April 22 marks Earth Day, a global event that is dedicated to celebrating our planet and raising awareness about the importance of protecting the environment and its natural resources.
Started by EARTHDAY.ORG in 1970, Earth Day aims to diversify, educate, and mobilize the environmental movement around the world. With the rising environmental crisis, it’s important for everyone to pitch in and protect our planet. This is where YOU come in.
You might be wondering if you can truly make an impact—every action matters. When your voice and efforts join with others, they become part of something powerful. That’s exactly why millions of people come together to celebrate Earth Day each year—and why that number keeps growing. Here is how you can play a part in celebrating Earth Day this year.
1. Promote sustainable transportation options instead of car travel
Prioritize walking or taking transit. The weather has been a little nicer to us recently. So why not bask in the sun by taking a walk? It’s good for your health, cost-efficient, and carbon friendly!
2. Reduce your food waste and consider composting
One easy way to cut down on food waste is by using up your leftovers. Get creative! Turn that extra rice in the fridge into a stir-fry, or toss last night’s chicken into today’s salad. And if there’s anything you can’t use, compost it! Composting reduces landfill use, which overall reduces the planet’s carbon emissions.
3. Clear out your emails
Did you know your emails leave behind a carbon footprint? Although small, it can add up over time. Our emails are stored on servers that are located in massive data centres that run 24/7. Due to that, they require a lot of energy to keep running. Most of that energy comes from burning fossil fuels. So if you have a few minutes to spare, hit delete! Your digital cleanup will make a difference over time.
4. Participate in the City Nature Challenge (CNC)
The City Nature Challenge is a global event that encourages people to get outside and explore the wildlife in their own cities—and Calgary is joining in for its 7th year! From April 25 to May 4, you’re invited to snap photos or record sounds of wild plants and animals you spot around the city. Upload your observations to the iNaturalist app, and help others by identifying what they’ve found too. It’s a fun and interactive way to connect with nature and celebrate Earth Month. This challenge is a great reminder that protecting the planet starts with appreciating nature, even if it’s just in our own backyard.
5. Support your local environmental charities
Local organizations play a huge role in driving last changes in the community–and they need your support to keep going. One way to make a difference this Earth Day is by supporting Green Calgary! We’re currently running a fundraising campaign to raise $5,000 for our Outdoor Connections program, which brings environmental education to Grade 4-9s across the city. Your donation can help empower and inspire the next generation!
Donate Today
Doing something concrete on April 22nd is good, but doing it everyday is even better! Small, consistent actions add up to big change over time. Let this year’s Earth Day be your starting point, not just a one day event.
