Earth Hour

Our annual Earth Hour community event returns from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. that evening. 

Join us at Vaughan City Hall (2141 Major Mackenzie Dr.) to take part in the following activities: 

• Go on a nighttime walk: Explore Vaughan – in the dark! A guided nighttime walk will start at City Hall and take one hour to complete, roundtrip. Wear reflective clothing, bring your own flashlights and maybe even a traveller mug with a warm drink. 

• Make a paper lantern: Light up the room! You and your family can get crafty and learn how to make a paper lantern on-site. Decorate it as you like and light it up with a safe battery-powered candle. 

• Drink hot chocolate: Warm up at the do-it-yourself hot chocolate station. 

• Claim a pollinator seed packet: Thinking of growing your own pollinator-friendly garden this spring? Register to receive a free pollinator seed packet while supplies last. The pollinator packets include planting instructions for best results and the following flower seeds: Golden Tickseed, Lanceleaf Tickseed, Blazing Star, Helenium Autumnale, Common Milkweed and New England Aster. 

• Explore vendor booths: Learn from the pros! Visit various on-site booths to learn about adopting sustainable habits and how you can help protect the environment. 

And much more!

Can’t attend the event? Here’s how you can show your support from home:

• Explore your neighbourhood and go on a nighttime walk from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
• Do a yoga session, read a book or play a board game by candlelight.
• Grab a flashlight and make a fort.
• Make a paper lantern (PDF) using a battery-powered candle.
• Register to receive a pollinator seed packet to plant your pollinator-friendly garden!

When doing these activities, remember to always put safety first. If walking outside at night, bring a flashlight or a lantern, wear reflective clothing and remain on the sidewalk or a designated pathway.

Home Energy Saving 101

The carbon cut: Carbon emissions play a significant role in climate change and reducing energy cuts the amount of carbon emissions released into the environment. Conserving energy contributes to a higher quality of life for everyone, leading to cleaner air quality and an overall healthier planet.

The money-saver: Did you know that saving energy also equals saving money? Cutting back on energy usage in your home can reduce your energy bills significantly. The government of Canada has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Net-zero means the economy will either give off no greenhouse gas or be matched by an equal amount removed from the atmosphere.

Suggested actions for adults:

• Invest in a programmable or smart thermostat.
• Consider replacing all your light bulbs with LED bulbs and upgrade appliances. look for the ENERGY-STAR rated products. The federal government also offers an Energy Savings Rebate program - Canada.ca
• Seal any cracks around doors or windows or install weather stripping to save money and energy when heating and cooling your home. A rolled-up towel works too!
• Try using small space heaters or fans instead of changing the temperature of your entire home when possible.
• Skip the dryer - consider purchasing a drying rack or line drying your clothes outside, especially during summer months. While you're at it, try washing your clothes in cool or cold water.
• Consider purchasing an electric vehicle. Plug'n Drive, located in Vaughan, provides tips, resources, offers test drives and information about incentives.
• Plant trees and shrubs near your home to act as a windbreak, help insulate exterior walls and even provide cooling shade in the summer. Hydro One has tips for energy efficiency planting.
• Add energy retrofits when planning a home. Natural Resources Canada provides a breakdown of possible retrofits and offers grant programs for homeowners.
• The Ontario government provides a list of programs to reduce your electricity bill.

Suggested actions for kids and youth:

• Turn off lights when they aren’t being used and when you leave a room.
• In the summer, close your curtains - we all love some natural light, but on hot, sunny days, keeping your curtains and blinds open will heat up rooms that are not in use. Closing curtains and blinds acts as a temperature control, meaning you won't have to crank up the AC.
• Reduce screen time where possible, turn off devices when they aren’t being used, and unplug your devices once they’re charged. Have you heard of phantom energy? Many devices drain energy even when they’re not on, but still plugged in, and can account for up to 10 percent of a home’s energy use (source: 14 Energy Saving Tips to Boost Efficiency at Home | Enercare)