Canada is home to vast coastlines, with three oceans and the Great Lakes surrounding our country. Unfortunately, these shores are often littered with trash and debris, which pose a significant threat to the environment. Community and shoreline cleanups are essential in preventing waste from making it's way into our ecosystems and waterways. There are numerous resources available for Canadians who want to participate in shoreline cleanups. 

Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup

This initiative, launched in 1994, is a joint effort between the Vancouver Aquarium and WWF-Canada, and it aims to clean up shorelines across the country. They also provide resources for individuals and groups who want to participate.  You can sign up to organize your own cleanup with friends, family, or colleagues. Check out their website here:

www.shorelinecleanup.org/cleanups

In addition to the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup, many locally based organizations and community groups host cleanups. Participating in a cleanup is a great way to make a difference and contribute to the protection of the environment in our city.

Don't Mess with the Don

Toronto's ravine system is a distinct geographic feature of our city. In our east end Don't Mess with the Don works to clean trails or natural spaces from litter and remove invasive plant species in the Don Valley ravine. Check out opportunities to volunteer on their website:

www.dontmesswiththedon.ca/upcoming-events

Toronto Nature Stewards

Join a cleanup or start your own. There are many opportunities listed across our city and here in the east end. Toronto Nature Stewarts works toward cleaning our city's ravines in co-operation with the City of Toronto. All volunteers must be at least 16 years old or accompanied by a parent or guardian

www.torontonaturestewards.org/get-involved/become-a-steward/

Other Cleanups

Many groups in Toronto post their community cleanups on Eventbrite. You can see those here:

www.eventbrite.ca/d/canada--toronto/cleanup/