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For 56 years, over 193 countries across the world, have come together to celebrate and recognize Earth Day. The first Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970, in the United States, founded by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson. Inspired by student anti-war protests, which then channelled public energy into focusing on environmental issues that addressed pollution concerns and a desire to protect our air and water, the two most important essentials for human existence.
Twenty years later, Earth Day Canada was established in 1990. This organization was established in France and Canada in 1990, aligning with the internationalization of the Earth Day movement. In addition to a large-scale awareness campaign on April 22nd, Earth Day Canada continues to roll out environmental programs and projects with proven positive impacts in areas such as waste management, tree planting, food waste and sustainable mobility.
Today, more than 1 billion people worldwide participate in Earth Day activities. From supporting local cleanup initiatives and volunteering to raise environmental awareness, to teaching youth about the importance of clean water, clean air, and sustainable energy. Earth Day reminds us that collective action makes a difference.
What is environmental progress?
Environmental progress happens when small, everyday actions add up to real change. Things like reducing waste, protecting our watershed and wildlife, and lowering pollution all help keep our communities healthy. Every action counts, and every voice matters.
Why is this important to us?
The District continues to take action to help ensure Muskoka remains as clean and resilient as possible. We encourage everyone who calls Muskoka home to learn more about how quick, easy choices really can be incorporated into your day-to-day life.
Here's how you can get involved and take action this Earth Day:
1. Offering your valuable time creates a lasting impact
Clean Muskoka Together is a year-round, community- wide litter clean-up program that provides volunteers with everything they need to organize their local cleanup in their neighbourhood or favourite outdoor spaces.
Support from our local organizations involving youth in our community truly makes a difference:
"3rd Bracebridge Scouting is pleased to take part in Clean Muskoka Together each year. Our youth take great pride in helping to make our community a little more beautiful each spring. In Scouting we work to "do a good turn each day" and through Clean Muskoka Together we're able to continue to put the Scout Promise and Law into practice."
As we welcome the long-awaited spring this April, spend time outdoors helping keep your community clean and safe for both people and wildlife. Schools, community groups, as well as friends or co-workers, are invited to take part throughout the month!
- Want to make a difference in your community? Register your group online here.
- How can we help? Email us at: epw.outreach@muskoka.on.ca
2. Take 60 minutes out of your day to learn how food security and health affect our communities
The District’s Community Climate Initiatives Coordinator will be sharing information about how our changing environment impacts our food security and health. Join us to find out how small actions can reduce those impacts on you and your loved ones. Talks are happening close to you at your local libraries!
- Gravenhurst Library, Gravenhurst – April 22nd 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
- Muskoka Lake Library, Port Carling – April 23rd 6:00 pm – 6:45 pm
- Bracebridge Library, Bracebridge – April 25th 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
- Huntsville Library, Huntsville, May 11th 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
3. Want to keep clean, swim-ready water at your home for you and your family?
This year, take action to help protect the water you enjoy. The Love Your Lake program helps assess the condition of your shoreline and highlights what you may want to plan for the years ahead. Taking care of small issues early can help avoid bigger problems later, saving time, money and stress.
The Natural Edge program helps turn those recommendations into action. Through free site visits, property owners receive practical, easy-to-follow advice and recommendations to improve the health of your shoreline property, and keep nearby water clean, clear and enjoyable for years to come.
4. Join our award-winning Climate Hero Program!
Looking for simple ways to make a difference, while getting your kids involved and make spring and summer more meaningful? The Climate Hero program makes climate action easy, practical, and fun for individuals and businesses.
Choosing from a variety of actions that fit your lifestyle, whether it’s biking to work, reducing energy use at home, or being proud of the beautiful natural garden you cultivate. Each action is rewarded through our Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels, plus a recognizable badge to proudly show all the effort and energy you make towards putting our earth first.
It’s a great way to turn everyday choices into teachable moments, plan activities with your loved ones and friends, and help build a more sustainable Muskoka.
Have you completed your first action? Share your success today and continue your Climate Hero Journey!
With all this in mind, we’d love to hear about what you’ve gotten up to this month. It’s inspiring to see what our community is getting up to. What will you do to celebrate Earth Day this month?
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