Green Quarterly - February 2025 Updates

Hello, Whitby! Each quarter, Whitby’s Sustainability Team is committed to bringing you the latest innovations, initiatives, and eco-friendly tips. From cutting-edge projects to community-driven action, discover how we're making our town greener - together! Stay informed, get inspired, and join the movement towards a more sustainable future.

Here's what's new:

Cash-back incentives available for Durham Greener Homes participants

The Durham Greener Homes deep retrofit incentive provides eligible residents with up to a $5,000 rebate towards the cost of reducing their home’s energy use. This incentive jumps to $10,000 for Whitby residents, thanks to the Town of Whitby allocating Housing Accelerator Funds to match funding. Learn more

Illustrated image of homes under a magnifying glass

Whitby Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Program (SNAP)

Whitby's SNAP program in the West Lynde neighborhood is a new project to help residents make their community more eco-friendly. The Town, Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority, and Durham Region will work together to provide resources, workshops, and incentives to support greener living.

A person planting a tree

Enhancing sustainability: Discover what's new in your green bin

Did you know as of July 1, 2024, more items can go in the Green Bin? Diapers, pet waste and sanitary products are now accepted. Please keep Green Bins under 20 kilograms (44 pounds). While there is no limit to the number of Green Bins that can be placed curbside for collection, overweight bins will not be collected. Learn more

Fruit and vegetable food waste in a bin

From tree to tribute: Celebrating Bee City with public art

Last year, the Town celebrated public art, environmental conservation, and its status as a Bee City by transforming a 100-year-old black walnut tree in the historic Downtown into a public art installation. This project not only beautifies our surroundings but also underscores our commitment to sustainability and creativity. Learn more

Bee hive tree public art

New year, greener you: Sustainable resolutions for 2025

It’s not too late for an eco-friendly New Year’s resolution! Here are a few simple, actionable goals to consider in 2025:

1. Reduce waste: Start composting or use reusable bags, bottles, and containers to cut down on single-use plastics.

2. Go Green at Home: Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs or adjust your thermostat to save energy.

3. Walk: Leave the car behind when possible - whether it's for errands or recreation, bundling up and taking a winter walk can help reduce carbon emissions while helping with any health-related resolutions at the same time.

We hope you have enjoyed this Sustainability recap. Stay tuned to the next edition to learn about our upcoming spring events. For more information, visit whitby.ca/Sustainability.

Repurposing Christmas trees

This year, we teamed up with the Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority to give used natural Christmas trees a new purpose for a healthier environment.

View a video clip from Sean Mensour, Waste Services Coordinator at the Town of Whitby:

Christmas trees that were put out for collection were taken to the Lynde Shores Conservation Area to help support environmental restoration.

The collected trees help:

Control erosion
Create natural habitats for aquatic species

Learn more about Whitby's waste management at whitby.ca/Waste.

Stay connected! Subscribe to the Green Quarterly newsletter

Did you know you can subscribe to the Green Quarterly newsletter? Go to whitby.ca/subscribe, select the Sustainability Newsletter checkbox, and sign up to get an email notification when the newsletter is published each quarter on whitby.ca.