Environment & Sustainability
Researching environmental topics or just interested in doing your part to save the Earth? These resources will help you get started.
You can also visit our Climate Future page to learn more about ways our community can come together to deepen knowledge and take action around the climate crisis.
- Last updated: May 6, 2021
LIBRARY DATABASES
Access these resources using your WVML card.
Find articles from scholarly journals in nearly every academic discipline. Excellent for students and researchers.
ON THE SHELF
Check these out the next time you’re in the Library.
Books and films to deepen learning and empower action around the global climate crisis, as part of our ongoing Climate Future initiative.
Consumers' guides to going green.
Many helpful resources on living more sustainably and why it's so important.
ON THE web
These recommended websites are free and easily accessible! All you need is an internet connection.
B.C. Hydro's Power Smart program offers power-saving tips and programs for home and business.
A free, comprehensive GHG footprint calculator.
The Climate Emergency Unit (CEU), a project of the David Suzuki Institute, is a 5-year initiative to mobilize Canada to confront the climate crisis. This site includes resources, links to local climate advocacy groups, updates on advocacy campaigns, and even more ways that people can mobilize together to fight climate change.
The unit’s work is inspired by and seeks to advance the ideas in Seth Klein’s 2020 book A Good War: Mobilizing Canada for the Climate Emergency. You can check out A Good War from our collection or watch the recording of WVML's Climate Future: Seth Klein Author Talk from December 2020 to hear Klein talk about his book.
Research and information about conservation issues in B.C., including many recommendations of actions people can take to lower their carbon footprint.
Learn what the District is doing to address the climate emergency and how you can help.
An overview of recycling, Green Can, yard trimmings and compost, drop-off deports, garbage collection for West Vancouver residential neighbourhoods as well as apartments and condos.
More than 1 billion people now participate in Earth Day activities each year, making it the largest civic observance in the world! Learn more about Earth Day activities happening in your community and around the world, as well as year-long programs and tools you can use to support and participate in the global environmental movement.
Recycle over 300 types of small appliances, power tools, sewing machines and other types of electrical products at over 120 drop-off locations across BC.
The 6th Assessment, released August 9, 2021, was prepared by 234 scientists from 66 countries and highlights that human influence has warmed the climate at a rate that is unprecedented in at least the last 2,000 years.
The North Shore Climate Hub is a community based team made up of several local community climate action groups and individuals on the North Shore of Vancouver, BC and is here to unite civil society, business , government, and the citizens of each of the regional districts in our community.
Artisan Farmers Markets "provide the opportunity to shop locally and support economic growth and environmental sustainability in our community." Markets are open May - October in Lonsdale Quay (Saturdays) and Ambleside Park (Sundays).
Ocean Ambassadors is a not-for-profit organization turning the tide of marine pollution. "Through our educational programs and community initiatives we get people to the ocean, educate them about the threat of marine pollution and empower people to make real change."
Project Drawdown is an international research organization that reviews, analyses, and identifies the most viable global climate solutions, and shares these findings with the world. Explore climate solutions ranked by impact and net cost or revenue.
Canadian non-profit that offers a simple and free GHG footprint at a glance. You must create a free account to use their calculator.
Did you know BC has Canada's longest standing recycling council? Their website is a wealth of information on sustainability. Call their hotline or check out their Recyclepedia!
West Coast works with communities, non-governmental organizations, the private sector and all levels of government, including First Nations governments, to develop proactive legal solutions to protect and sustain the environment. They offer free legal advice and support to groups and individuals who are facing environmental problems. This website also includes their publications, an Environmental Law Alert Blog, and information on programs and campaigns to help protect land, air, water and the climate.
Established to develop, promote, and maintain best practices for protecting and sustaining wild Pacific salmon stocks and stream habitat.