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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

Events

Upcoming events

Biodiversity Blitz

  • When: Monday September 18th from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  (Rain date: Tuesday September 19th)
  • Where: Meet at Campus Ice Centre
  • What: We will be walking around the farm looking for various flora and fauna to record in the campus biodiversity inventory. Consider downloading the iNatrualist app before the event and creating an account. Closed-toe shoes, sunscreen and long pants are recommended. 

Sustainability Book Club

This Fall we will be reading There's Something in the Water by Dr. Ingrid R. G Waldron. This book examines the legacy of environmental racism and its health impacts in Indigenous and Black communities in Canada, using Nova Scotia as a case study, and the grassroots resistance activities by Indigenous and Black communities against the pollution and poisoning of their communities.

Thanks to funding provided by Foundation of Environmental Stewardship, each participant will receive their own copy of the book.
To participate, you must commit to reading the entire book during the Fall semester. Book club discussions will take place at the Library Fireside Reading Room on the following dates:

  • Wednesday October 18th from 11AM - 12 PM (half way through the book)
  • Wednesday November 29th from 11 AM - 12 PM (end of the book)
To sign up, click here: https://forms.gle/wqDm7yvLuvbsrrKdA

 

Archived event information and galleries

  • 2023

    Sustainability Pop-Up @ Downtown Campus

    • When: Wednesday, March 15 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 
    • Where: Charles Hall, 1st floor atrium
    • What: A pop-up featuring Fairtrade resources and snacks, DIY bee hotel workshop, and general information about the Pollinator Program at Ontario Tech

    WEcloud x OT Sustainability Fest

    In celebration of sustainability on campus, we are collaborating with multiple student groups on campus to bring sustainable development goal (SDG) linked activities and resources. 

    • When: Monday, March 20 from noon to 3 p.m.
    • Where: Shawenjigewining Hall atrium
    • What:
      • WEcloud is hosting a used item repurpose/exchange
      • OT Sustainability is having a booth offering Fairtrade products and resources and a booth on the Pollinator Program & a DIY bee hotel activity 
      • ENACTUS will be collecting used coffee cups for a seed pod project
      • Stching Nook will be doing a recycled yarn/plastic bag crafting demonstration

    Downtown Campus Clean-up

    • When: Tuesday May 9 from 11:45 am to 1:30 pm. Cleanup will start at 12:05 pm.
    • Where: Meet at Charles Hall entrance
    • Event details: Gloves and bags and will be provided. Closed-toe shoes, sunscreen and long pants are recommended. After the cleanup, participants will be treated to snacks and water so please bring your own bottles and containers as this will be a low-waste event.
    • In collaboration with the Wellness Committee.

    Register for the event here.

    Windfields Farm/North Campus clean-up

    • When: Thursday May 11 from 11:30 to 1:30 pm.
    • Where: Meet at the south-west corner of Simcoe St N and Britannia Ave W
    • Event details: We will meet for 11:30 am and make our way west towards the OCIS office (285 Britannia Ave West). Gloves and bags and will be provided. Closed-toe shoes, sunscreen and long pants are recommended. After the cleanup, participants will be treated to snacks and water so please bring your own bottles and containers as this will be a low-waste event.
    • In collaboration with the Wellness Committee. 

    Register for the event here.

    Planting a Wildflower Garden

    • When: Monday June 19 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 
    • Where: Meet at Simcoe Village Residence Lobby
    • What: Planting a wildflower garden for pollinators by the DC and OT residences. Please be sure to dress for the weather (wear sunscreen and protective clothing) and bring a reusable water bottle.

    Invasive Phragmite Pull

    Wait, what's an invasive phragmite?

    Invasive phragmites (European Common Reed) are plants that cause damage to Ontario’s biodiversity, wetlands and beaches. They outcompete native plants for water and nutrients and release toxins from their roots into the soil to hinder the growth of and kill surrounding plants. They also provide poor habitats and food supplies for wildlife (including several species at risk).

    • When: Tuesday June 20 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
    • Where: North Campus, by the storm drain pond and west colonnade. This is a drop in style event so come volunteer your time for as long as you like.

    Register for the event here. 

    Biodiversity Blitz

    • When: Wednesday May 24 from 12:15 to 1:15 (Rain date: thursday May 25).
    • Where: Windfields Farm (285 Britannia Ave W, House 22) by the EV charging station
    • Event details: We will be walking around the farm looking for various flora and fauna to record in the campus biodiversity inventory. Consider downloading the iNatrualist app before the event and creating an account. Closed-toe shoes, sunscreen and long pants are recommended. 
    • In collaboration with the Wellness Committee. 

    Register for the event here.

