On Monday, September 26, 2011, a new kind of project will be underway in the Riverdale and Junction areas of Toronto. If you haven’t heard of it already, it’s called Project Neutral.

The goal of Project Neutral as stated on their website, is to have Toronto neighbourhoods come together and take ownership of their carbon footprint, innovative technologies and funding mechanisms will be piloted. This is so that we can all face and prevent the tragic outcome of our planet. The strategy for doing this is listed on the website in steps as follows:

Step 1: Develop a baseline of GHG emissions for the neighbourhood
Step 2: Analyze results to determine the characteristics of the carbon footprint of the neighbourhood and key areas of opportunity
Step 3: Host a Neighbourhood Summit to come up with the best ideas and solutions to moving the neighbourhood towards carbon neutrality. Invite neighbourhood leaders, and innovators from public and private sector.
Step 4: Develop an Emissions Reduction Plan for the neighbourhood that will be lead by community leaders and supported by public and private sector partners
Step 5: Implement the Plan and track progress on an annual basis

If you and your Toronto neighbourhood get involved with this project, you will see that what your neighbourhood emits in carbon emissions will equal what the neighbourhood will take out or reduce – resulting in a neutral or net zero effect as said on the Project Neutral website. Spread the word and get actively involved!

This event will take place in Withrow Park from 2-6pm. To get more information and details as to why this is beneficial in keeping Toronto green, stay up to date on the website: projectneutral.org.