Celebrating Earth Day – How to Contribute as a Newcomer
Earth Day is an annual global event celebrated on April 22nd to raise awareness about environmental protection and sustainability. The city hosts various events and activities to commemorate Earth Day, including tree planting, clean-up events, and educational sessions on recycling and waste reduction. These events provide an opportunity for individuals and groups to make a positive impact on their community while contributing towards a healthier planet.
Beyond the organized events, there are many other ways to celebrate Earth Day.
So, how can I educate myself and contribute as a newcomer?
Learn about the city’s waste management & recycling system.
As a newcomer, you can start by learning and educating yourself about your city’s waste management & recycling system. In Canada, household waste is divided into organic, recycling, garbage, household hazardous, and electronic waste. Visit your city’s official website to learn how to sort the items accordingly and put them in their respective bins. Download your city’s Waste Wizard app, use the online sorting tool, or contact your city’s phone line (for the city of Toronto’s residents, you can call 311).
Resources:
- City of Toronto Waste Management – click here to learn more
- Durham Region Waste Management – click here to learn more
- Peel Region Waste Management – click here to learn more
- Halton Region Waste Management – click here to learn more
Contribute to the Community & Environment by Volunteering
You can apply to be a 3Rs Ambassador Volunteer to help promote the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle) at your apartment/condo building. The city also organizes annual community clean-up and tree-planting events to celebrate Earth Day in April. Visit your city’s official website to look for a Community Clean up group, or even better, organize your own!
Resources:
- The City of Toronto 3Rs Ambassador Volunteer – click here to learn more
- Community Clean Up – click here to learn more
- Tree Planting Events – click here to learn more
Visit Community Environment Days organized by the city – donate items or get free compost.
The city organizes Community Environment Days to help ensure the safe disposal of household hazardous and electronic waste. People can bring unused electronics for recycling, household hazardous waste for proper disposal, and acceptable items for donation. If you are into gardening, you can pick up free compost to grow native wildflowers to attract & help the population of native pollinators.
Resources:
- Community Environment Days – click here to learn more
- Bees and Other Native Pollinators – click here to learn more
Learn about the Zero Waste Lifestyle
The zero-waste lifestyle aims to minimize waste by refusing unnecessary items, reducing consumption, reusing products, recycling materials, and composting organic waste. The goal is to minimize the impact of human consumption on the environment and promote sustainability.
Resources:
- How to go Zero Waste – click here to learn more
- Strategy for a Waste-Free Ontario – click here to learn more
By celebrating Earth Day, we can inspire others to act towards a greener future and ensure a healthier planet for future generations.
Are you new to Canada? The YMCA Newcomer Information Centre is a welcoming place for newcomers in Toronto to get trusted and reliable settlement information.
