Celebrate Earth Day

It’s been 40 years since Earth Day was started by a group of young, hardworking and gutsy New Yorkers who were passionate about protecting the environment. A group of twentysomethings with a dream, they began a grassroots movement that saw New York City’s Fifth Avenue swarming with people who adopted their vision. The official inauguration of Earth Day in New York birthed the Environmental Protection Agency and other organizations that carried on the torch of environmentalism.

The Earth Day fever spread to Canada in 1990, 20 years after that fateful day in New York. Canadian organizers witnessed a huge interest among the public, when about two million participants responded to Earth Day events. Earth Day in Canada has prompted the creation of a national charity, awareness in schools, individuals and businesses. Hometown heroes were created to recognize people who were making significant positive impact for the environment. This year, Earth Day Canada continues this tradition by sponsoring a film competition that will highlight the unsung heroes of environmental stewardship.

Celebrate Earth Day with millions of other Canadians today. Turn down the thermostat, use renewable energy sources, ride a bike, walk or take public transit. If you want to join an official gathering, many B.C. communities are holding organized Earth Day Canada events. Just visit www.earthday.ca. Mother Nature will thank you for it.