April 22nd is Earth Day, which is a global movement dedicated to raising awareness about the state of our planet and protecting the environment. The first Earth Day was back in 1970, and now over 193 countries around the globe participate annually. For some easy ways to be greener, click here!

Here are some places you can visit to celebrate and appreciate our planet:

Local farmers markets

Your local farmers market is a great place to get some fresh produce, and support YEG businesses! By biking or walking over you’re reducing emissions from your vehicle, however farmers markets themselves reduce fossil fuels by simply existing. Because these businesses are local, the distance that food is transported is greatly reduced. According to Community Research Connections, “since fossil fuels cause pollution and directly impact climate change, reducing the distance that food travels translates into environmental (and related socio-economic) benefits.”

For a list of farmers markets in Edmonton, click here.

 Larch Sanctuary

The Larch Sanctuary is a beautiful spot protected by Edmonton & Area Land Trust. It’s an important place for wildlife in the city like beavers, foxes, moose, coyotes and other smaller mammals. EALT has even recently installed a large bee hotel and rocket bat box, to help with pollination. It’s a wonderful place for a nature walk!

More more details, click here.

Edmonton’s Earth Day Spring Clean-Up

 

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This year the City of Edmonton, through the Capital City Clean-Up has teamed up with Waste Free Edmonton to organize a city-wide garbage clean-up event on Earth Day.

“We think it’d be an excellent way for people to get outside while safely social distancing. Clean-ups offer a sense of community, land stewardship, and belonging for everyone involved. Together we can celebrate our wonderful city and our planet!”

For more information on how to participate, click here!

Earth’s General Store

 Earth’s General Store is listed as a recommended business from Waste Free Edmonton. They have products that are certified organic, Fair Trade Certified, and local, with less packaging.

“At Earth’s General Store we offer visitors information and products that will help them reduce their ecological and social impact on the planet and all inhabitants. We are a distributor of information and knowledge, encouraging people to consume less, consume wisely, consume locally, consume fairly, and love lots more! ”

For a list of more eco-friendly local businesses recommended by Waste Free Edmonton, click here.

 

Hicks conservation land

Hicks is a beautiful area in Strathcona Country, and is part of the Beaver Hills UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It’s home to many beavers, woodpeckers, great horned owls and more. It’s also a great place to go geocaching!

You can find the trail map and more information here.

 

Happy Earth Day!

Filed under: Earth Day, YEG Events