April 22 is Earth Day around the world, and in Montreal, ecology is very important. Since the 2000s, the city has been a model of ecological transition, and increasingly, Montreal is turning to the ultra-local, small farmers’ markets,microbreweries, a greener city and a love of conservation to share with the little ones.
April 22 (and the ten or so days around it) is our chance to take this green vibe and turn it into a unifying movement… and wear our best clogs!
1. we’re taking part in the big Montreal clean-up
After the winter we’ve had, Montreal’s streets aren’t the cleanest, and all that flying garbage (which, yes, should be picked up by the city’s cleaning services) can pollute the surrounding nature, make animals sick or, worse, go into waterways and poison them.
So instead of complaining, we’re going to get to work. And what could be sexier, at the start of the mating season, than to be seen cleaning up an alley? Loving the planet is your most attractive quality.
- In Ville-Marie: details here!
- At Maison d’Entraîde Le Chaînon: details here!
- In Lanaudière: details here!
- At Champ des Possibles: details here!
- In Outremont: details here!
2. learn to live greener at the library
Around April 22, several more studious events and creative workshops will be available at the Grande Biblothèque de Montréal. It’s a chance to learn to live (a little) greener, because we can always improve even if we live in the city, and what we’d really like to do is grow our own tomatoes in the garden…
It’s also an opportunity to pass on our love of conservation and biodiversity to the little ones!
- April 12: Story Time for the Earth
- April 19/April 20: Sow your Garden! a family activity on greening the garden
- April 26: Insect music, a family activity on biodiversity
- April 27: Building an insect hotel, a family workshop
The complete schedule of Earth Day activities in Montreal libraries is here!
3.participate in the Earth Day demonstration
On April 26, Projet Montréal is organizing a major demonstration to mobilize Montrealers to put better funding for public transit, a community-serving economy and resilient, sustainable living environments at the forefront of political considerations .
It’s a demonstration in defense of biodiversity, conservation and community spaces in which people and nature can thrive. Don’t forget your sign and your voice: it’s time to lend it to Mother Nature.
Where? Place des Festivals, Place des Arts metro station
When? April 26 at 1pm
4. greening the Plateau Mont-Royal’s alleyways
The Regroupements des Éco-quartiers organization takes all the necessary steps to create a green alley in your neighborhood.
Having a green alley means less pollution from cars and safer community life. It takes a lot of time and effort to set up this major project.
If you’re not up to the task, you can always help by participating in the clean-up or maintenance of a green alley near you… The complete list is here!
The greener, the better!
5. community and collective gardening
Community gardens are very popular in Montreal. There’s currently a waiting list of over a year to get a space to cultivate. Take the time today to plan for the future of your neighborhood by putting your name on the list!
And in the meantime, you can always get your hands dirty in one of Montreal’s community gardens, spaces managed by a group of citizens, depending on your borough.
For a list of the city’s community gardens, click here!
and for collective gardens, click here!
6. nourish the biodiversity of Montreal, and of your garden
Follow Earth Day Canada’s isntagram account, which posts year-round hot tips on how to live a little better with nature, and get involved in the many small- and large-scale battles that are making a difference (even if you can’t see it right away)…
Happy Earth Day!