Spring into sustainability: Making every day Earth Day in Ottawa

Spring has a way of getting us to reset - windows open, closets cleared, routines refreshed. And while the calendar is officially marked Earth Day on April 22, we’re keeping the spirit blooming all month long. It’s the perfect time to rethink a few everyday habits and make them a little more energy friendly. The good news? You don’t need to make big changes to make a difference. Around Ottawa, it’s the small, consistent choices at home that add up and help move our community toward a more sustainable future.

Here are a few easy ways to get started this spring:

Lighten the load with LEDs

With longer days and more natural light, you may not need to rely on lighting as much - but when you do, it pays to be efficient. If you still have older bulbs around the house, swapping them for LEDs is a quick upgrade.

Why it matters: LEDs use less energy and last longer, so you’ll spend less time (and money) replacing them.

Spring cleaning: the phantom power edition

You’ve heard of clutter - but what about energy clutter? Many devices still draw power even when they’re off. Think chargers left plugged in, TVs on standby, or that rarely used printer in the corner.

Try this: As you clean, unplug what you’re not using or plug devices into a power bar so you can switch them off all at once.

Rethink your spring commute

Warmer weather makes it easier to mix up how you get around. Whether it’s walking to grab a coffee, biking to a nearby errand, or hopping on transit, even a few car-free trips each week can make an impact.

A small shift: Try swapping just one or two short drives a week for an active or transit option.

Give your stuff a second life

Spring cleanups tend to uncover a lot of items you no longer need - but that doesn’t mean they have to go to waste.

Try this: Set aside gently used items for a garage sale, post them in a local “Buy Nothing” group, or offer them up to neighbours for free. It’s a simple way to reduce landfill waste, help someone else, and build a little community along the way.

Quick tip: For anything that can’t be reused, double-check what belongs in your blue and black bins to make sure it’s sorted properly.

Local spotlight: innovation at Zibi

Big ideas are taking shape close to home. Through its partnership with Zibi, Hydro Ottawa is helping power a zero-carbon community right here in the region. Zibi’s district energy system uses renewable sources to heat and cool buildings - showing what’s possible as Ottawa continues to grow.

Net zero starts with you

Getting to net zero by 2050 might sound big - and it is. But it’s built on everyday actions. Turning off lights. Choosing efficient options. Rethinking how we get around. This Spring, pick one small change to carry forward. It might not feel like much in the moment - but across a city, it adds up.