Community Climate Action

Use this online calculator to determine your carbon footprint and identify opportunities for improvement.

There are many ways to make your home greener and more resilient:

• Using LED lights, upgrading to efficient appliances, enhancing insulation and windows, adding solar panels, and shifting to heat pumps are ways to conserve energy and support sustainability. Check out the Province of Ontario’s Home Renovations Savings program for financial rebates to support energy efficiency projects.
• For tips and tricks on making your home more energy efficient, visit the Government of Canada website.
• Take steps to prepare your home for more extreme heat and weather events. This could include cleaning gutters, reinforcing roofing, supporting flood protection, avoiding black mulch, and more.

• Trees regulate temperature, absorb GHG emissions (carbon dioxide), beautify our parks, provide wildlife habitat, increase property values, and clean our water.
• Visit the Tree Planting page to learn more about tree planting programs, tree giveaways for residents, and planting events.
• The County also has important bylaws to protect trees. Learn about Tree Protection in the County.

Invasive insects and plants negatively affect biodiversity and pose threats to our forest, agriculture, and natural environments. Visit our Invasive Insects and Plants page to learn more.

• The County of Brant offers residents rebates to help cover the cost of switching to low-flow toilets and water-efficient washing machines that use less water than older ones. Learn more about available water rebates.
• Rain barrels are a helpful way to conserve water, reduce water pollution and stormwater runoff. The County offers rain barrels for purchase at a subsidized rate.
• Learn more about water, wastewater, stormwater, and water conservation in the County.

Walk, bike, roll, and use other forms of active transportation to get around your community. Check out trails throughout the County to plan your trip.

Using public transportation options, like Brant Transit, are great ways to reduce emissions from personal vehicle travel.

Coordinating your trips with neighbours, friends, families, and co-workers, helps to reduce the number of vehicles on the road and emissions. If you are travelling to the same destination, explore opportunities to carpool.

• There are different electric and hybrid vehicle options available. When shopping for a new vehicle, explore these alternatives and see if they work for you.
• EV chargers have been added to the TF Warren Group Cainsville Community Centre and the Cowan Community Health Hub. The County is working to add new EV chargers in other locations throughout the County – stay tuned!

Recycling is an effective way to reduce the amount of waste ending up in our landfills. Use Recycle Coach to learn more about what products are recyclable in the County.

Start composting in your backyard. Visit the composting page to find important information on how-to compost and ways to purchase a subsidized composter from the County.

To protect our environment, it is important to dispose of hazardous products correctly. To learn more disposing of things like paint, agricultural items, electronics, and other chemicals, visit the County’s hazardous waste page.

When purchasing items, evaluate the amount of waste produced and consider selecting options with lower waste/less packaging when possible.

Supporting a more circular economy by shopping and donating to second-hand stores, items swapping and more.

The County hosts different events, initiatives, and programs focused on environmental sustainability. Stay informed by following us on social media and subscribing to our newsletter.

There are opportunities to work together with neighbours to encourage community action. Things like buying in bulk, carpooling, creating plans to deal with climate emergencies, are all ways to connect with your community while supporting the environment.

Consider working together with local groups to support the environment. Local horticultural clubs and non-profit groups provide learning opportunities and play an important role in supporting climate action and environmental sustainability.