Grow Op

Earth Day events in Toronto for 2016

Earth day is set to be celebrated in Toronto on Friday, April 22, but there are loads of lead-up events in support of environmental protection across the city. Whether you want to fill your home and wardrobe with eco-friendly items or to get your hands dirty with a little tree planting, there are more than a few ways to go green.

Here's how to celebrate Earth Day in Toronto this year.

Green Living Show (April 15-17)
North America's largest consumer show dedicated to healthy and sustainable products and lifestyle ideas returns to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on April 15 for a three-day stint. This year is the show's 10th anniversary and they're celebrating it with an impressive lineup of over 40 prominent environmental and health experts sharing their expertise all weekend long.

Drop, Swap & Shop (April 17)
Make your way to the Evergreen Brick Works for an ethical and eco-friendly shopping experience. You'll get the chance to drop off your old electronics, swap in your unwanted items and buy some fresh new goods at the Etsy Maker's Market.

Gladstone Grow Op 2016 (April 21-24)
Head to the Gladstone for an exhibition built to "reframe our understanding of the shifting boundaries between urban and wild, culture and nature." Aside from seeing some thought-provoking works, you'll also get to catch the Alternative Food & Drink Show, which will showcase unique dishes made from alternative ingredients.

Earth Day (April 22)
While you could easily spend Friday throwing back beers in anticipation on a night out, why not get a little eco-friendly for a few hours instead? April 22 marks Earth Day and Torontonians are celebrating by congregating in Nathan Phillips Square. The group will also be marching the streets and picking up trash to keep our city clean and green.

Earth Ball (April 22)
For all you environmentally conscious partygoers, there's the Earth Ball. Get philanthropic at the Mill Street Beer Hall while sampling local eats by chef Michael Stadtlander, networking, and celebrating the year's environmental achievements. On top of that there will be a silent auction, eco gift bags up for grabs and more. Tickets cost $150.

Earth Day film screening: Hadwin's Judgement (April 22)
Head to the Bloor/Gladstone Library on Earth Day for a screening of Hadwin's Judgement. The movie chronicles a logging engineer/survivalist's attempt to stop the destruction of a rainforest.

UNACTO Earth Day Reflections on COP21: A Call to Think Globally and Act Locally (April 23)
Want to learn a thing or two about climate change? Head to Hart House on April 23.The UNACTO Earth Day event spotlights leaders from the government, local community, academic and private sectors. It will feature an exhibit of art and environmental initiatives, a keynote, and panel discussions.

Gladstone Flea Goes Green (April 23)
In honour of Earth Day the Gladstone Flea will be selling goods from local, ethical and environmentally sustainable makers. Vendors include Toronto Bee Rescue, Citchen Candle Co., Samyoga, Foxglove Apothecary and more.

Earth Day Ravine Clean Up (April 24)
While art shows and swap events may be entertaining, sometimes you've got to put in a little elbow grease to see results. Give back to Mother Nature by helping with the Glen Stewart Ravine Clean Up on April 24.

Downsview Park Earth Day Tree Planting (April 24)
Get your hands dirty and join Toronto's amateur arborists at Downsview Park for a day of tree planting. A drop-in campfire with marshmallows and a self-guided park tour brochure will be available while supplies last. If you're feeling even more charitable, bring along a non-perishable food item as a donation in support of the North York Harvest Food Bank.

Walk for Water (April 25)
Put yourself in another persons shoes by joining in on Aveda Canada's Walk for Water. The event is a 6km walk that signifies the distance walked by people in developing countries to collect water. Proceeds from the event go toward WaterAid.

What did I miss? Add more Earth Day events to the comments.

Photo via the Gladstone Hotel on Facebook


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