Earth Day is a celebration of this wonderful planet we call home. Although one day of the year, efforts are continuous year-round in protecting our planet. As a passionate and dedicated community of global citizens, conscious actions occur every minute of every hour or every day to safeguard what we can often take for granted.

There is an interdependent relationship that exists between every human and nature. We are the earth. We breathe through our forests and oceans, we are nourished through plants and animals. We depend on diversity for sustainability. We are connected, interlinked. Understanding this is essential in how we take action on the 17 Global Goals. We are responsible for not only protecting our planet for ourselves but for the millions of plant and animal species, and for generations to come. We depend on the earth to live and the earth depends on us.

Each of the 17 Global Goals depends on the existence and success of its 16 partners. This interdependence affects how we take action and how we are working to create a more sustainable, healthy, and equal world.

Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities is directly linked to Goal 13: Climate Action. While we are protecting our planet and taking “urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts” we also need to be creating sustainable solutions for where we live and work. Making “cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable” (Goal 11) connects to both Goal 14: Life Below Water and Goal 15: Life on Land. Without understanding the human connection to our physical planet, how can we possibly sustain not only human populations but plant and animal populations as well?

This earth day, be inspired to learn more about our coexistence with the place we call home. Learn how your school, community, province, or country is taking action in protecting our planet. One of the beautiful things about creating change for the better is that sustainability efforts come in all shapes and sizes; influenced by perspectives and resources. Charge forward with a determination to create change. Use your talents (everyone has one) to share ideas!

Find a list below of events happening around Manitoba for Earth Day in addition to resources and ideas on how to take action. If you have an action project or idea, let us know!  We would love to hear how you are creating change!

Take Action

• clean up your community
• screen a documentary
• explore sustainable ideas and innovations online
• spend the day outside

Events

Global Goals – http://www.globalgoals.org/
Earth Day Network – http://www.earthday.org/
Earth Day Canada – https://earthday.ca/
Fort Whyte Alive – https://www.fortwhyte.org/event/earthday/
Children’s Museum – https://childrensmuseum.com/visit/calendar/earth-day
City of Winnipeg – Greenspace – http://www.winnipeg.ca/greenspace/EarthDay.stm
Earth Day events around Winnipeg – http://www.metronews.ca/news/winnipeg/2017/04/20/five-ways-contribute-to-winnipeg-on-earth-day.html