I think it’s safe to say that after 200,000 years of inhabiting this planet, we have taken more from it than we have given back. This Earth Day, April 22, pay homage to the planet that has sustained us (and perhaps learn something in the process). Conservation is the name of the game, so conserve your money by taking part in any one of these totally free events.

Gen-Earth at Nathan Phillips Square 

Nathan Phillips Square promises to be transformed for a youth-bolstered celebration promoting awareness for environmental protection, soil regeneration and energy conservation. The event will feature music by local artists, organic and non-GMO food and drinks, eco-friendly product and service vendors, insightful talks by youth activists and more.

Music in the Park, by One Fire Movement

The already vibrant Christie Pits will be even more vibrant as music-lovers flock together for a Mother Earth Day Celebration. The Music in the Park series will feature live performances by Christian Bridges, Angela Saini, Lilly Mason, Henry Nozuka, Kalyna Rakel, Neon Rust and The Responsables. City of Toronto Councillor Mike Layton will be making an appearance, as will a speaker from Amnesty International. The event is made possible by Amnesty International and the David Suzuki Foundation. Click here for more information.

A Green Evening With Jose Etcheverry, Mike Schreiner & David Suzuki

Speaking of David Suzuki: he will be making an appearance this year at the Lebovic Centre for Arts & Entertainment alongside Green Party leader Mike Schreiner and York University’s Jose Etcheverry. The three sustainability experts will be leading a discussion re: their initiatives in Ontario and their local vision for people, jobs and the planet. Click here to register.

Earth Day Festival at Downsview Park

For years, families have flocked to Downsview Park to partake in tree plantings, which have since yielded Downsview’s “urban forest.” This year, the park invites families to flock to the beautified space to celebrate Earth Day and participate in a range of activities, including birds of prey demonstrations, a campfire sing-along and garlic-mustard pesto making–yum! Click here to register.

April General Meeting: Sustainable Cooking by PEYA

If the onset of Earth Day makes you a little hungry, look no further than the Peel Environmental Youth Alliance’s April General Meeting, where you will learn all about sustainable food practices. Not convinced? How about if I told you you’ll be cooking up some delicious nosh in-house? Click here to register.