Earth Day Events 2016: Eco-friendly Fun For Everyone

Earth Day is celebrated every year on April 22 with eco-friendly and fun things to do all over Canada and the world. This year’s lineup for the Lower Mainland and the rest of BC includes a party for the planet, a variety of hands-on activities and an environmentally conscious clothing swap.

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Lower Mainland
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Earth Day Parade (Vancouver)

Since 2011, the annual Earth Day Parade has been a staple event for Commercial Drive residents and Vancouverites at large. The event kicks off with a march from Commercial Drive and Broadway to Grandview Park. At Grandview Park, participants are greeted by a celebration complete with speakers, musicians, and all the good things that come with gathering together as a community and collectively showing support for our planet.

Where? Commercial Drive @ Broadway 

When? Sunday, April 24, 1pm (beginning of the parade)

Earth Day Celebration at Stanley Park (Vancouver)

Celebrate Earth Day and show your support for Vancouver’s biggest and most renowned green space at this great event. Stanley Park Ecology Society (SPES) staff and volunteers will be on hand to walk you through some hands-on activities like invasive plant pulling, water quality testing, and bird watching.

Where? Stanley Park Nature House, Chilco @ Alberni Street

When? Saturday, April 23, 10am to 4pm

Party for the Planet 2016 (Surrey)

With over 100 activity booths, live music performances on three stages, and lots of entertainment for children, Party for the Planet offers something for everyone. It’s the biggest event in the Lower Mainland, drawing hundreds of people to Surrey each year. If you’re ready to party for the planet, hop on the Skytrain and celebrate Earth Day at this free event.

Where? City Hall Plaza, 13450-104th Avenue, Surrey

When? Saturday, April 23, 10am to 6pm

Earth Day Celebration (North Vancouver)

Celebrate Earth Day with the City of North Vancouver and North Van community groups. The event offers a variety of activity and information booths, a leaf-litter compost sale and great prizes. If you’re up for some meaningful volunteer work, you can help city staff remove invasive plants and local species in Wagg Creek Park.

Where? Wagg Creek Park, Mahon Ave @ W 21st Street

When? Sunday, April 24th, 12pm to 4pm

Earth Day Celebration (Chilliwack)

Join the Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve Society and friends to reflect on our environment and Chilliwack’s natural resources. This event has lots of activities for the whole family in store, including guided nature walks, tree planting and crafts. Check out their website for a full schedule of events.

Where? Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve, 5200 Sumas Prairie Road, Chilliwack

When? Saturday, April 23, 8am to 5pm

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All of BC
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Earth Day Clothing Swap (Whistler)

If you haven’t gotten around to spring cleaning yet, the Simplify Life Earth Day Clothing Swap might be a good place to start.

For a small entry fee you can bring any of your previously loved clothing, outdoor apparel, shoes and accessories and swap them for something fresh. And don’t forget to treat yourself at one of the many local artisan booths selling environmentally conscious treasures.

Unswapped clothing will be donated to Dress for Success, a charity empowering women into the workforce, and the Whistler Re-Use-It Centre, a social enterprise fueling Whistler’s social programs and diverting tonnes of waste from the landfill annually.

Where? Fairmont Chateau Whistler, 4599 Chateau Blvd, Whistler

When? Thursday, April 21, 6pm to 9pm

Creatively United for the Planet (Victoria)

Enjoy inspirational speeches and a documentary screening at the fifth annual Creatively United for the Planet Festival this weekend.

Acclaimed activist and artist Franke James will give a talk and filmmaker Sarah Robertson will lead a discussion after the screening of her 60-minute documentary “Sea Blind”, a film about the shockingly high environmental cost of international shipping. Tickets are $25 plus tax.

Where? Royal BC Museum, 675 Belleville Street, Victoria

When? Friday, April 22, 7pm to 10pm + Saturday, April 23, 1pm to 5pm