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🌿 Sustainable Summer: Protecting Canada’s Natural Treasures
- cheryl558
- Jul 8
- 3 min read
By Zainab Danmole, FORED BC youth volunteer Canada’s Natural Wealth
Canada is home to some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes on Earth, from the towering Rockies to the pristine lakes of Ontario and the ancient boreal forests stretching across the North. But as summer heats up, so does our impact on these precious ecosystems. With summer marking peak travel and recreation, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how we can enjoy the season while preserving the natural wealth that defines our country and powers our economy.
A Quick Snapshot
Canada’s vast natural resources are vital for recreation, economic, social and cultural reasons. Did you know that we use natural resources every single day of our lives? From the mining materials in our cell phones to the fabrics made from oil and gas in our clothing, plus energy and wood to heat or build our homes?
- Freshwater: Canada holds nearly 20% of the world’s freshwater, with more than two million lakes and countless rivers and glaciers.
- Forests: Canada has 367 million hectares (ha) of forests, that act as a global carbon sink, a home to diverse wildlife and a high-paying job creator for people, including many Indigenous workers.
- Wildlife: From polar bears in the Arctic to orcas off the Pacific coast, Canada supports over 80,000 species of plants and animals.
- Minerals & Energy: Canada holds vast stores of oil, gas, and minerals, and is the world's third largest producer of hydroelectricity. Sixty-two per cent of Canada's electricity comes from hydroelectric sources.
These resources are not infinite. Climate change, wildfires and other disturbances can threaten their sustainability, especially during high-impact seasons like summer.
Summer Impacts
Summer brings many outdoor recreation opportunities, but also environmental strain. Here’s how:
- Water Usage: Lawn watering, car washing, and increased consumption can strain local water supplies.
- Forest Fires: Hot, dry conditions often worsened by human activity, lead to devastating wildfires. For example, of the wildfires recorded this year in BC in 2025, “148 have been the result of lightning strikes, 275 have been caused by human activity and 12 are of undetermined cause.”
- Litter & Pollution: Parks, lakes, campsites and trails see a spike in waste, some of it non-biodegradable.
Sustainable Habits for a Greener Summer
💧 Water Conservation
- Install rain barrels to collect water for gardens.
- Water lawns and vegetable/flower gardens early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation. You can even let your lawns go brown! They grow back green in winter.
- Choose drought-resistant native plants that require less water.
🌲 Forest-Friendly Practices
- Respect fire bans and use designated fire pits. - Ensure any campfires are fully extinguished.
- Stay on marked trails to protect fragile ecosystems.
- Pack out all trash, including biodegradable items like food scraps.
🚗 Eco-Friendly Travel
- Opt for public transit, biking, or carpooling when possible.
🗑️ Waste Reduction
- Bring reusable containers, utensils, and water bottles.
- Join or organize a community cleanup in your area.
Explore more sustainability best practices at our website.
Spotlight on Canadian Conservation
Canada is full of inspiring efforts to protect our environment. Here are a few:
- Parks Canada’s Green Initiatives includes electric shuttle buses and a zero-waste camping program.
- Indigenous-Led Tourism: Explore Indigenous tourism opportunities and local storytelling in your community. Start here.
- Youth-led sustainability initiatives and natural resources: learn valuable perspectives from leading experts and youth voices at Young Canadians for Natural Resources.
This summer, let's remember: "Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but memories." Here's a few more tips.
✅ 10 Tips for a Greener Summer
• Use a reusable water bottle
• Shop local and seasonal
• Avoid overwatering your lawn or let it go brown.
• Respect wildlife and keep your distance when taking pictures for example.
• Recycle properly (even on vacation)
• Support Indigenous tourism
• Leave every place better than you found it. 👀 LEARN MORE ABOUT FORED BC. 🧰 TRY OUR FREE, GLOBAL-AWARD-WINNING EDUCATIONAL TOOLS.
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It's great to see awareness being raised about protecting Canada's natural treasures during the summer. One small but impactful step people can take is being mindful of car washing practices. Washing cars on driveways allows chemicals and soap to run off into storm drains, harming local ecosystems. Choosing eco-friendly car washing options or using designated car wash facilities can help reduce water waste and pollution. Every small change counts toward a more sustainable future.