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Niagara Region Goes Green

Everyone knows that the Niagara Region is known for its great wineries and produce, but this leader in the industry is now stepping it up a notch. Not only is the Niagara Region leading in the industry, but they are going green as well.

In order to do this they have taken a five-pronged approach:

1. Wine reinvention
2. Produce-a-plenty
3. Ball’s Falls Centre for Conservation
4. GO Train
5. The Waterfront Trail

As a way to reinvent the wine in this region, they are going green in their practices. For example, the Frog Pond Farm in Ontario is the regions’ only certified organic winery, but many others are not far behind. Some of these practices include having chemical- and insecticide-free hand-picked grapes; sheep eat the lowest level of leaves to expose the grapes to more sunlight, and birds to keep away grape-eating nuisances.

Because of the great climate for growing produce and fishing, the supply is just about endless about 6 months out of the year. These farmers and fishermen do not even have to think about using chemicals and hormones to increase the volume of their products. This contributes to the green practices in the region as well, keeping it al naturale.

The Ball’s Falls Centre for Conservation is built near a century old mill, and instead of trying to tear down the natural landscape, it is built over it, uneven floor and all. The plumbing system utilizes rain waters, and this saves 73 percent of utility and operating costs. This Centre is a leader in the industry, and it seems as if this is going to be the future of green construction.

The GO Train is another great way that this region is trying to go green. They have trains that go from the Niagara wine region to both St. Catharine’s and Niagara Falls. They think that people will be more willing to use this public transportation than driving everywhere. This is only one of their transportation ideas to make the region greener.

The last and probably the best way that they are promoting being eco-friendliness in the area is the Waterfront Trail. This is an 800-km long bike trail that connects many Ontario communities along the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario. For those that are brave enough to do the whole thing, go for it. For those that aren’t quite up for the whole thing, there are many fruit stands and wineries at which to stop along the way.

Clearly, the Niagara Region is showing a strong commitment to going green and should be applauded for it. However, there are simple ways that you too can start going green. Going green is easier to incorporate into everyday life than one would think. Recycle, plant some trees, and use EcoSMART organic control, the safe alternative for pesticides, around your home.

Kyra Pritchard