Environmental Trends 2007

Contaminants

Taking Action: What is Being Done About It?

Government Initiatives

The Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) Environmental Registry provides information to the public and supports public participation in environmental decisions.

The B.C. Environmental Management Act (2003) introduced new provisions for toxic substances and waste management, and covers a broad range of environmental regulations.

The Canadian Health Measures Survey will survey Canadians for disease and nutrition health as well as test environmental exposure to contaminants.

What Can You Do?

At home

  • Eliminate the use of toxic pesticides, paints and solvents, cleaners, glues and other household hazardous products.

  • Use cleaning products with natural ingredients.

  • Store hazardous products in their original, tightly closed containers in a well–ventilated area.

  • Dispose of waste in special household hazardous waste depots. To find a drop-off depot near you see the RCBC Recycling Hotline or call: 1-800-667-4321; in the Lower Mainland: 604-732-9253.

  • Take used batteries, motor oil and filters, paints and solvents, electronic equipment, and waste prescription medicines to recycling and disposal centres near you. For information contact RCBC Recycling Hotline.

Build a healthy house

Around the yard

  • Learn how to prevent pest problems and manage weeds without using pesticides. See provincial integrated pest management publications or local municipal web sites and organic gardening web sites.

  • Don’t burn trash or yard waste, as this is a major source of dioxin and furan emissions. Have waste picked up or take it to a local landfill or transfer station. Recycle as much as possible, compost yard waste, rent a chipper to cut yard waste and make mulch. More information on how to avoid backyard burning.

More Information

For detailed information, including graph data, see In-Depth Report [pdf].