Every year on April 22nd, people around the world come together to celebrate Earth Day—a day dedicated to environmental protection and sustainability. First observed in 1970, Earth Day serves as a reminder that small actions can lead to significant changes in preserving our planet. We’ve put together a listing of activities and events you can part take in to help honour this meaningful day. Together we can make a difference!

5 Ways To Honour Earth Day:

1 - Spend Time Outdoors

Take a walk in a nearby park, tend to a garden, or simply sit outside and enjoy the fresh air. Being in nature not only strengthens our connection to the environment but also improves mental and physical well-being.

Local Tip #1: If you are interested in hiking and exploring the city's nature in a group setting, while meeting new friends, check out the Toronto Seniors’ Hiking Club. We wrote about this great organization in a prior post - read it here. If you are looking for more ways to spend time outdoors, visit our Recreational Blog area here.

Local Tip #2: You can also start your own walking club! Make it a weekly gathering, grab some walking sticks (bonus points for making your own) and enjoy the Spring weather.

2 - Plant Something Green

Whether it’s a small indoor plant, a backyard garden, or a tree in the community, planting helps absorb carbon dioxide and creates a greener, healthier planet.

Local Tip #1: If you are looking for ideas, we recently shared a blog on 4 Unique Gardening Programs within Toronto that are a must to check out! Read is here. We are no gardening experts, but we’ve heard that starting your own compost bin might also be a good idea - ask your neighbour (the one with the nice garden) and they might know a thing or two about it.

Local Tip #2: Stores like Indigo, among many others, sell cube grower kits (herbs, flowers, etc). If you are like us and live in an apartment dwelling, you can curate your own little herb and flower garden by grabbing a few of these grower kits. We’ve linked an example here.

3 - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Take time to sort recyclables, repurpose household items, or donate gently used belongings.

Local Tip #1: Switch to using a drink safe stainless steel bottle instead of a plastic one. Nowadays, many institutions have a water fountain, so even when you are out and about, you can easily refill it - no need to buy water!

Local Tip #2: Schedule a donation pick-up from your home with Diabetes Canada. They will come to your home and collect the clothing. Visit their website here, to learn more.

4 - Support Local and Sustainable Products

Shop at farmers' markets, choose locally sourced foods, and support businesses that prioritize sustainable practices. Eating locally reduces carbon footprints and promotes a healthier diet.

Local Tip: Check out the City of Toronto’s listing of Local Farmers’ Markets all across the city and their schedule here! This is a great tool, save the dates in your calendar and make it a weekly ritual.

Bonus Activity: Get involved in Toronto in spreading the word on environmental issues and shaping how our city tackles sustainability - visit the Live Green Initiative here, to learn more.

5 - Attend Local Earth Day Events

Living in Toronto means we have access to several exciting Earth Day events to participate in:

Tree Planting & Stewardship Events – Help plant and care for trees in the city.
Evergreen Brick Works Earth Month Events – Evergreen Brick Works will host guided nature hikes, sustainability workshops, and family-friendly activities focused on urban gardening, composting, and reducing waste. Visitors can also explore the farmers’ market and enjoy local, eco-friendly products.
Earth Day at Downsview Park – Enjoy a family-friendly day at Downsview Park, featuring guided nature walks, interactive environmental education activities, and community clean-up initiatives. This event is perfect for those who want to learn more about local wildlife and conservation efforts.
Clean Toronto Together – Join thousands of volunteers in cleaning up public spaces across the city.
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Earth Week Activities – Conservation-focused events throughout the Greater Toronto Area.

Earth Day is a great reminder that no matter our age, we all have a role to play in protecting our planet. By making small changes, engaging in community efforts, and appreciating nature, we can all contribute to leaving a lasting, positive impact on the earth. Visit the Volunteer section of our website to find more ways to get involved in a wide array of causes.

Thank You for reading!

Bzzz,

Team Carebee

5 Unique Ways to Honour Earth Day as a Senior and Curated Toronto Events to Mark the Occasion