Earth Day: Plant a seed for change – April 22
From a small seed a mighty trunk may grow. – Aeschylus
The first Earth Day on April 22, 1970 launched a wave of action, including the passage of landmark environmental laws in the United States and around the world. Earth Day continues to be important internationally: in 2016, the United Nations chose April 22 as the day to sign the Paris Agreement on climate change into force.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. Right now, the unprecedented shut-down and social distancing that we are living through show clearly how much impact our small everyday actions have on our community and our environment.
There is an old Chinese proverb: the best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago; the second best time is now. The world-wide response to the current global pandemic has shown that it is possible for people and governments to mobilize quickly on an unprecedented scale, when there is a will to do so. The enormous challenges – and the vast opportunities – of taking action on climate change deserve no less effort.
On Wednesday, April 22, the City will be marking Earth Day along with the rest of the world, and we encourage all residents to take part. You can check out the videos and links below for inspiration.
Earth Day Live 2020
This year, Earth Day is going digital for the first time in its history! Over the 24 hours of Earth Day, their website will be a hub for global conversations, calls to action, performances, video teach-ins and more. You can join in the conversation at earthday.org
Urban Beekeeping in Westmount
Did you know that Westmount has its very own beehives?
Since 2014, the City has partnered with Alvéole, a local urban beekeeping company, to host two beehives on the Library roof. Initially funded by the proceeds from the City’s annual Perennial Plant Exchange, the hives are now self-sustaining from the honey sold at the Library every fall.
Here is a special Earth Day greeting from Alvéole (Click here for the blog post they are referring to in the video)
Plant a seed
Watch our video and plant your own seed for Earth Day! Share a picture of what’s growing in your garden on social media using the hashtags #EarthDayWestmount #JourdelaTerreWestmount
Earth Day with the Westmount Public Library
Did you know that with your Library membership, you have access to the film streaming service Kanopy? You can mark Earth Day at home by watching one of the many environmental films offered.
To create your Kanopy account, have your library card and PIN handy and click through to Kanopy from the library website.
If you don’t have a library card yet, don’t worry! During the closure, the Library is offering cards to all current Westmount residents to ensure access to its online services. Click HERE for details.
If you already have a Kanopy account, click on the posters below to sign in and start watching:
Earth Days (2010)
Director Robert Stone traces the origins of the modern environmental movement through the eyes of nine Americans who propelled the movement from its beginnings in the 1950s to its moment of triumph in 1970 with the original Earth Day and to its status as a major political force in America.
https://westlib.kanopy.com/video/american-experience-earth-days
Living the Change: Inspiring Stories for a Sustainable Future (2018)
This insightful documentary explores solutions to the global crises we face today through the inspiring stories of people pioneering change in their own lives and in their communities in order to live in a sustainable and regenerative way.
https://westlib.kanopy.com/video/living-change
Seed: The Untold Story (2016)
This film follows passionate seed-keepers protecting our 12,000 year-old food legacy. These farmers, scientists, lawyers and indigenous people are fighting a David and Goliath battle to defend the future of our food. In a harrowing and heartening story, these heroes rekindle a lost connection to our most treasured resource and revive a culture connected to seeds.
https://westlib.kanopy.com/video/seed-untold-story-1
And many more can be found HERE! https://westlib.kanopy.com/category/17330