Celebrating Earth Day in Canada! 🌍

LIVING
Canada Celebrates Earth Day

🌍 As April unfolds, Canadians join hands with people worldwide to celebrate Earth Day on April 22nd. But how do Canadians commemorate this important day?

🌱 Community Cleanups and Green Initiatives
Across the vast expanse of our country, Canadians come together for community cleanups and green initiatives. Whether it's picking up litter from local parks, planting trees in urban areas, or participating in recycling drives, communities unite to make a tangible difference in their surroundings. Find a local activity in your neighborhood. 

🖥 Educational Outreach and Awareness Campaigns
Educational outreach plays a pivotal role in Earth Day celebrations. Schools organize special programs to teach students about environmental conservation, sustainability, and the importance of reducing our carbon footprint. Meanwhile, businesses launch awareness campaigns to engage employees and consumers in eco-friendly practices.

🌳 Connecting with Nature
For many Canadians, Earth Day is an opportunity to reconnect with nature in its purest form. Families venture into the great outdoors, exploring national parks, hiking trails, and scenic vistas. 

🙋🏽Advocacy and Policy Initiatives
Beyond individual actions, Earth Day in Canada also serves as a platform for advocacy and policy initiatives. Environmental organizations, activists, and policymakers collaborate to raise awareness about pressing issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and habitat destruction.

🤗 Embracing Sustainability Year-Round
While Earth Day is an annual event, its message resonates throughout the year in Canada. Canadians are increasingly embracing sustainable lifestyles, from adopting renewable energy sources and driving electric vehicles to supporting local farmers and businesses that prioritize environmental stewardship. By making conscious choices in our daily lives, we can all contribute to a greener, more sustainable future for Canada and the world.

🇨🇦 Happy Earth Day, Canada! 💚

CANADA EH?
Things To Do Around You:

Secure your seats for the Edmonton Oilers' round one playoff action! Tickets available now for an exciting hockey experience at Rogers Place. Get tickets

Explore Toronto's vinyl-listening bars for a night out with crisp sound and good vibes. From Sounds Good to The Little Jerry and Kissa, immerse yourself in the music scene. Learn More 

Mark your calendars! Calgary Beerfest returns May 3rd-4th, at BMO Centre, Stampede Park. Enjoy beer, food, sports, and camaraderie with friends! Get tickets

Immerse yourself in Japanese culture at Japan Week, May 6-12, 2024, across Montreal. Indulge in the city's best Japanese cuisine and enjoy activities showcasing Japanese influence. Learn More

Experience the world's largest inflatable theme park at The Big Bounce Canada at the Woodbridge Fair, Woodbridge May 4th-19th. Don't miss the fun! Get tickets

Indulge in a culinary paradise at Les Foodies Festival on April 21st at Le Chateau Royal, Laval. Explore delicious cuisines, cooking demos, and savory surprises! Get tickets

Experience the Vancouver Hong Kong Fair on May 5th at 125 Victoria Ship Way. Explore the "From Hong Kong to Canada Since 1885" art exhibit and enjoy mahjong, face painting, and Cantonese storytelling. Learn More

TRAVEL
Biking Friendly Canadian Cities

🚴🏿‍♂️ Canada's cycling culture is pedaling its way to the forefront, with a surge in infrastructure development and ridership across its vibrant cities.

Montreal, Quebec
Ranked among the top 20 cycling cities globally, Montreal boasts an extensive network of over 1000 km of cycle paths, including the innovative EBN network. Under the leadership of Mayor Valérie Plante, the city is committed to further enhancing its cycling infrastructure, ensuring safe and accessible routes for all riders.

Vancouver, British Columbia
In Vancouver, cycling is more than just a mode of transport—it's a way of life. With 400 km of bike lanes, many shielded from motor traffic, the city encourages active travel and exploration. From the scenic Stanley Park Seawall to the bustling streets of downtown.

Victoria, British Columbia
Victoria beckons cyclists to explore its picturesque surroundings. While the city itself boasts 41 km of bike lanes, the wider regional district offers over 775 km of trails, including the iconic Galloping Goose and Lochside trails. With multi-modal transport options, Victoria is a cyclist's paradise year-round.

Ottawa, Ontario
As Canada's capital, Ottawa is committed to promoting cycling as a sustainable and enjoyable mode of transportation with 800 km of bike paths. Don't miss the chance to experience the breathtaking Canadian Tulip Festival along the canal banks in May.

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Despite its size, Saskatoon is making strides in cycling infrastructure and popularity. From paved urban paths to rugged mountain bike trails along the Saskatchewan River, the city offers diverse terrain for cyclists of all levels. 

Embark on a cycling adventure in these bike-friendly cities and experience Canada's beauty from a whole new perspective.

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FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Tips to Reduce Food Waste in Canada

♻️ Food waste has become a pressing issue in Canada, with a staggering 58% of food produced in the country ending up wasted annually, amounting to a hefty $49 billion. Here are some tips from Food Bloggers of Canada to help Canadians reduce food waste:

1. Embrace Leftovers
Repurposing leftovers can be a delicious and creative way to minimize food waste. Instead of tossing out odds and ends in your fridge, consider incorporating them into new dishes. With a little creativity, you can turn leftover ingredients into satisfying meals. Learn to cook with leftovers.

2. Get Smarter with Your Grocery Shopping
Avoid falling into the trap of buying in bulk just because it seems like a good deal. Opting for smaller portions of perishable items can prevent food from spoiling before you can use it. Plan your meals and make a shopping list to avoid impulse buys, and try to shop more frequently for fresh produce to ensure it gets consumed in a timely manner. 

3. Start Composting
For food scraps that can't be repurposed or consumed, consider composting. Many cities offer green bin programs for food waste, but if you have the space, composting at home is an excellent option, here is a tutorial on how to compost.  Not only does it divert organic waste from landfills, but it also produces nutrient-rich soil that can be used to nourish plants and gardens.

4. Stop Using Single-Use Items
Reduce your reliance on single-use, disposable items in the kitchen, such as plastic wrap, paper napkins, and takeout containers. Invest in reusable alternatives like silicone food storage bags, cloth napkins, and glass containers and work your way towards a zero-waste kitchen. 

By implementing these simple strategies, Canadians can play a vital role in combating food waste and promoting sustainability in their communities.

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