket clean and green by joining the 46th annual Community Cleanup on Saturday, May 4. Participants can pick up cleanup kits at the town booth at Riverwalk Commons, 200 Doug Duncan Dr., from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (while supplies last, one per group) and help clean a park, greenspace or trail of your choice. High school students can earn up to three volunteer hours for participating. Learn more at newmarket.ca/communitycleanup
4. Plant a tree with LEAF
For a limited time, Newmarket residents will receive an additional $100 rebate for planting a tree on their property through the full service or do-it-yourself program with LEAF. Limit of one rebate per property per year, while supplies last. First come, first served. For more information, visit yourleaf.org
5. Participate in Earth Day is Leg Day
On April 22, you can join Earth Day is Leg Day hosted by Earth Day Canada by choosing sustainable modes of transportation instead of travelling solo in vehicles. If possible, consider cycling, or walking to work. If you need to travel by car, consider carpooling to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Join the challenge and log your trips at earthday.ca/legday for a chance to win an e-bike, transit pass and more. If you are participating, don’t forget to tag @Earthday.ca and @townofnewmarket using hashtags #Earthday #EarthDayCanada.
6. Follow these Earth-friendly green tips:
- Replace your light bulbs with energy-efficient light bulbs. Energy-efficient light bulbs consume up to 80 per cent less electricity than conventional ones.
- Consider buying used items instead of new ones or try repairing damaged or broken items first before replacing them.
- Donate your old clothes and other textile items through the town's textile recycling program.
- Try moving toward zero waste to reduce your consumption of single-use items, such as switching to refillable or reusable containers.
- Prioritize walking, cycling or taking public transit instead of using your vehicles. Doing so can help to reduce emissions. Take a walk along one of the more than 44 kilometres of walking and cycling trails that connect to more than 20 km of trails from neighbouring municipalities.
- Borrow books and even everyday items at the Newmarket Public Library’s Lendery. This program allows you to borrow items like tools, camping equipment, boardgames and more.
Two Town of Newmarket green initiatives:
The town continues to implement initiatives and practices to become more sustainable. Here are two examples:
1. The town is working on a greening strategy that will review equipment and vehicles to limit the impact on the environment. Once complete, this strategy will provide recommendations on how the town can reduce greenhouse gas through equipment use and day-to-day efficiencies. Newmarket has begun to green its fleet with the following vehicles and equipment:
- Three electric Zambonis
- Eight electric vehicles used for bylaws and Central York Fire Services
- One electric grass cutter
- One electric utility cart
2. Creating an even greener future at Mulock Park
At every stage of design, the Mulock Park has found ways to preserve and enhance natural areas and reduce environmental impact. To reduce the park’s ecological footprint, a geothermal wellfield will heat and cool the Mulock House, Greenhouse Conservatory and Artist studio (500 tonnes of CO2 saved by 2050), a solar shade on a parking lot will generate enough power (50 kilowatt generating capacity) for the lighting and domestic plugs in the Mulock House and park buildings. The historic Mulock House will be updated, including new windows, doors and improved insulation to reduce the home’s energy use by more than 50 per cent.
When it comes to landscaping, the tree canopy will be expanded, forest areas will be re-naturalized to encourage healthy ground cover and permeable pavement will be used to return rainwater to the ground.
The park has been designed to encourage active travel with more than two kilometres of new multi-use trails and connections to the Mulock Drive Multi-Use Path, Yonge Street bike lanes, multi-use path links to the Ray Twinney Recreation Complex, York Region Transit, and Viva routes.
To see a full list of the town’s green initiatives, visit newmarket.ca/environment.
