Canadian Environmental Sustainability
Change that matters is happening now.
At CanadaSolves, our goal is to explore environmental sustainability issues within our nation. We wish to highlight how organizations, corporations, and individuals of all ages and backgrounds, are not hesitating to make change toward a more sustainable future, today.
There is a bright future being envisioned right now in Canada, from coast to coast. We just need to listen.
“Taking care of the present moment is about everything we can do to assure a beautiful future.”
— Thích Nhất Hạnh
PlastiCanada Podcast
We are proud to bring you the PlastiCanada podcast - discussing sustainability issues across Canada, and highlighting the individuals that are making change right NOW toward a more sustainable future.
December: International Human Solidarity Day
International Human Solidarity Day aims to raise awareness about the importance of unity of feeling or action, especially among individuals sharing a common interest:
International Human Solidarity Day is:
a day to celebrate our unity in diversity;
a day to remind governments to respect their commitments to international agreements;
a day to raise public awareness of the importance of solidarity;
a day to encourage debate on the ways to promote solidarity for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals including poverty eradication;
a day of action to encourage new initiatives for poverty eradication.
International Human Solidarity Day was established in 2005 by the U.N General Assembly. It is observed annually on December 20th.
Learn more about the #HeforShe movement created as part of December 20th’s World Human Solidarity Day
November 10th - World Science Day for Peace and Development
World Science Day for Peace and Development raises awareness about the relevance of science and its impact on the daily lives of individuals around the world. Marking this day also serves to promote scientific and technological innovation to address recurring problems affecting humanity as a whole. Science and innovation allows governments and individuals access to the necessary tools to develop solutions that will lead to long-term planet and resource sustainability.
Science Day for Peace and Development was proclaimed by UNESCO in 2001. First celebrated on November 10, 2002, this initiative has since included the support of many global organizations and governments.
October brings us:
World Food Day!
What we eat, how we eat, and why we grow the food that we do has a direct impact on sustainability and the health of our food systems and planet.
So what is a sustainable agri-food system?
According to the Food and Agriculture Association of the United Nations:
“A sustainable agri-food system is one in which a variety of sufficient, nutritious and safe foods is available at an affordable price to everyone, and nobody is hungry or suffers from any form of malnutrition. The shelves are stocked at the local market or food store, but less food is wasted and the food supply chain is more resilient to shocks such as extreme weather, price spikes or pandemics, all while limiting, rather than worsening, environmental degradation or climate change. In fact, sustainable agri-food systems deliver food security and nutrition for all, without compromising the economic, social and environmental bases, for generations to come. They lead to better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life for all”
UNSDGs 2021: September
Through resolution 74/225, the UN General Assembly, invited the Secretary-General, with the support of the relevant United Nations system entities, to convene a high-level dialogue in 2021 to promote the implementation of the energy-related goals and targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in support of the implementation of the United Nations Decade of Sustainable Energy for All (2014–2024), including the global plan of action for the Decade, and the high-level political forum on sustainable development.
International Youth Day
August 12th, 2021
“There are currently 1.8 billion young people between the ages of 10 and 24 in the world—the largest youth population in history.”
Plastic-free July
Whether your goals are zero waste, or less waste, make one tiny change this month to reduce your plastic intake.
June 2021: National Indigenous History Month
Environmental engagement and education is key for wholistic understanding of the complexities of our collective environmental impact. There are more than 630 First Nation communities in Canada, which represent more than 50 Nations and 50 Indigenous languages. As such, these perspectives need to be added to our collective voices speaking to these issues. Here are a few Indigenous environmental resources from Trent University’s Indigenous Environmental Studies and Sciences department:
Indigenous Resource Links
Aboriginal Links International
A site devoted to maintaining links on Aboriginal law, arts, human rights, environment etc. International in scope, not all the links are current.
Akwesasne Task Force on the Environment
A community based, grass-roots organization, was formed in 1987 to address the environmental problems facing the Mohawk Nation community of Akwesasne.
Canadian Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources (CIER)!
A national, First Nation-directed environmental non-profit organization with charitable status. They were established in 1994 by a group of First Nation Chiefs from across Canada. Through their programs, they take action on climate change, build sustainable communities, protect lands and waters, and conserve biodiversity.
Indigenous Environmental Network
Maintains an information clearinghouse, provides advocacy for environmental justice and health, convening local, regional and national meetings on environmental justice issues, and providing support, resources and referral to Indigenous communities and youth throughout North America and in recent years - globally.
National Aboriginal Forestry Association
NAFA's objectives is the overall goal of increased participation of Aboriginal people in the forestry sector.
First Nations Environmental Network
Works to protect and restore the balance of all life, through traditional Indigenous value systems. Links grassroots Indigenous people nationally and internationally to support each other on environmental concerns.
National Aboriginal Lands Managers Association
The Objective of the National Aboriginal Lands Managers Association (NALMA) is to provide a working environment which will be comfortable to all First Nations Lands Managers, to network between each other on land related issues, and at the same time create a system that will assist First Nations interests in various land management functions.Here
June is also:
World Ocean’s Month!
Celebrate and educate this month for the entire month with Ocean Wise programs and events!
Have you ever been whale watching? Maybe you’ve encountered an amazing marine mammal or seabird in the wild? Even if you’ve only ever been surrounded by fresh water, our experience with water is all connected, as are the creatures that rely on our waterways and oceans!
Believe it or not, our founder has MET the dolphin featured in this section’s background. Read that story, and share in the creativity of Canadians of all ages that Tales for Gaia have collected!
May is BackyardBioBlitz Month
Check out
The Canadian Museum of Nature’s free virtual events for May’s backyard-bio-blitz
“Creatures Aquatic! Discover what lives in local streams and ponds, and how to identify it!”
This #BackyardBioblitz month, get out into nature and learn about what lives in our local waterways, parks, and backyards! Dr. Katriina Ilves and Stéphanie Tessier will be working with the Canadian Museum of Nature to teach YOU why scientists collect and identify different animals.
Image and event info credit belong to the Canadian Museum of Nature.Earth Day, April 22nd, 2021
This April 22nd, CanadaSolves is proud to support Earth Day Canada in their mission to inform Canadians of how they can change the world and have an impact on sustainability of our natural resources in Canada. Check out their youtube video to learn more!
#TakeCareofthePlanet, #EarthDay2021, #EarthDayCanada, #CanadaSolves
Video © Earth Day Canada
TAKE ACTION! Take meaningful action for the environment today and take care of the planet. Are you in need of inspiration? Earth Day Canada has solutions!
• Check out the #EarthDayAtHome page for ideas on how you can take care of the planet from home.
• If health measures permitting, find activity ideas such as plogging, battery collection, pollinator plantings.
• Check out their calendar of activities to see what's happening near you.
• Share your good deeds and environmental habits on their I Take Care for the Planet page.
Projects and Partnerships
Want to hear more about our experiences? Come meet our partners too!