Which Province Is The Greenest In Canada?

When it comes to being green, our country could always do a little better. Canada isn’t the greenest country in the world – an honour taken by Sweden – but we are on our way to at least becoming an environmentally conscious place to live. This is mostly due to a certain province out west that is making waves on the environmental front. So, without further ado, the greenest province in Canada is – drum roll please – British Columbia.

What makes BC so green?

There are many factors involved that make British Columbia Canada’s greenest province, one of the main ones is that it has the highest percentage of protected land in the country.

When land is protected, you can’t build on it, exploit it or do anything that will harm it. Having large acreages of off-limits lands means many national parks for people enjoy, green spaces that remain green, and there is less pollution caused by construction and terrestrial abuse.

Another factor that keeps BCers from messing up their air is that they drive the fewest kilometres per capita than the rest of the country. Furthermore, the province is home to the highest density of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations relative to its population. When you drive an electric vehicle, you are reducing the amount of harmful emissions released in to the atmosphere.

Energy efficiency is high on the list of British Columbia’s accomplishments. The province is ranked as one of the most energy efficient places in the country due to the low emittance of pollutants released into the air.

Are humans responsible for British Columbia’s greenness?

Mostly it is the people of BC who do their part to keep the province in tip-top ecological shape. However, the Rocky Mountains and Pacific Ocean play a large part by providing oxygen-rich soil and trees, fresh fish and water.

What can you do to get on BC’s level?

• Leave your car at home and walk, bike or take public transit whenever possible
• Reduce, reuse and recycle – you’re probably familiar with the three Rs already
• Don’t litter and make sure that all trash goes in its proper place, this includes recycling and compost
• Pick up after your pet
• Turn off lights when you don’t need them
• Purchase energy efficient appliances
• Install solar panels to heat your home instead of traditional heating mechanisms