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Ontario Tech acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.

We are thankful to be welcome on these lands in friendship. The lands we are situated on are covered by the Williams Treaties and are the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, including Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. These lands remain home to many Indigenous nations and peoples.

We acknowledge this land out of respect for the Indigenous nations who have cared for Turtle Island, also called North America, from before the arrival of settler peoples until this day. Most importantly, we acknowledge that the history of these lands has been tainted by poor treatment and a lack of friendship with the First Nations who call them home.

This history is something we are all affected by because we are all treaty people in Canada. We all have a shared history to reflect on, and each of us is affected by this history in different ways. Our past defines our present, but if we move forward as friends and allies, then it does not have to define our future.

Learn more about Indigenous Education and Cultural Services

Blue tips

You can make a difference in protecting our environment by following these blue tips. Challenge yourself to try as many as you can!

Earth

  • Trees are essential to the planet and to humans. Plant a tree and reap the many benefits!window garden
  • Get a green bin and start collecting organic waste.
  • Avoid waste by using reusable cloths and rags instead of paper towels to clean.
  • Instead of using chemicals and paper towels to wash your windows, try 125 millilitres of vinegar (half cup), one litre of water (four cups) and a squeegee.
  • If space is limited, try growing organic vegetables in containers or window boxes.
  • Have a garage sale to help recycle your unwanted items. Someone's trash is another's treasure.
  • Just because you throw something away does not mean that it is gone for good. You have only just moved it to a landfill. Instead of throwing old homework papers, cardboard and newspapers in the garbage, you can easily recycle them! 
  • Donate electronic equipment to specific recycling groups or recycle them. This will help reduce pressure on landfills.
  • When buying wooden fencing and garden furniture, consider whether the wood is from a well-managed forest. Deforestation is a serious problem in some areas of the world, leading to loss of topsoil and flooding, among other problems.
  • When boating, avoid stirring up bottom sediment with propellers. Keep personal watercraft out of shallow areas that are critical habitat for spawning fish, aquatic plants and aquatic invertebrates.

Energy

  • Your appliances need a tune-up too; clean all filters and coils.
  • When replacing hard-to-reach light bulbs, such as exterior porch lights, switch to energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs. You will not have to change them for up to seven years!
  • Use your window coverings to help warm or cool your house.
  • Make your home more energy-efficient through improved insulation, caulking and weather-stripping. The less energy you use, the less impact you have on the environment.
  • Install and use a programmable thermostat. For every degree Celsius you lower your thermostat, you can save two per cent on your heating bill. A reduction of three degrees Celsius at night and when you are away during the day provides optimal savings, and can reduce your greenhouse gas emissions by half a tonne.
  • When buying a new appliance, choose an energy-efficient one.
  • When not using devices that have a 'phantom load,' unplug them, or plug them into a power bar and turn that off.
  • Hang your clothes to dry. The lint collects in the dryer's filter because your clothes are slowly disintegrating!
  • Kids: Energy efficiency can be practised at home, at school and during recreational activities – in fact, practically anywhere and any time in our day-to-day activities. This may be as simple as turning off the lights when leaving a room, or bicycling to school instead of asking mom or dad for a ride. Encouraging energy efficiency reduces the use of fossil fuels, thus reducing emissions of harmful pollutants into the Earth's atmosphere.

Air

 

  • Compost your leaves and brush. Burning them will increase carbon dioxide emissions.
  • Use potpourri instead of aerosol-based sprays.
  • Buy a push lawn mower. It is good exercise and reduces carbon dioxide emissions.
  • Do not blow your leaves—rake them instead. Your ears and your neighbours will thank you, and you will reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
  • Make sure your car is properly tuned up and your tires are at the right pressure to ensure optimal fuel efficiency.
  • Encourage carpooling when possible!

Water

  • Use a broom rather than a water hose to clean walkways, driveways and sidewalks.
  • Collect and use your rainwater for your lawn and plants. It is free and better for your plants.
  • Avoid cleaners containing phosphates. When they get into rivers and lakes they cause algae blooms, robbing the water of oxygen and ultimately killing aquatic life.
  • Fix that leaking hose and dripping nozzle. It will help keep your shoes and shirt dry and save water.
  • Keep the septic system working smoothly! Pour 250 millilitres of baking soda down any toilet or drain once a week. Baking soda creates a favourable pH environment for optimal bacterial action.
  • Install water-saving showerheads.
  • Do not run the water running when you brush your teeth, shave, wash dishes or clean vegetables.