One small thing we can do to help the planet heal is to take part in Community Environment Days, Mary Margaret McMahon says.
“We are in a climate emergency and we all need to do our part,” the Beaches-East York MPP says. “I think a lot of people want to. They’re feeling frustrated and worried and they want to know what they can do — or do more of.“
Events are taking place in all parts of Toronto.
“This year, there will be 45 Community Environment Day events happening across the city’s 25 wards between April 15 and September 24,” city communications advisor Nadia Araujo said. “During this period, specifically on Sundays in July and August, the city will also host six Community Environment Days at drop-off depots.”
Until 2019, Community Environment Days ran only in wards. Then in 2020 and 2021, because of COVID-19 restrictions, the days were hosted only at drop-off depots. Since the success of these events in 2022, the city began to host drop-off depot Community Environment Days in addition to ward-based events.
In East York the first Community Environment Day this year will be at Woodbine Beach Park on April 29. Another will be held at Dieppe Park on May 20. The Beaches will have their environment day on June 13 at the Woodbine Park Beach parking lot.
“I’m excited to be hosting two Community Environment Days this year at Dieppe Park on May 20 and Jack Layton Way and Bridgepoint Hospital in September,” Toronto-Danforth councillor Paula Fletcher said.
Fletcher says the Community Environment Days are events that residents in Toronto-Danforth look forward to participating in every year. She also says it’s an opportunity to connect with neighbours, hear from local environmental groups. It allows residents to drop off household items for reuse or safe, sustainable disposal. At both of the events hosted by Fletcher, there will be free paper shredding and free garden compost available.
Community Environment Days offer opportunities to residents to drop off items they no longer need for reuse, recycling or safe disposal. This reduces the amount of reusable and recyclable materials that end up in landfill, Araujo said.
“Residents can also pick up free loose or bagged compost at events,” Araujo said. “The compost available at events is created from yard waste and organic materials collected at the curb throughout Toronto. The majority of the compost comes from the yard waste program, while five to 10 per cent comes from the Green Bin program.”
Other options
If residents can not make it to Community Environment Day, there are other options available to dispose waste properly. Residents can go to drop-off depots throughout the year to drop off these items.
If a resident has between 10 to 50 kilograms of household hazardous waste, they can request a Toxic Taxi pickup by contacting 311.
If you want to know how to properly dispose of an item, you can check the Waste Wizard or download the TOwaste app to find out where a waste item goes.
“I always like to go, and see what people are up to, and hear about their ideas to build a more sustainable riding. I am hopeful to attend.”, McMahon said.
On Earth Day, April 22, the MPP is sharing a free streaming of “What You Won’t Do For Love” by David Suzuki at Fox theatre at 10 a.m.
“On May 6 The Beaches United Church is having their first big Eco Fair,” McMahon said. “They have invited all the green groups and green gurus, in the east end to showcase their initiatives.”
The Community Environment Days are expected to run until September 24.