  • 2022

    Spring campus clean-up

    In celebration of World Environment Day (Sunday, June 5) and World Ocean Day (Wednesday, June 8), join us for a campus clean-up.

    • When: Tuesday, May 31.
    • Time: 11:30 a.m. to  2 p.m.
    • Meeting location: West sidewalk of the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre parking lot (near sculpture).
    • Gloves and bags will be provided; closed-toe shoes and long pants are recommended. 
    • In collaboration with the Student Union, Student Life, Faculty of Business and Information Technology, Faculty of Science and the Board of Governors. 
    • Land Acknowledgement and Smudge Ceremony to begin at 11:40 a.m.

    ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

    Earth Month 2022

    • Seed Starting and Indigenous Words
      • Monday, April 4 at University Farm Lands (OCIS office)
      • Noon to 2 p.m.
      • Registration is required.
      • Lend a hand with planting seeds for the 2022 growing season and learn about Indigenous words and their meanings from Jill Thompson, Indigenous Cultural Advisor. 

    • World Health Day
      • Thursday, April 7 at UB Atrium
      • 1 to 4 p.m.
      • Visit our booth in UB Atrium to learn more about eating healthy, review seasonal ingredients and their relation to your carbon footprint
      • Dana's Hospitality will also be participating, so swing by the UB cafe to learn more.
    • Waste Reduction and E-waste Day
      • Wednesday April 13th, 2022 @ UA West Atrium
      • 12:00PM -3:00PM
      • Learn about waste reduction strategies and what can be recycled on campus
      • Feel free to drop off old/broken small electronics for proper disposal (cell phone, cables, laptops, etc.) and batteries. 
    • Earth Day Mindfulness Nature Walk -MoodWalks
      • Friday, April 22
      • Reconnect with your mind, body and nature in this two-part event in collaboration with the Healthy Workplace Committee
      • Virtual component from noon to 12:30 p.m.
      • In-person nature walk from 1 to 1:30 p.m.
      • For more information and to register, visit the Healthy workplace web page.
    • Earth Month Bingo
      • Participate in virtual Earth Day Bingo from April 1 through April 30.
      • Get five squares in a row, share on your story and tag us @ot_GoGreen for a chance to win one of four prize packs.
      • You can also email sustainability@ontariotechu.ca with your five completed squares in a row to be entered.
      • We may ask for you to verify your sustainability actions if you are selected as a winner, so take some photos.
      • Ontario Tech Earth Month Bingo Card (will be available for download soon).

    Earth Month activities relate to many of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, mainly:  

    • Zero Hunger (Goal 2)
    • Good Health and Well-Being (Goal 3)
    • Resource Consumption and Production (Goal 12)
    • Climate Action (Goal 13)
    • Life on Land (Goal 15)

     Ontario Tech Transportation Survey

    Each year, faculty, staff and students are invited to participate in the Ontario Tech Transportation Survey with Durham Smart Commute. The survey is now closed.

    Learn more about transportation at Ontario Tech e.g. Electric vehicle charging stations available on campus and alternative transit modes.

    Ongoing events

    Healthy Mind, Healthy People, Healthy Planet: Our Collective Actions

    • Healthy Mind, Healthy People, Healthy Planet: Share a photo or sustainability tips and practices of how you are staying healthy (mindfulness activity and stretches, connecting with nature, reducing single-use items, nutrition tips, meatless recipes, etc.) while physically distancing. Submissions will be used to create a collage of how the Ontario Tech community is living sustainably, both on and off campus.
  • 2021

    Campus Sustainability Month

    Tree Planting

    The event was held on October 13, 2021.

    • Join Go Green and the university community to plant over 50 trees in the campus tree nursery, located at the university farmlands.

    Honey Harvesting and Bee Health

    The event was held on October 13, 2021.

    • Get front row tickets to watch our beekeeper harvest honey from Ontario Tech's beehives; you can have a chance to jump in a bee suit to lend a hand. All honey harvested is jarred and sold at multiple locations on campus, with proceeds reinvested to support our pollinator project.

    E-Waste Wednesday

    This event was held on October 20, 2021.

    • Join us in properly recycling your electronic waste and divert from landfills. We will accept broken or damaged electronics that would otherwise be thrown out.
    • Read a full list of acceptable electronics.
    • Stop by to learn more about our waste initiatives on campus.

    Fair Trade Week

    This event was the week of October 25, 2021.

    • Look out for campus fair-trade week. This will involve the sustainability department's work towards transforming Ontario Tech into a fair trade campus, along with raising awareness of the ethical benefits of fair trade practices.
  • 2020

    National Forest Week and National Tree Day

    This event was held from September 20 through September 26, 2020.

