Earth Day and Protecting This Land
The astonishing wilderness of Hope, Cascades & Canyons provides healing, inspiration, and well-being to those fortunate enough to spend time in its graces. From breathing in fresh mountain air on a hike, paddling in crystal clear waters, camping in deep forest groves, to simply marvelling at the rugged beauty of the landscape, we find solace, peace, and refuge from life’s daily stresses. For everything nature provides us, we must protect this priceless gift for ourselves and the generations yet to come. Earth Day gives us pause to not only reflect on this, but to roll up our sleeves and take action on protecting this wondrous place!
WHAT IS EARTH DAY?
Concerned about the harmful effects of widespread pesticide usage and the aftermath of an oil spill in California, U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson began a campaign to spread awareness of environmental issues. The first Earth Day took place on April 22, 1970, with a number of events, rallies, and marches, calling to action the vital need to focus on the planet. Although it started as an American movement, Earth Day is now a worldwide phenomenon, celebrated annually on April 22nd.
Now recognized as a day to raise awareness about climate change and global warming, it serves to inspire us to act towards the protection of the environment and focus on the need for conservation. Communities all over the world organize events and encourage conversations to spur their residents into making positive changes that will become a part of their everyday routines. Hope, Cascades and Canyons is proud to be a supporter of earth-friendly initiatives, not just on Earth Day, but everyday!
EV STATIONS
The use of electric vehicles is making a difference in reducing our carbon footprint. EVs use an electric motor powered by electricity from batteries or a fuel cell rather than gasoline or diesel. With no tailpipe, pure electric cars don’t produce carbon dioxide emissions. This reduces air pollution considerably, improving public health and reducing ecological damage. EVs also help lessen noise pollution. Driving electric creates a more peaceful environment for us all.
Simply put, EVs give us cleaner streets, making our town a better place for pedestrians and cyclists. Hope, Cascades & Canyons is proud to be expanding its offering of charging stations to those who have invested in driving emission-free vehicles.
HOW YOU CAN PLAY A PART
This year, attend the Earth Day Clean-Up in Hope, Cascades & Canyons to do your part in helping to protect the environment. This event will be hosted in Downtown Hope’s Memorial Park and will take place from 9:30 AM-2:00 PM on Saturday, April 22nd. Come on out to take part in the trash clean-up (gloves, garbage bags, vests, and pick-up poles will be provided). Be sure to bring your recyclables too! The list of recyclables that you can bring to the Recycling Drop-Off includes:
- Household paint/spray paint (in original containers)
- Household type batteries
- Cell phones
- Commercial & automotive batteries
- Scrap metal
- Reading & prescription glasses
Kal Tire in Hope will be accepting used tires and rims from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM on April 22nd. This includes passenger light truck, wheelbarrow, and ATV tires.
Can’t make it to the Earth Day Clean-Up? All it takes is a few small steps to make a difference in protecting our land. You can start at home, at work, or in your community. We’ve got a few ideas to inspire you below and if you want to try some more you can visit EarthDay.ca for more info.
- Inspire those around you to take action by posting to your social media accounts or spark a conversation with someone in person.
- Park the car and walk or hop on your bike.
- Pick up one piece of garbage per day.
- Choose reusable cloth bags over plastic.
- Plant something.
- Eat local and in-season.
- Trade items with a neighbour instead of purchasing new.
- Get involved as a volunteer or become a member of an environmental organization.
This Earth Day let’s take heed the words of the Stó:lō people who have resided here since time immemorial and “Xólhmet mekw’ewát it kwelát” (take care of everything that belongs to us).
Click the button below to learn more about the incredible natural wonders that surround us and plan your trip to experience them soon!
