The Nature Challenge: Learn More!

We've researched the most effective ways to help conserve nature and improve our quality of life. These simple changes can make a real difference!

Energy: On a per capita basis, Canada is the largest consumer of energy in the world and the second largest producer of greenhouse gases. With a population of just over 30 million, we use as much energy as the entire continent of Africa, home to 700 million people, and contribute 2% to overall global emissions.

• Reduce home energy use by 10%: A more energy-efficient home will lower your utility bills and reduce your impact on the environment. Heating accounts for nearly 60 per cent of energy use in the average Canadian home.

• Choose an energy-efficient home and appliances: R-2000 homes use 30 per cent less energy than standard homes. Modern appliances save more energy than older ones. New refrigerators, for example, use 40 per cent less energy than models made just 10 years ago.

• Replace dangerous pesticides with alternatives: Small children and pets are especially vulnerable to the dangers of chemicals.

Food: Most of the world’s water is used for agriculture. However, meat production and processing requires far more water compared to any other form of food production. Meat production is also the world’s largest user of land, for pastures and through the use of arable land for fodder crops.

• Eat meat-free meals one day a week: The production and processing of grains requires far less water and land than does meat.

• Buy locally grown and produced food: Buying locally reduces greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants from food transportation. One study estimates that the average meal travels 2400 km (1500 miles) from the field to your table.

Transportation: Transportation accounts for almost half of toxic air pollution, more than a third of greenhouse gas emissions, a quarter of common air pollution and almost one-fifth of toxic water pollution. Not surprisingly, cars are the worst offenders since they contribute the most CO2 emissions, cause urban blight, and pollute our water and air through exhaust and road runoff.

• Choose a fuel-efficient vehicle: A typical SUV uses almost twice the fuel--and releases nearly twice the emissions--of a modern station wagon, although both seat the same number of passengers. 

• Walk, bike, carpool or take transit: Researchers in California found the air we breathe inside our cars can be up to 10 times more polluted than the air outside.

• Choose a home close to work or school: A convenient place to live reduces the amount you drive, which means you'll lower your emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants. You'll also have more time to spend on things you care about.

• Support car-free alternatives: More alternatives to the car mean less pollution, gridlock and urban sprawl.

Learn more and share with family and friends: By working together we can inspire our elected leaders to incorporate environmental conservation into public policy. A healthier environment isn't possible unless we all get involved.

Are you In?  Join the Nature Challenge!

Learn more: The science behind the Nature Challenge

Download the Green Guide, a comprehensive look at the 10 steps. (PDF)
Download the Science of the Challenge. (PDF)