    •  2020 marks the 100th anniversary of National Forest Week in Canada. The Canadian Institute of Forestry has created the theme for this year as 'Healthy Forests- Healthy Future'. Visit the event page to find out more.
    • National Tree Day is on Wednesday, September 23.
    • ACTION: We grow trees from home: Collect acorns from around campus or your neighbourhoods; foster the acorn over the winter; plant the acorn, and care for and water the acorn during the growth process into a tree. Take pictures and share with us on social media @OT_GoGreen or email sustainability@ontariotechu.ca.  

    Honey Jarring Workshop

    This event was held from January 31 through February 7, 2020.

    • Come out and be a part of the Local Ontario Tech honey-making process and learn about our pollinator project on campus.
    • This workshop lets you get hands-on in the honey-making and jarring process.

    Grow Your Own: Seed Exchange Workshop 

    This event was scheduled for March 20, 2020 (event cancelled).

    Seed saving is important because you can:

    • Develop seeds that become acclimated to our local climate.
    • Grow plants that are more pest-resistant.
    • Save money on seeds and plants.
    • Know the origin of your food.
    • Become less dependent on large food producers.

    Repair Cafe: Don't Throw it Away 

    This event was scheduled for March 27, 2020 (event cancelled).

    Repair Cafe is an event where people repair household electrical and mechanical devices, computers, bicycles, clothing, and more. We are also looking for volunteers to sign up, with skills for fixing certain items. Email sustainability to sign up as a fixer, or bring in items the day of the event to watch and learn how to repair various household items.

    Ontario Tech Sustainability Scavenger Hunt

    This event was scheduled for April 2020 (event cancelled).

    Students will have the opportunity to explore sustainability initiatives on campus in a fun and exciting way. Students will navigate sustainability features on campus and on our website.

    Virtual Earth Week and Earth Day

    This event was held from April 20 through April 24, 2020.

    Celebrate Earth Week with us virtually. Take a picture of how you will be celebrating and tag us on social media @OT_GoGreen. Here are this week's theme days:

    • Meatless Monday: Try a delicious plant-based meal.
    • Textile Tuesday: Donate clothing to those in need or repair torn items. Did you know that North Americans send more than 10 million tonnes of clothing to landfills each year? Ninety-five per cent could be recycled or reused. (Source: Waste Reduction Week Canada).
    • Wellness Wednesday (Earth Day): 
      • Healthy Mind, Healthy Body, Healthy Planet: Practice a mindfulness activity and connect with nature. 
      • April 22, 2020 will mark 50 years of Earth Day celebrations, but we should celebrate Earth Day every day. Support the fight towards protecting our Earth. #EarthDay2020.
    • Trashless Thursday: Reduce single-use plastics by using reusable bottles and mugs.
    • Food Waste Friday: Shop strategically to reduce food waste. Don't forget to compost.

    Other ideas include: 

    • Complete an Earth Day EcoChallenge with your family or individually.
    • Gardening 101: Learn basic tips for planting a garden.
    • Start a vegetable container garden.
    • 30 days of activities in April.
    • Create a Netflix party and watch a documentary. Here are a few suggestions: The True Cost, Planet Earth, Cowspiracy, More than honey, Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things.
    • Healthy Mind, Healthy Spaces, Healthy People: Share a photo of what makes you happy or share how you are staying healthy (your daily physical activity, nutrition tips, etc.) with friends and family; don't forget to tag us too.

    World Bee Day 

    • This event was held on May 20, 2020.
    • We can all do our part to help bees and pollinators on World Bee Day.
    • Ideas/suggested activities include: planting native flowers, buying raw honey from local farmers or campus, buying products that follow sustainable agricultural practices, and avoiding pesticides and herbicides in your garden. 
    • Share your activities by submitting a photo.

     World Environment Day

    This event was held on June 5, 2020.
    Find out how you can help.

    World Ocean Day
    This event was held on June 8, 2020.
    Find out how you can help    .

    National Pollinator Week
    This event was held from June 22 through June 28, 2020.

    • Celebrate pollinators and all that they do. Plant pollinator-friendly flowers, build a bee condo and don't forget to 'bee' kind to all pollinators and the environment.
    • Learn more about the Ontario Tech Pollinator Project as we expand our gardens and create a two-hectare pollinator-friendly garden
    • Share what you will be doing on social media, tag or DM us @OT_GoGreen using #pollinatorweek or submit a photo.

  • 2019

    Recycle-Mania (February)

    Booths

    Look for the blue team booth on campus. Come see us at the booths for recycling-themed events, trivia and your chance to win prizes.

    Earth Month (April)

    Recycling Booth

    This event was held on April 1, 2019.

    The Blue Team will host a booth on recycling. 

    Guided Nature Walk and Campus Clean up

    This event was held on April 17, 2019.

