Brampton Environmental Alliance
On October 29th, BEA members Rajbalinder and Aneet were at Harold M. Brathwaite Secondary School in support of their community engagement event that included parent interviews. Harold M. Brathwaite is a school of approximately 1,700 students with programs including: International Baccalaureate (IB), Specialist High Skills Major in Justice and Business Studies, International Student Program, Developmental Disabilities Program.
Gunjan, Dayle, and David spent the afternoon this past Wednesday connecting with TMU’s very first cohort of medical students — an inspiring group with deep passion for how climate and the environment shape both physical and mental health. 
Over the years, I’ve gained a reputation in my family for fixing things. Often, just a good cleaning or tightening a loose bolt is all that’s required to get an old appliance running like new. It turns out it is more about having the courage, (or stupidity) to take things apart and the patience to figure out how to put them back together again, than it is about knowledge or skill. I sometimes end up with an extra screw or two that I don’t know what to do with but if it works, what the heck!
Continue reading “Repair Café: Fostering Sustainability Through Community, Advocacy and Legislation”
Members of the BEA attended two school community events earlier this month.
On October 8th, Ghazanfar, Yarim, Gunjan, and Rajbalinder attended the W. G. Davis Senior Public School Open House. One-Planet Living and Plant-Based Treaty were among the topics discussed with students and parents.
“The Science is real, the problem is urgent. Global greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced by 50% by 2030 to avoid climate catastrophe”. Those were the words from David Miller, the keynote speaker at the Ontario Climate Summit held at the University of Toronto this past weekend, attended by four members of the BEA Board, Polly, Rhythm, Dayle and David.
David Miller is the Managing Director of the C40 Centre for City Climate Policy and Economy. The C40 Centre provides mayors, policymakers and city practitioners with the evidence, analysis and policy guidance needed to implement progressive and equitable climate action.
Mr. Miller went on to say that 80% of the people surveyed in Canada want governments to take stronger climate action, that people believe in the science but vastly overestimate the number and strength of the opposition. He said only 17% are climate deniers, the “drill baby drill” folks, but that their oversized voices tend to sway political discussions and policy making.
Continue reading “Ontario Climate Summit October 3-5, 2025”
The Provincial Government continued its attack on environmental sustainability this past week, by passing Bill 5 “Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act” and Bill 17, Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act, 2025″. They did so despite strong opposition from environmental groups, opposition parties, and First Nations Peoples.
Continue reading “Another Provincial Attack on Environmental Sustainability”
April is the time of year when we celebrate Earth’s bounties, take joy from daylight as it emerges from darkness’s sheath, and as we are released from the ravages of winter cold, snow and ice. April is also a time for us to reflect on the importance of the earth’s natural environment to our health and wellbeing, and the damage it suffers as a result of human pursuit of perpetual economic growth. The old adage that, “those who forget history are doomed to repeat it” is poignant today for many reasons but, perhaps, especially so for the environment. With government’s of all stripes and colours, north and south of the Canada, U.S. border, rolling back environmental legislation in the name of progress, growth and affordability, it’s worth looking back to the time before much of this legislation existed to examine the impact that unbridled growth can have on our quantity and quality of life.
Continue reading “April is Earth Month, Take the Pledge!”
Emerald Energy from Waste is a private waste burning company located on Brampton’s southeast border with Mississauga. Emerald has been operating this plant since 1992. Recently, they submitted a proposal to the Ontario Government for permission to dramatically increase their plant capacity, to accommodate the equivalent of 1/3 of all of Ontario’s household waste and become the largest mass burn facility in Canada.
Emerald claims they are a clean, green technology company turning unwanted waste into sustainable electricity. Representatives, including experts from Environmental Defence, Toronto Environmental Alliance, and Region of Peel Public Health Department, dispute those claims citing the following facts:
Continue reading “Emerald Energy from Waste, Time to fight back”
Saturday March 22nd was a busy day for the BEA supporting two community tables.
In the morning, the Bramalea Community Network hosted a Health and Wellness Day at the Knightsbridge Seniors Centre. About 30 neighbourhood residents attended including seniors from the Centre as well as families from the surrounding community.
Continue reading “BEA Supports Events in Bramalea and Caledon East on March 22nd”
Canada’s Food Guide, produced by Health Canada, is a resource that provides practical, evidence-based recommendations to help Canadians make healthy food choices and develop healthy eating patterns. The guide aims to help Canadians meet their nutritional needs while reducing the risk of chronic disease and contributing to overall health and well-being. The first guide was introduced in 1942 and the recommendations have evolved over the years to reflect the latest scientific research.
Continue reading “How Eating Less Meat Helps Address Climate Change”