It’s time to step up! How you can help Canada’s freshwater ecosystems
World Environment Day is celebrated annually around the globe on June 5, 2021. This platform strives to promote positive change and the restoration of our planet.
This special day is dedicated to inspiring governments, businesses and citizens to reflect on how we treat the environment. The United Nations started this day in 1974 in order to bring communities together to highlight some of the issues our planet faces.
The 2021 theme is “restoring ecosystems”. The movement highlights some eye opening stats about our precious habitats:
Every three seconds the world loses a forest that could cover a football field
Over the last century humanity has destroyed over half our wetlands
50% of the oceans coral reefs have been ruined
The entire planet needs healthy ecosystems in order to survive. In Canada we are lucky to have 20% of the world’s freshwater. These ecosystems are a true treasure to our nation and any Canadian should be working to restore and keep them healthy.
The WWF has highlighted major problems with Canada’s freshwater ecosystems like the lack of information on the health of the waterways and the fact that the majority of watersheds are under threat.
Middle Lake, Saskatchewan (Charleen Gregorash/Submitted)
If you are wondering, where do I even start? Here are five ways you can spring into action to help protect Canadian freshwater ecosystems.
1. Educate Yourself
Turning on the tap to find fresh drinkable water is a luxury for some regions of our world. As Canadians we should feel motivated to understand where our water comes from, how it gets cleaned and what the pressing issues are in our region.
For example, after a harsh winter in southern Ontario, lakes and rivers see a rise in salt content. This is due to frequently salting roads to avoid icy surfaces. This can be harmful to fish and wildlife in the region as an abundance of salt enters their habitat. Environmentalists have noted that during the winter and spring some urban creeks in southern Ontario are saltier than the ocean! This is lethal to freshwater ecosystems.
Any Canadian who lives in a region where road salt is used to treat roads should understand the risks and the issues of overuse. Educating yourself on how your actions impact the freshwater around you is essential for healthy ecosystems. Once we all understand current issues we can work towards change.
2. Regulate Your Water Usage
This is a challenging one! However, when a plan is in place it's very possible. Many Canadians create a laundry schedule or only run the dishwasher once a week. This all can contribute to less water wasted and a lower bill at the end of the month.
Innovative brands like Finish® are urging Canadians to conserve water by skipping the rinse in the sink before loading their dishwasher. By doing this households can save up to 75 litres of water per load. Their product is designed to ensure dishes are thoroughly cleaned and less water is wasted. A win-win for consumers and the environment.
(Getty Images)
Other easy fixes are taking shorter showers, installing water conserving toilets and fixing household leaks. Another thing to think about this summer is watering your lawn and garden after the sunsets. This allows for more effective watering with less evaporation.
3. Actively Prevent Water Pollution
Keeping pollution out of our waterways will dramatically increase the health of freshwater ecosystems. Visible garbage on the beach is one thing but unfortunately even litter and plastic miles up from the shorelines can find its way into the water system. Always ensure you are keeping a tidy property and recycling right.
Another thing to consider are the invisible plastics in our water, called microplastics. For example a cigarette butt thrown on the ground could eventually end up in the water. That little piece of garbage will break down into smaller and smaller parts.These very tiny particles may never be washed out of the water and as a result fish, animals and humans ingest them.
By keeping garbage out of the water we are helping habitats thrive.
4. Help Restore the Wetlands
Wetlands are essential in any country. They help clean our water, prevent flooding and provide a home for hundreds, if not thousands, of species.
Wainfleet Wetlands Conservation Area, Ontario (Sharrie/Submitted)
Unfortunately, over the last century the globe has done a number on our wetlands. Any Canadian can help reverse this by discovering what wetland is closest to you, then plant its native flora on your property. This will help pollinate and support its growth. Growing invasive non-native species can work against the growth of the wetland and can unfortunately do some damage.Understanding what thrives in your region will help the health of wetlands.
Also, this could be a good time to rethink fertilizers and pesticides. Opt for natural ways to tame your gardens as runoff from harsh chemicals can play a role in harming nearby agriculture.
Cline River, Nordegg, Alta. (Michel Landry/Submitted)
If we all act together visible change should be felt in our freshwater ecosystems. Canadians make so many memories on the water. Let’s keep them going for centuries to come.