Mississauga's Earth Days 2012

Friday, 20 April 2012 01:00

Lifestyle

Earth Day is around the corner and Mississauga is doing its part to help the environment.

This year there are a few events that people can volunteer for that include a 20 minute makeover, two tree planting events and an earth awareness blitz which kicked off last week.

"The whole purpose of these campaigns is to encourage everyone to help keep our city clean and green. That is the most effective way for us to understand the importance of what would happen to our future if we don't take care of it," said Ella Basic, public affairs consultant for Mississauga.

Last week Mississauga officials conducted a blitz that targeted the Civic Centre, Erin Mills Town Centre, South Common Mall and Meadowvale transit terminals. Transit users were charged $120 for littering. They started that at 7 am this morning and continued until 10 pm.

Monday April 16 was the deadline to register for the 20-minute makeover. Those who did will pick up their garbage bags and gloves at their local community centre and participate in the event on April 20 at 2 p.m.

"In the past we've had thousands upon thousands of residents participate in this program so we want to thank them for seeing an increase on that part," Basic said.

This Saturday tree planting events will occur at Erindale Park, and at King's Park. They're both going to start with a yoga class, followed by welcoming remarks and a brief introduction about what people can expect for the day and directions on how to properly plant trees.

George Carlson, Mississauga Councillor Ward 11, believes that Earth Day should be every day.

"It's a great opportunity for you to get together with your family and friends and do something good for the environment and our city," Carlson said.

Earth Week may be almost over, but Scouts Canada and Sierra Club Peel will each host their own tree-planting day at the end of the month and beginning of May.

The 40th annual Scoutrees event will take place on April 28 at 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. near Huron Park.

"Last year, more than 400 Scouts, volunteers, City of Mississauga staff volunteers and Credit Valley Conservation volunteers helped to plant approximately 1500 trees," Carlson said.

Scoutrees is an environmental program run by Scouts Canada and is designed to give them the opportunity to show their passion for the environment.

Finally, people can come together one more time for the Sierra Club's tree planting day on Saturday May 5. This will be at McLaughlin Pond (Courtney Park and McLaughlin Road).

"Don't forget to bring a shovel, gloves, and insect repellent, as well as clothing and footwear that are suitable for tree planting," Carlson said.

Students don't have to be left out. They can get involved in the city's ‘Don't be a litter-bug' leadership campaign for 2012.

For this they adopt a park, do clean ups throughout the year, do a waste watchers program through eco source and do tree planting.

"At the end of the year, that student is invited to council and receive a certificate of appreciation from the mayor and members of council in addition to having their photo taken," Basic said.

"We don't want people to think of Earth Day as one day," she said.