We know that Earth Hour was a huge success. At least 50 million people participated globally making it the largest voluntary power-down in history—and Canada played a big part in that with 150 cities and towns turning their lights off.
So let’s keep that momentum going on April 22, Earth Day. That’s the whole day, not just an hour and it’s an opportunity for us to celebrate our beautiful Mother Earth. As moms, we know that a little love and respect goes a long way…so let’s use this day to teach our kids how to show the planet we care.
There Goes the Neighbourhood
Don’t leave your ‘hood looking trashy. Round up the families and friends in your community and arrange a group to clean up a local park. The City of Toronto will pick up the garbage, but you need to register first by April 11. You can pick up gloves and bags at any Toronto Pizza Pizza location or City of Toronto community centre. Be sure to have an adult paired up with young children as you never know what they will find (or put in their mouths). Check the City of Toronto website for more information.
Plant Something Green
For children who are just too small to be collecting garbage, plant something pretty. Tulip bulbs are a seasonal fave and can be placed in a pot if the ground is not ready for them yet. Kids will love to watch something grow and bloom that they “made”.
For the more serious planters, check out Earth Day at Downsview Park on Sunday, April 20 and help plant 2000 native trees. They’ll have entertainment for the kids, interactive exhibits, and a green pavilion as well as a recycle yard where you can load up on compost for your garden and donate your used clothes, books, and household items—and it’s free.
Celebrate
It’s not just about us humans on this planet and kids need to know that too. Take the kids to the Toronto Zoo April 19–20 and check out the Party for the Planet where they can learn about how the zoo is working for the environment .
So make a plan to show the earth how much you love her. And remember that she needs to be reminded all the time with small gestures too…like lights off.
For a full listing of local events in celebration of Earth Day, click here.
Congratulations to the winners of the Earth Hour Clean Air Pass Contest: Allison from Winnipeg, MB; Meredith from Stratford, ON; Tina from Mississauga, ON; Angela from Mississauga, ON and Martha from Vancouver, BC.
Tagged under: green living
Category: events
