Celebrate Earth Day in the Lower Mainland
Earth Day is an event celebrated every year on April 22. It began in 1970 when millions of Americans were motivated to launch a modern environmental movement. This brought the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act, and many other environmental laws. Earth Day has since become a global celebration that brings environmental issues to the world stage.
Earth Day 2018’s focus is the end of plastic pollution. “From poisoning and injuring marine life to disrupting human hormones, from littering our beaches and landscapes to clogging our waste streams and landfills, the exponential growth of plastics is now threatening the survival of our planet. Earth Day 2018 is dedicated to providing the information and inspiration needed to fundamentally change human attitude and behavior about plastics.”
In the Lower Mainland, there are a few key events that take place to participate and celebrate in Earth Day activities.
The City of Surrey is planning a top-quality, FREE, family friend event. This event features a line-up of well-known bands for all ages, such as Bobs and Lolo and Sam Roberts, who will perform on the main stage. It offers fun activities for children, such as Kids World where they can have their faces painted or make fun eco-themed crafts. They will bring the Surrey Fire Department to provide information about Emergency Preparedness at Surrey’s Party for the Planet. They will offer an adventure zone where your children can bunjee jump, rock climb, and expel their energy. And, of course, the Surrey Libraries (City Centre Branch) will be on hand to entertain you with stories, crafts, special guests from Science World and more!
In Vancouver, you will find the Earth Day Parade and Festival on April 21st. The annual Earth Day Parade brings together elementary and secondary students along with their adults to celebrate and learn how they can contribute to positive action for the climate. This event will have guest speakers, workshops, NGO tents, entertainment and musical performances. While this event is targeted to students, it is open to the public as well.
You can also head over to Stanley Park to celebrate in a more natural way. Free walks and activities for everyone who stops by. You can stop by the Stanley Park Nature House April 21st between 12:00 and 4:00pm to help put some native plants into the ground. You can join them for a free walk to explore the Heron colony (register here) or get a glimpse of our conservation efforts up close on a walk featuring the challenges and successes of restoration in urban parks. Finally, you can wander among their exhibitor tables for family-friendly activities from our sponsors and community groups. Festivities kick off at the Nature House viewing platform at 12:00pm, tools and treats provided!
If you want information about Earth Day to share with your children, check out this list of great books available at your Surrey Public Libraries. Regardless of what you decide to do, take a moment and think about the small changes that you can make in your daily life that can impact the future home of our children. Happy Earth Day.