Earth Day: April 22, 2025

Family-friendly activities to make a difference

This Earth Day, many events invite us to turn our concerns about the environment into action.

Canadians face several pressing environmental challenges that hold our attention, from intensifying wildfires across British Columbia and Alberta to severe flooding in Atlantic provinces. The continued melting of Arctic ice threatens not only northern ecosystems and Indigenous ways of life, but also accelerates global climate feedback loops. Biodiversity loss has reached alarming levels, with scientists documenting accelerated extinction rates across plant and animal species worldwide.

Plastic pollution remains pervasive in our oceans and waterways and water quality concerns persist, particularly in remote and Indigenous communities where access to clean drinking water remains an ongoing struggle. Additionally, the management of natural resources, from sustainable forestry practices to responsible mining operations, presents ongoing tensions between economic development and environmental protection in an election year.

It can all be overwhelming for community members, but Earth Day 2025 offers the perfect opportunity for us to come together, take small meaningful action for our planet and encourage our families and neighbours to become stewards of this beautiful city. Although the official day is April 22, here are some ideas to celebrate that weekend.

Graphic from Westwood Community League.

Westwood neighbourhood cleanup and BBQ

Bring your friends and family to the Westwood community hall (12139 105 St. NW) on April 26 for the annual event that pairs food and fun with a chance to make your neighbourhood sparkle! The BBQ runs from 12 pm to 1 pm with the cleanup starting after until 3 pm. Grab a burger or three! If the weather does not cooperate, the event may be moved to May 3.

Earth Day Festival by Seniors for Climate Action Now

On April 26, everyone is invited outside the Alberta Avenue Community League for music, food, and fun in one of 75 seniors climate action events taking place across Canada. Registration will be from 12:30 to 1 pm with Indigenous Ceremony, environmental speakers, and the “Raging Grannies” right after. Arts and crafts for all ages along with music and films start at 2 pm to complement interactive displays and information from local climate and social justice groups. For more info, to volunteer, or make a donation, contact SCAN! Edmonton at edmontonclimateseniors@gmail.com

Plant a native garden

Transform a section of your yard into a haven for local wildlife by planting native species. Native plants require less water and maintenance while providing essential habitat for pollinators and birds. Make it a family project by researching which plants thrive in your region and letting children help with planting and watering. Learn more about native plants from the Edmonton Native Plant Society.

Create a family sustainability plan

Sit down together and identify three achievable changes your household can make to reduce your environmental footprint. Maybe it's composting food scraps, reducing single-use plastics or committing to shorter showers. Post your goals somewhere visible and track your progress throughout the year. Here’s a blog post of one family's steps to a sustainable lifestyle.

Explore nature together

Take a family hike, visit a botanical garden, or enjoy a picnic in a natural setting. Disconnecting from technology and reconnecting with nature fosters appreciation for what we're working to protect. Bring a field guide to identify plants and animals you encounter.

Join the Litter Kit Program

Organize a litter cleaning program with your friends and make a day of it! Request your free litter kit online and pick it up at any participating recreation center. Each kit comes with three black garbage bags, one blue recycling bag, and nitrile gloves — everything you need to get started. Need a litter grabber? You can request one separately while supplies last! Find out how at Litter Services | City of Edmonton.

Take action all year round

Earth Day 2025 is not just a celebration, but a crucial call to meaningful environmental stewardship and advocacy for policy solutions that address these urgent threats to our shared planet. Check out EarthDay.org for more ways that you can foster our planet.

Supplied by Westwood Community League

Sherridon Routley is a friend of the community who enjoys urban exploring every corner of the city by bicycle. Although he had previously owned a house south of the RCP district and understands the challenges of the area, he now resides in East Glenora.