TORONTO — Today, Jeff Yurek, Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks released the following statement on the 50th anniversary of Earth Day.
“Today is the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, the day that we as global citizens come together to increase awareness and appreciation of Earth’s natural environment.
It’s a chance to reflect on the importance of the environment to our own health and wellbeing, and what we must do to protect it for future generations. As we continue to fight the spread of COVID-19, we are seeing, first-hand, how our personal contributions make a difference.
Now, more than ever, true meaningful action begins at home.
I’ve been so inspired by what I’ve seen online these past few weeks. I’ve seen gardeners re-growing their own produce from vegetable stalks and making seed pods using old toilet paper rolls, people sewing masks from used textiles and children creating homemade “Thank You” signs to show appreciation to frontline waste collection workers.
I’ve also been encouraged by all the organizations like the Toronto Zoo and Earth Rangers stepping it up to offer free daily educational activities virtually that help growing minds stay connected with nature and wildlife while practising physical distancing.
Our government continues to take action to support a healthy and clean environment through actions committed to in our Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan. Through our plan, we will continue to protect our land, air, and water, address litter and reduce waste, and fight climate change.
So today, on Earth Day, I want to thank you all for your incredible contributions and I look forward to engaging with you as we work together to make our communities and our province a cleaner, healthier place to live, work and grow.”