“The Ontario government is striving to make all its operations greener. At the Ministry of the Environment, we are now using clean, green energy in our lab and at our head office. This is helping reduce our environmental impact and setting an example for other organizations to follow.”

John Gerretsen
Ontario Minister of the Environment

Reducing environmental impacts is a top priority at the Ontario Ministry of the Environment (MOE). A ministry greening program focuses on four key areas: reducing waste, air and greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption and energy use. In 2008, MOE became the first ministry to measure its carbon footprint, taking a lead in government greening and waste reduction.

In June 2007, the Government of Ontario launched Ontario’s Climate Change Action Plan, setting aggressive targets to reduce the province’s greenhouse gas emissions:

• six per cent reduction in emissions below 1990 levels by 2014
  
• 15 per cent emissions reduction below 1990 levels by 2020
  
• 80 per cent emissions reduction below 1990 levels by 2050

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by tackling climate change will build a stronger, more sustainable economy for our province. Ontarians from every walk of life and every sector of society are being encouraged to take steps to reduce their environmental footprint.

Additup is the MOE’s online tool to help Ontarians make environmentally conscious decisions and take action on climate change, including:

• reduce toxics use
  
• preserve water
  
• reduce waste
  
• commit to an eco friendly lifestyle
  
• rewards and tips, and
  
• calculate your carbon footprint.