By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The recent Action on Climate Change event, hosted by BurlingtonGreen on Oct. 19, showcased the power of local community action in the fight against environmental degradation. Held at the Burlington Centre mall parking lot, the event brought together a diverse group of vendors, organizations, and environmentally-conscious citizens, all united by a shared commitment to sustainability.
BurlingtonGreen, a community-driven charity established in 2007, has long been a champion of environmental advocacy and action. Their mission is clear: to protect the environment, mitigate climate change, and foster a healthier, more sustainable Burlington. With a vision of a community that recognizes its connection to nature and acts responsibly to secure a sustainable future, BurlingtonGreen’s work has made a lasting impact in the region.
The event embodied these values, as local organizations came together to demonstrate how individual and collective actions can make a difference. One of the vendors, Safe Streets Halton, illustrated how a partnership with BurlingtonGreen extends beyond this event. The organization collaborates regularly with BurlingtonGreen on biking events and advocates for sustainable transportation solutions, including the expansion of bike lanes throughout the Halton region.
Lisa Farley from Minty Gold and Silver Exchange, another event vendor, shared a memorable moment that tied environmental action with personal empowerment. She recounted a touching story about a customer who brought in broken gold and silver jewelry, expecting to make just a few dollars. Instead, the customer left with a $1,200 cheque, which she planned to use for a trip to Morocco. By purchasing unwanted or broken jewelry, Minty Gold and Silver Exchange helps to prevent precious metals from going to waste, all while supporting BurlingtonGreen’s environmental efforts.
The Burlington Cycling Advisory Committee (BCAC) contributed to the event with a focus on eco-conscious transportation. Volunteers handed out bike lights, reusable water bottles, and bike bags while encouraging cyclists to register their bikes with Project 529. This online resource helps the police recover stolen bikes, reinforcing a commitment to sustainable and safe cycling in the city.
Scooty, a local electric scooter company, brought fun and function to the event by allowing attendees to test-ride their eco-friendly scooters and bikes. Shoaib Ahmed, founder and CEO of Scooty, highlighted the company’s focus on safety and public transit integration. Inspired by the universal colour of school buses, Scooty’s vibrant branding aims to symbolize safe transportation for all.
Similarly, Vintage Iron Cycles owner Melissa Forbes emphasized the rising importance of e-bikes, especially for aging populations. “E-bikes are the future,” she noted, as they offer an accessible way for older adults to get back out and enjoy cycling.
Meanwhile, Burlington Transit showcased its services, with a representative highlighting expanded hours and initiatives like free rides for seniors with a Presto card and complimentary evening and weekend rides for youth aged 13–19. Burlington Transit is also exploring electric vehicle options to further reduce the city’s carbon footprint.
Children had a chance to learn about sustainability in a playful way, thanks to the Burlington Community Climate Action Hub. Interactive activities, such as a bean bag toss game, taught young attendees about environmental responsibility.
Kale Black, senior program coordinator at BurlingtonGreen, reflected on his 16-year journey with the organization. Starting as a high school co-op student in 2008, Black shared how he was initially alarmed by the lack of conversation around climate change. Over the years, BurlingtonGreen helped him connect with like-minded individuals, and he eventually launched the organization’s first youth program. “People want to feel valued,” Black said, emphasizing the power of personal invitations in encouraging volunteerism and collective action.
Tech Genius Burlington Inc. also left a lasting impression by collecting e-waste at the event. Black noted that they had gathered 4,000 pounds of batteries at a previous event and a total of 14,000 pounds of e-waste during their spring collection. Through their partnership with R2-certified recyclers, Tech Genius ensures that all electronic waste is responsibly sorted and recycled, diverting harmful materials from landfills.
The Action on Climate Change event was a vivid demonstration of BurlingtonGreen’s core principles — engaging the community and implementing evidence-based solutions to protect the environment. From reducing waste to promoting sustainable transportation, the event highlighted the tangible ways that residents can contribute to a greener future. Through their ongoing initiatives, both online and in-person, BurlingtonGreen continues to inspire meaningful action, ensuring that environmental responsibility remains at the forefront of Burlington’s community efforts.
