Every country is striving to be more environmentally-friendly these days. “Green” legislation and policies encompass virtually every industry on the planet, and governments are feeling more pressure now than ever before to get in line with the rest of the world. While far from the last on the list in terms of green development practices, Canada still has a lot of room for improvement.
Some Areas Canada Can Work On
Make no mistake, the country has made significant contributions on the eco-friendly front, including the increased use of composting to the preservation of the famous Great Bear Rainforest and more. These measures are by no means minimal, but there is always room for improvement.
From an outside perspective, it is clear that Toronto and Halifax are the models the rest of the country can and should emulate. Here are a few of the more notable points policymakers and residents alike should take into consideration.
- Green waste pick-up – Conventional garbage is not the only thing being collected on the streets, as the growth of organic waste (e.g. vegetable peels, bread, and other foodstuffs) is worth taking note of. If your town or city has yet to implement such a plan, you can do your part by recommending one to the local municipality. Go a step further by composting waste at home; this has a major impact on reducing the waste in landfills.
- Enhancements in the energy sector – One of Canada’s major environmental setbacks is that it relies heavily on the use of coal-burning power plants for its energy needs. Extensive greenhouse gas emissions coupled with a great number of air pollution-related deaths makes the shift to a greener alternative imperative.
- Long-term plans- Canadians are not alone in making the mistake of failing to set definitive goals for the future. To become a market leader and greater model for success, more jurisdictions should adopt what those in Ontario and Quebec are doing.
- Increase the price of fossil fuels – On the surface, this may seem counterintuitive, but many experts agree that one of the best ways Canada can bolster its green economic presence is by ceasing fossil fuel production subsidies. Re-allocating these expenditures to their non-renewable counterparts is a much-needed first step.
Canada definitely deserves a tip of the hat for its current eco-friendly efforts, but additional measures need to be taken to ensure lasting change. Acting in solidarity on this front will ultimately be the driving force behind the country’s progression.