The York Region Environmental Alliance (YREA) is a not-for-profit, registered charitable organization (#84559 0553 RR0001). Our hands on volunteer board of directors hails from the far reaches of York Region and approves, oversees, and is directly involved with YREA projects. We have a dedicated membership and volunteer base. 3 part-time staff administer our day-to-day activities.

Formed in 1999 to initially campaign against the cosmetic use of pesticides, the York Region Environmental Alliance (YREA) has continually expanded its mandate to address ecological issues that impact our health and the health of our environment.

We are now in the process of shaping YREA into a model organization which other groups across Ontario and Canada can emulate. Our three-year capacity building strategic plans include:

• an expansion of our communication and outreach network
• the building of our volunteer and support base
• the development of an e-library as a source of public environmental information

The York Region Environmental Alliance has a strong record of working to influence public policy and community behaviour through a number of initiatives. They include:

1. YREA's quarterly newsletter GREENWORKS
   Informs people of issues which pertain to the health and sustainability of their communities and the environment and gives a voice to other like-minded organizations.
   
   
2. Ecological Footprint Campaign
   We have produced OUR ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT, a 12-page publication which demonstrates how to measure human impact on the natural environment. Through making small but significant changes people are shown how they can reduce their demand on the world's resources. We developed a comprehensive, educational presentation on this subject which has been presented to high school and adult audiences. A similar presentation, along with a complimentary curriculum geared to elementary school students is in our plans.
   
   
3. Pesticide and Lawn Care that won’t Cost the Earth workshops
   YREA continues to educate against the cosmetic use of pesticides and provides input at the municipal and provincial level. Our organic lawn care workshops, in partnership with municipalities and retailers are held regularly throughout York Region.
   
   
4. Municipal Election Questionnaire
   This survey, which is posted on our website, asked all candidates to respond to specific questions pertaining to the environment. The four key areas addressed were greenhouse gas emissions, planning for sustainability, waste management and pesticide by-laws. This was a useful tool for voters and also showed candidates and municipal staff who develop policies which issues were of concern to citizens so that these could be addressed at the council level.
   
   
5. The Idle-Free Community Challenge
   YREA designed a friendly challenge between two municipalities to stop idling. This campaign resulted in the implementation of anti-idling bylaws in Markham and Newmarket. In an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, YREA continues to promote anti-idling measures. Click here for details

Objectives

• To raise awareness of the impact of toxic substances on the environment and on human health and to campaign for the elimination of these substances
• To identify and raise awareness of environmental issues within York Region
• To promote healthy lifestyle alternatives through presentations, workshops, education and outreach
• To seek ecologically sound and sustainable solutions in areas of our concern
• To initiate projects designed to protect and improve the quality of the environment of York Region
• To work with other government and non-government agencies, volunteers and members of the community to achieve our objectives