More and more city residents are thinking about their impact on the environment and changing their daily habits. Eco-consciousness has long become the new norm in Calgary: some choose a bike over a car, others participate in volunteer tree planting, and some are giving up plastic. In this article on calgary-name, we’ll cover the main eco-trends in Calgary.
Calgarians Choose Green Transportation
Green transport in Calgary is a true symbol of the residents’ new lifestyle. More people are ditching their personal cars in favour of public electric transport or bicycles. This is understandable, as Calgary has one of Canada’s most environmentally friendly transit systems – the CTrain.
Calgary is known as one of the best cities for cyclists in North America. It boasts over 1,000 kilometres of bike paths and 96 kilometres of trails. In addition, the city centre features a system of separate and protected bike lanes, allowing for safe travel alongside cars.
City bike rental services like “Lime” or “Bird” are also available to Calgarians. You can rent a bike or scooter simply by using your smartphone. It’s very convenient and quite affordable.
The city government and volunteer organizations actively promote cycling culture in Calgary. For example, in 2024, students at Father Lacombe School received free bicycles. This teaches children an active and eco-friendly lifestyle from a young age.
A Culture of Conscious Consumption
Local residents are increasingly choosing ethical brands, rejecting overconsumption, and supporting local producers. These choices are driven not only by a desire to improve environmental conditions but also by financial difficulties that more and more residents are facing due to the economic climate.
Consciousness starts with food. Calgarians most often choose to cook for themselves to save money. In turn, restaurants and cafés are switching to plastic-free packaging and sustainable products.
Zero-waste stores are becoming increasingly popular. For example, at the “Canary Goods” shop, residents can buy upcycled items, find natural cosmetics, and fill their own containers.
A culture of thrift and vintage shops is also growing in the city. There are well-known chains like “Value Village” or “Sally Ann,” as well as small, independent second-hand stores. For instance, we recommend visiting the consignment shop on 17th Avenue, as all proceeds from sales go to local animal rescue centres.
Eco-Activism and Volunteering
One of the main hubs of environmental activism in Calgary is the “Calgary Climate Hub.” It is an independent, volunteer-run organization that collaborates with City Council and businesses. Its goal is to engage the community in active measures against the climate crisis. For example, thanks to the “Calgary Climate Hub’s” activities, a mini-forest with over 800 trees has appeared in the city.
Interestingly, it is the youth who take an active part in such initiatives. For example, thousands of Calgary students became participants in the international “Fridays for Future” movement, which began after the famous speech by Greta Thunberg. The movement has grown into an entire “Fridays for Future Calgary” community, which has expanded its activities and collaborates with the “Calgary Climate Hub.”
Many of these projects are also implemented through collaboration with businesses: large companies finance tree planting and support educational programs for youth. This also helps spread eco-consciousness in corporate environments.
All these processes show that change begins with people. Every small step has a big impact. Thanks to these steps, Calgary is becoming an example of a city where a modern pace of life is combined with care for the planet.