    The Blue Team will host a campus clean-up and guided nature walk. Bags and gloves are provided.

    Earth Day Nature-Based Meditation

    This event was held on April 22, 2019.

    This nature-themed meditation is designed to reconnect us with our planet.

    Yoga in the Dark

    This event was held on April 29, 2019.

    Yoga in the Dark is back again this year. Wear your bright yoga clothes for a glow-in-the-dark yoga session that promotes power conservation—with a fun twist.

    Pollinator Tour and Nature Clean-Up 

    This event was held on June 20, 2019. 

    In celebration of National Pollinator Week, Ontario Tech is opening its doors to community members and students to showcase the exciting expansion to our Pollinator Project. This #GoGreenStayBlue initiative enables the bee populations to recover after a rapid decline in the last several years due to habitat loss and pesticide use. The tour will feature Wildflower Gardens, our 40 honey-producing hives maintained by Royal Meadows Farms, and our Solitary Bee Hotels, made of recycled material. Attendees will also visit the campus Community Garden plots, tree nursery and our greenhouse and solar panels. Through the tour, we will incorporate a nature clean-up, for those interested. Gloves and bags are provided and it is recommended that attendees wear closed-toe shoes.

    Our expert apiarists will deliver a Beekeeping 101 talk, answer questions, and allow you to look at our hive window box. Come prepared with all of the bee questions you may have and maybe some cash for sweet Ontario Tech wildflower honey produced on campus or infused honey made by Royal Meadows! 'Bee-aware' if you have bee allergies, as we will be close to beehives during the tour.

    Campus Market

    This event was held on September 26, 2019.

    This market incorporates various local vendors selling things such as maple syrup, fresh produce, jewelry, clothing, and more.

    Pollinator Tour

    This event was held on October 3, 2019.

    Ontario Tech is opening its doors to community members and students to showcase the exciting expansion to our Pollinator Project. This #GoGreenStayBlue initiative enables the bee populations to recover after a rapid decline in the last several years due to habitat loss and pesticide use. The tour will feature three hydro-seeded wildflower gardens, our 40 honey-producing hives maintained by Royal Meadows Farms, and our solitary bee hotels, made of recycled material.

    Our expert apiarists will deliver a Beekeeping 101 talk, answer questions, and allow you to look at our hive window box. Come prepared with all of the bee questions you may have and maybe some cash for sweet Ontario Tech wildflower honey produced on campus or infused honey made by Royal Meadows! 'Bee-aware' if you have bee allergies, as we will be close to beehives during this tour.

    Fall Movie Night

    This event was held on October 17, 2019.

    The Oshawa Environmental Advisory Committee will screen the movie Call of the Forest: The Forgotten Wisdom of Trees at the Regent Theatre. Ontario Tech honey will also be available for purchase (cash only), and we accept non-perishable food donations. This event is open to staff, students, faculty and community members.

    Waste Reduction Week

    This event was held from October 21 through October 25, 2019.

    Catch us on campus for various events, educational booths and more. Further details to follow.

     

    Fair Trade Week

    This event was held from October 28 through Friday, November 1, 2019.

    • Information booths and social campaigns: Stop by our on-campus information booths and follow our social media for free fair-trade smoothies, giveaways and more.
    • Reverse Trick-Or-Treat: We will hand out candy in collaboration with World University Service of Canada. 

    Thrift Swap:

    This event was held from December 2 through December 12, 2019.

    All students, living on or off campus are encouraged to bring items to swap out or recycle. The Sustainability Office will either recycle or donate un-swapped items to a local charity.

    Items accepted at the Thrift Swap:

    • Disposable plastic bags
    • Electronic waste
    • Gently used clothing
    • Nonperishable food items
    • Small household items
    • Used batteries
    • Used books
    • Writing utensils
  • 2018

    2018 Campus Market

    This event was held on September 27 and October 4, 2018.

     Visit a variety of local vendors and artisans selling honey, baked goods, fresh produce, maple syrup, jewelry and more.

    Unlock the Potential of Food

    This event was held on March 15, 2018.
    Read the event details on Facebook.

    Glow and Flow Yoga

    This event was held on March 20, 2018.
    View the event poster.

    Sustainable Literacy Assessment

    This assessment will help evaluate the university's level of sustainable literacy, through asking knowledge- and opinion-based questions relating to the different aspects of sustainability, both on campus and globally. This survey is open to students, staff and faculty. This assessment is now closed.

    Honey Jarring Workshop

    This honey jarring workshop aims to get faculty, staff and students involved in Ontario Tech's own Wildflower Honey and learn about the process of making honey, as well as educate on the importance of pollinators. 

  • 2017
  • 2016
  • 2015
  • 2014