Toronto’s traffic is off the roads, and big businesses have the lights turned off. The result, according to the Toronto Star, is a 15% reduction in air pollution across the city, and a huge reduction in the amount of waste being churned out daily. Paired with the open spaces that make Toronto one of North America’s greenest big cities, outdoors has never quite looked so good to your average Torontonian. In the fight against climate change and environmental catastrophe, that’s a big factor – and the brilliance of nature outdoors can serve as inspiration for making changes in your own life.
Reducing waste
With people staying at home, the waste burden has been moved away from the workplace and into the residential areas. Some of this is going to be unavoidable: you can’t stop eating, going to the toilet, and going about your daily business, even if that’s at home rather than at the office. However, studies have shown already that Toronto natives are making the most of their situation, and perhaps extra free time, to make strides in reducing waste. Figures reported by CBC.ca show a huge surge in recycled goods from Toronto homes over the past year, even when taking into account the rise in online ordering. When paired with increased levels of manufacturing recycling, which are seeing lower business volumes put heavy metals, plastics and chemicals in the right place rather than at the landfill, waste is on a downward curve. A better plan for sustainable living will improve this even further.
Changing lifestyles
The modern lifestyle is one sculpted by its history, and that’s something reflected in modern life. It’s often wasteful, homes are often designed towards convenience, and transport focuses on cars and other personal modes of getting around. This is changing, according to GBD Magazine, and Toronto is leading the way. With residents having a penchant for cycling, the city is putting more effort into making that safe and reasonable on city streets. In return, citizens are changing their habits to reduce strain on the city and make a positive change. This long-term interest is seeing a change to the very way people are living.
Old and new – remastered
Toronto is now host to a huge range of sustainable developments that are challenging the norms of everyday living. From the resculpture of historic homes in Rosedale to look old-school but have a serious sustainable edge, to the Monde Condos in the East Bayfront, developments are changing how residents view their living spaces and are seeking to change life for the better. Looking at these developments and introducing their changes, like natural heating and light, can make those little adjustments that lessen your footprint on the planet’s natural systems.
In the end, that’s all that matters: helping the planet return to a state where it benefits the human race in ways that aren’t as familiar as they have been in the past. Big business has to make the biggest steps, but small efforts from Toronto residents will help too – and, likely, improve your quality of life.