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th ei fp .c a Th e IF P -H al to n H ill s | T hu rs da y, A pr il 22 ,2 02 1 | 12 What on earth do we do this Earth Day during a stay-at-home order? Before the pandemic, the mainstays of Earth Day cel- ebrations were community clean-ups and local tree planting events. This year we're en- couraged to stay at home. Here are some ways to recognize Earth Day 2021 and enforce its aim of inspiring en- vironmental stewardship. • Take inventory of how and what you con- sume and commit to reducing and reusing over recycling. • Be mindful of eating locally produced food. You will contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions due to trans- port, and help support local growers espe- cially at this challenging time. • Reduce your consumption of single-use plastic by choosing to use reusable water bottles, travel mugs, straws, bags and con- tainers. • Safely dispose of batteries and keep them out of the waste system. Familiarize yourself with your municipal- ity's waste manage- ment guidelines to ensure toxic waste like batteries is dis- posed of properly. • Plan your garden and be sure to include pollinator- friendly plants, native plants and drought re- sistant varieties to save water. • Join an organization that benefits the natu- ral environment. Donate to a group that plants trees in your community and be- yond. • Spread a layer of mulch over gardens to re- duce the need to water and save hundreds of litres of water each month. • Lower your themostat to 19°C. According to Earth Day Canada, that temperature is the "thermoneutrality" temperature of the human species and each additional degree above 20°C can increase your heating bill by seven per cent. • Earth Day Canada reports that in 2019, viewing online videos that are hosted on massive servers around the world gener- ated the equivalent of Spain's CO2 emis- sions. The organization recommends other activities like reading, creating and cooking to reduce this kind of energy consumption. • Use a rake and a stiff-bristled broom instead of a gas-powered leaf blower if you are physically able. You'll get a workout and reduce air and noise pollution. • Don't flush wipes, even those with claims that state they are flush- able. They contain congealed grease that is not sewer-friendly. • Remember that Earth Day is every day. Your actions count all year long. Celebrating Earth Day while staying at home By Jane Muller Michael Chong Member of Parliament, Wellington - Halton Hills 205-16 Mountainview Rd S. Georgetown ON L7G 4K1 Happy Earth Day 2021 866-878 5556 | michael.chong@parl.gc.ca www.michaelchong.ca Pool Season Is Back and So Are We! 71 Mountainview Rd. N., Georgetown 905-877-3660 | tritonpools.ca spring actioninto THE DIFFERENCE IS CLEAR: Open your pool the easy way with our premium pool care products! As a BioGuard® Dealer, we work to deliver clarity, convenience and confidence.