Markham makes global change through local action for Earth Month

MARKHAM, ON – March 26, 2021 – This April, the City of Markham celebrates Earth Month with a variety of virtual events and activities – helping the community make global change through local action.

The City invites residents to kick off celebrations early and to speak up for nature with Earth Hour. At 8:30 PM on March 27, switch off the lights for 60 minutes and take part in the first-ever Earth Hour Virtual Spotlight!

Learn about climate change, the easy, everyday actions everyone can take to help protect our planet, find programs and services that help residents reduce our community’s carbon footprint, and tips to lead a more sustainable lifestyle all year long at markham.ca/EarthMonth.

“Earth Month is a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness and bring about global change,” said Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “I invite Markham residents to participate in Earth Hour, and the City’s various other activities throughout the month of April, to show support for action on fighting climate change and creating a more sustainable planet. Markham is a leader in sustainability with the lowest greenhouse gas emissions per municipality in the Greater Toronto Area and we are committed to real change to create a better tomorrow.”

Remember to share photos of how you are taking action during Earth Month on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by tagging @cityofmarkham and using #greenMarkham.

These actions can include:

• Planting a tree at a discount through the LEAF Backyard Tree Planting Program
• Get growing with seeds from Markham Public Library or the York Region Food Network
• Buying locally grown food to reduce your carbon footprint and support your neighbours during these challenging times
• Conserving energy at home by taking shorter showers and unplugging unused electronics
• Organizing a cleanup in your neighbourhood with members of your immediate household
• Shopping with reusable bags to reduce single use plastic
• Making sustainable home improvements that reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions - helping you save money
• Enjoying Earth Month virtual programs, books and more from Markham Public Library
• Experiencing Forest Therapy with Markham’s self-guided Shinrin Yoku trails
• Cleaning out your closet and dropping off your unwanted textiles at one of Markham’s donation bins
• Getting outdoors for some exercise and enjoying our open spaces , such as your local park, nearby paths and trails, Rouge National Urban Park and Milne Dam Conservation Park
• Applying for one of Markham’s sustainability grants to bring your green ideas to life
• Participating in Earth Day celebrations on April 22 locally and internationally
• And MORE!

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Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti's Office:
Bryan Frois, Chief of Staff at bfrois@markham.ca or 416.567.1177.

All other media inquiries / interview requests for the City of Markham:
Jennifer Yap, Coordinator, Communications and Media Relations at jyap@markham.ca or 437.229.2450.

For COVID-19 announcements from the City of Markham: 
Visit markham.ca/covid19 or listen to 105.9 The Region – Markham’s information and emergency radio station.

About Markham: Markham, an award-winning municipality with more than 351,000 residents and the largest of nine communities in York Region, is home to over 650 headquartered companies and more than 1,500 high tech and life science companies. Markham is a leader in attracting foreign direct investment with more than 234 foreign companies located in the City. Founded in the 1790s, today Markham is Canada’s most diverse community and enjoys a rich heritage, outstanding community planning and services, and a vibrant local economy.

Stay Connected: Visit our newsroom or search #MarkhamNews and #MarkhamEvents for the latest information on City programs, services and event.