I have started being mindful of serving only as much I can eat. We can always go for some more in the second helping if need be. With climate change arises the problem of food insecurity. Crops are failing because of unusual changes in temperature. Save food for the hungry.

One use for water retained by rain barrels is the maintenance of healthy plants.  Water can be used as needed which means that the surface runoff during storms is eliminated (reduced flooding) and the demand for city water is reduced (reduced water bills).  Also, locally produced vegetables eliminate the greenhouse gases (GHGs) associated with industrial agriculture, storage, transport and distribution of food.

Increasing temperatures and prolonged heatwaves throughout the summer as a result of climate change will put our most vulnerable population; including infants and elderly people at greater risk of heat induced stress or trauma. Such a potential threat extends towards our animal friends as well, as a sudden spike in temperatures in spring and early summer can adversely impact vulnerable populations such as chicks, small mammals and aquatic species. Migration and spawning habitats for bird and fish species may also pass the temperature threshold required to facilitate these natural processes, leading to declines and possible extirpation (local extinction) of certain species in impacted regions.

If every household in Thunder Bay had a rain barrel, then the water holding capacity of our urban environment would increase by approximately eight million litres.  That’s a lot of water diverted from runoff.  Water can be released from the rain barrel after the storm at the home owner’s convenience.

What would you do without power for your clothes dryer?  Using a clothesline can save electricity or gas costs, as rates will continue to sharply rise. Even during wintertime clotheslines will partially dry laundry and help you to save electricity.

Cycling is immensely beneficial in fighting the climate changes according to the European Cyclists’ Federation’s report, “Cycle more often 2 cool down the Planet.”Having proper bike lanes create an opportunity to reduce carbon emissions. Got a new bike #being eco-friendly.

Sudden climate change from rainy to sunny and sunny to snowy can directly affect people’s daily mood and hygiene. So, to stay as per change be awaken, be accepting of change

Earth is more than just a planet, it is our home. We need to change, and we need to change now. Do your part to change the conversation about climate change. We must stand together and play a part in protecting our home.

By working together we build stronger relationships, learn from each other, and become better prepared for the effects of climate change. I feel hopeful when working with community partners with the common goal of strengthening neighbourhoods. We are collaborating for Thunder Bay’s Strong Neighbours Night Out.

I get so much out of these new Low Impact Developments the City has recently developed (since when can I say I get so much out of any other stormwater infrastructure system!). Not only are they attractive greenspaces within the built environment, but they are a low GHG, highly functional, and cost effective at treating stormwater. Yes this oversized rain garden even removes heavy metals, fertilizers, and petrochemicals from the stormwater. I’m proud the City is applying these as best practices, a practice that will help us become much more resilient in the face of increasing rain events in the future!