Our Environment

What Can I Do?

There are many opportunities in our daily lives for each of us to help restore, protect and enhance the environment – together we can produce dramatic results. Below you will find many practical suggestions that can really make a difference.

For additional information on environmental stewardship programs and resources see Programs and Resources.

Ecological Footprints

Take the sustainability survey or determine your ecological
footprint.

Find out the land area required to support your lifestyle.

Also known as the "consumption footprint" this measures the productive land and water resources required to sustain one’s lifestyle

Fuel consumption ratings

Use this tool to compare the fuel consumption of various makes and models of vehicles for a specific model year and to help you select the most fuel-efficient vehicle that meets your needs.

How much water do you use?

Go Blue One Minute Water Calculator

Federal government water calculator

Being Water Smart at Home

For some other calculators, try this link.

HERE'S WHAT WE CAN DO
AROUND THE HOME
Air emissions Reduce your GHG emissions Provincial and federal initiatives and what you can do Live Smart Air Action Plan - Top 10 ways to reduce air pollution Buy local BC farmers markets Energy efficiency Reduce your carbon footprint and energy costs Be Power Smart with BC Hydro Fires and woodstoves Backyard burning Woodstoves and heating Woodstove Exchange Program In the garden Composting and yard trimmings Learn how to compost Composting comics! Composting FAQs Pest control Pesticide disposal Naturalised gardens Lawn watering	Waste water and sewer Maintaining an effective septic system Onsite sewage systems The CRD Septic Savvy site How to find a septic tank Waste products General recycling information Become a member of the Recycling Council of British Columbia Recycling FAQs Reuse of products Aerosols Asbestos Batteries Battery recycling information Cleaning products Computers and electronics recycling Electronics disposal locations Electronics Q&A Medicines and pharmaceuticals Paint Pesticides Pesticides, chemicals and paint disposal Water use Living Water Smart Private wells The Living by Water Project Water conservation Storm drains and runoff Protect and Save Water Get Involved
ON THE ROAD
Vehicles Vehicle exhaust Tires Used oil collection facilities Efficient driving techniques Recycling FAQ’s about oil, oil filters and oil containers	Vehicle use Commuting All terrain vehicle use Idle Free Zone Idle Free BC
OUTDOORS
Backcountry Wildlife guidelines for backcountry Support wetland and wildlife Conservation Sustainable wilderness tourism Tourism/commercial recreation Snowmobiling and caribou Fishing and angling Regulations Buying a licence Animal interaction Cougar safety Bear safety Wolf safety Wildlife Viewing Safety guide to bears at your home Safety Guide to bears in the wild Responsible wildlife viewing Regional wildlife viewing publications Deterring bears from garbage Be a 'Bear Smart' community	Boating Clean water and pleasure boating Protecting the Marine Environment - A Boater's Guide Minimise your impact Recreational vehicle use All terrain vehicle use BC Parks For kids
AT WORK
PowerSmart tips and practices Environmentally-friendly work tips
IN THE COMMUNITY
Discussion of community issues Volunteer to assist with wildlife inventories Adopt a marmot Help to remove invasive species such as Scotch Broom, English Ivy and Gypsy Moth from local parks, schools and other lands Acting Together to Conserve Biodiversity Addressing alien species Raise money for the Habitat Conservation Trust Fund	Events in your community Clean Air Day World Environment Day Oceans Day Rivers to Oceans Week Canada Parks Day