What and When is Earth Day?
Earth Day is celebrated every April 22nd, and it’s when 1 billion people in over 170 countries focus on environmental issues by teaching the importance of energy conservation, recycling, sustainable living and more. Out of the 1 billion people from around the world that take part, 6 million of those are Canadians. It is the largest environmental event in the world.
This year Earth Day in the city of Niagara Falls is when residents will be encouraged to participate in activities at home that create a healthier environment, setting an example for the next generation. The city will reinforce environmental awareness and bring the community together through its love of nature throughout the year.
The community is also encouraged to share positive, exciting and unique stories, on social media, about how they support environmental conservation (ie. composting at home, reusing old products, homegrown fruits/veggies, etc.) to inspire others to follow by example.
How did Earth Day begin?
The first Earth Day, which began in 1970 in the United States, was super-headed by Wisconsin Governor Gaylord Nelson and Harvard University student Denis Hayes. They inspired the US congress to pass clean air and water acts and establish the Environmental Protection Agency. The first International Earth Day was in 1990, and two million Canadians joined 141 nations in celebrating it.
Teaching Children about Earth Day
Schools inspire students to take action and learn simple strategies to conserve energy, protect the environment and influence others on how easy it is to do so. These simple solutions can be carried out from Earth Day straight into a way of life for generations to come. Activities carried out on Earth day, not only teach the importance of protecting the Earth, but also the value of community teamwork! Here’s a few other ideas that you can adopt yourself, while stressing the importance to your kids:
For Kids:
- Encourage family and friends to participate in Earth Day activities.
- Turn your energy towards the backyard and consider doing some yardwork.
- “Turn off the lights”, energy conservation. Plan activities all day with the lights off.
- Turn the devices off and play board games or cards with family.
- Composting. Make an effort to compost daily.
- Plant an “Earth Day” legacy tree in the backyard with your family.
- Post online what you plan to do during Earth Day to inspire others to participate.
For Parents
- If you are starting to garden, consider planting some pollinator flowers to attract bees, which are essential to our food chain.
- Register for the City’s annual Earth Day Community Clean Up event.
- Reduce greenhouse gas pollution by walking, riding your bike.
- Ditch the Plastic. Stop buying single use plastic beverage containers and instead, buy liquids in bulk.
- For new parents, consider using cloth diapers.
- Think before you print.
- Use the microwave rather than the stove to reheat leftovers. They use up to 75% less electricity.
- Use the right size pot on the right size burner. A small pot on a large burner can waste up to 40% of heat.
- Use lids while cooking to reduce energy consumption by 14%.
- Conserve water with shorter showers, wash clothes in cold water, and plant drought-resistant gardens.
- Buy local Ontario produce and flowers.
Earth Day 2023 event in Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls Goes Green!
When: Saturday, April 22nd, Top of every hour for 15 minutes
Tune in to our Falls Cam to see it live from home!
Earth Day Canada 2023
“Celebration Through Action, on Earth Day – April 22 – and Every Day ! Our Mission: To help people and organizations reduce their environmental impact. La célébration par l’action, le 22 avril et tous les jours ! Notre mission : Accompagner les personnes et les organisations à diminuer leur impact sur l’environnement.”
Need some inspiration?
The Earth Day campaign in 2023 provides real opportunities to take action for the environment and help local and national environmental organizations. Click here to get started: https://earthday.ca/april-22/campaign/picture-a-better-planet/
Let’s take care of the planet ✨ Watch the 2023 campaign clip!