About Environment Week

2013

What Is This Year's Theme?

The United Nations has designated the year 2013 as the International Year of Water Cooperation. Canadian Environment Week will promote the theme: Water - Working Together.

Environment Week is a great opportunity for Canadians to celebrate our achievements in protecting the natural environment. It is also about people working together to preserve, protect and restore our water.

Let us reflect on the importance of our water resources globally, and how to protect them. Each and every day, water lies at the centre of our well-being, and is critical to our transportation needs and many recreational activities.

Family cleaning a stream
© Thinkstockphotos.ca, 2013

What Is Canadian Environment Week?

Canadian Environment Week is a time for grassroots action to help preserve, protect and restore our environment. This annual event provides us all with an opportunity to celebrate the progress that has been made but also to encourage further efforts all year long.

It is important to remember that every effort counts, big or small.

When Is It?

Canadian Environment Week takes place the first week of June to coincide with World Environment Day. This year, we celebrate June 2-8. Canadian World Environment Day and Clean Air Day are both on June 5 this year. June 8 is World Oceans Day.

What Is World Environment Day?

World Environment Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972 and is celebrated each year on June 5. This day is one of the main ways the United Nations helps raise global awareness of environmental issues and encourages attention and action.

What Is Clean Air Day?

Clean Air Day is a celebration of environmentally friendly activities that promote clean air and good health across Canada. It will be celebrated on June 5. What a perfect time to make lifestyle changes that help reduce our environmental footprint.

What Is World Oceans Day?

World Oceans Day, June 8, is a time to remember the life-giving role of oceans worldwide. This international celebration, declared more than two decades ago at the United Nations Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, has grown from a ripple into a tidal wave of awareness about the importance of our oceans.

Who Started Environment Week?

The idea for Environment Week emerged in 1970, when former Prime Minister John Diefenbaker (PM from 1957-1963) noted the “tremendous energy, enthusiasm and initiative” of young people concerned about pollution. Diefenbaker approached the House of Commons with the concept of setting one week a year aside to focus on environmental issues.

Later that same year, Tom Goode, a Member of Parliament from British Columbia, pursued Diefenbaker’s idea by introducing a bill to designate a "Canadian National Pollution Awareness Week". The bill was passed by the House based on considerable support from the public and all political parties. Royal Assent was given in March 1971. To draw attention to all aspects of a healthy environment, the name "Canadian National Environment Week" was chosen.

What Is There to Do During Canadian Environment Week?

Every year, there are lots of great activities across the country in which Canadians can take part. To find out what is happening in your community, visit our Facebook page or contact your local community organizations. Cannot find anything that interests you? Why not start an activity yourself?

Boy holding a glass of water
© Thinkstockphotos.ca, 2013

I Would Like to Organize an Activity, Who Should I Contact?

First of all, have a look at our Facebook page. You can get some great ideas about green events across the country. Contact the event organizer to get more details on how you can hold a similar event in your neighbourhood. What a great way to connect with others who share your passion for greening the planet. You can also contact an environmental non-governmental organization (ENGO), your local chamber of commerce, community groups and schools that could help you get started and participate in your event. Do not forget to post your event on our Facebook page to spread the word!

Who Is Involved?

Everyone! Canadian Environment Week has events that will interest all members of the public, from the youngest to the oldest. Ultimately, it takes everyone getting involved to make Canadian Environment Week a real success.  

Need More Activity and Event Ideas?

There are many opportunities for you to celebrate our environment. Create your own unique activity or event. Here are some ideas that may help you:

  • Have a tree-planting party in your community! Planting a tree is one of the best things you can do for the environment.
  • Have environment theme "paint-offs" and music from local artists to showcase works dealing with the environment.
  • Create YouTube videos on different ways to be environmentally friendly. Examples could be how to make your own household cleaning products and soaps. Share your knowledge with the world!
  • Host a kids' arts and crafts contest using only recycled products, e.g., a hanging mobile using blue box content.
  • Have a trash-free barbecue and invite guests to bring dinnerware (utensils) or use a Frisbee as a plate! This is good for the environment and good for your health (running after it) afterwards!
  • Work with local educational facilities to sponsor nature walks or talks. Do not forget to pick up litter on your walk.
  • Host a short triathlon (walking, cycling, running) with E-Week themed prizes. Make sure to think green when putting your list of prizes together.
  • Get your local officials involved! Invite your mayor or other elected official to give a speech and attend your events. Invite the local radio station or newspaper.
  • Invite local environmental organizations to set up booths at your event, school or workplace.
  • Encourage people to take the bus, carpool or ride their bikes to your event (and you too!) to stay active and keep the air clean.

Do not forget to post your event on our Facebook page to spread the word. 

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