April 22 is Earth Day — a special day to celebrate the planet by engaging in actions that lead to environmental conservation, adoption of renewable energy sources, reduction of atmospheric greenhouse gases and much more. According to EarthDay.org, each action taken since its establishment in 1970 has and continues to contribute towards collective efforts to combat climate change, protect biodiversity, and preserve our ecosystems.
For 2025, the theme is OUR POWER, OUR PLANET™ with a focus on renewable energy. On this day and beyond, we are all encouraged to make smart energy choices and to advocate for the deployment of renewable energy sources by governments, industries and businesses. Action is key. Everybody’s participation counts towards a more sustainable future. You and your class or school community have an active role to play. We can celebrate Earth Day, not just on one day but everyday!
According to a research study conducted by Learning for a Sustainable Future, 73 percent of young Canadians have eco anxiety due to climate change impacts. Meanwhile, 67 percent of adults and educators agree on the need for more education resources to support environmental learning and climate action in schools. With young minds questioning actions needed to combat climate change, as an educator, you can help learners move from fear to hope, by instilling confidence through climate action. Let’s discuss why personal and collective action is important for protecting the Earth. Individual actions are important for addressing climate change because they involve lifestyle changes that reduce greenhouse gases and facilitate environmental advocacy. Meanwhile, collective action underscores the need for everyone to act together based on the fact that no single entity — individual, government or corporation can tackle climate change alone. Working together as a group of students, an entire class or the whole school on Earth Day activities is equally important.
With the theme of this year’s Earth Day being renewable energy, GreenLearning is pleased to offer a range of energy education programs that can help young people in school communities understand climate issues and concepts, enabling them to make a big difference. Our Earth Day activities are age-appropriate and linked to both curricula and multiple subjects. So, whether you are seeking activities for elementary, middle or high school, there is something for you. It’s also a wonderful time to get excited about enrolling your learners in engaging workshops. Our webinar and events page is packed with past and upcoming educational videos on various topics that are perfect for student learning.
School Learning and Class Instruction
Use environmental education resources to prepare lesson plans and teach about climate science and the impacts of climate change on today’s society.
Book a GreenLearning workshop or session for your class.
Engage in eCards with creative activities, essay reflections and more to aid learning.
Watch videos and discuss the current environmental issues or themes in them.
Project-Based and STEAM Learning with Action Challenges
Plan a lights out event to raise awareness about energy efficiency at school.
Develop a solution that uses a circular economic model to eliminate plastic waste.
Design, build and test models of renewable energy technologies e.g. a solar car.
Empower youth to explore and propose a new climate change policy.
Understand flood science and take action to protect the community and school grounds from flooding.
Complete and submit any of these before the May deadline to be considered for prizes
Community and Civic Engagement
Plan and participate in a school-wide clean up.
Plant trees on school grounds or start a garden to promote biodiversity.
Partner on projects with an environmental organization in your community.
Check out our Greening Your Schoolyard simulator to learn about activities to create green spaces that also help deal with climate impacts.
Create a mini advocacy campaign with a message to your local decision maker.
Energy Conservation and Savings
Turn off the lights at school when not in use and promote natural lighting.
Adjust the thermostat to a slightly lower temperature setting to use less energy.
Adopt smart retrofits through energy-efficient appliances that save energy.
Unplug electronics e.g. computers and laptops when they are not in use.
Reducing Waste and Consumption
Conduct a school waste audit of compost, trash and recycling bins in the cafeteria.
Replace plastic that is distributed at the cafeteria with reusable bottles and cutlery.
Promote student awareness through campaigns to reduce single-use plastics.
Launch a hands-on composting program that teaches and gets learners involved.
Sustainable and Clean Transportation
Engage in a bike-to-school initiative for International Walk to School Day.
Learn about electric vehicles and clean transportation through automotive classes. Design, build and test models of clean transport technologies e.g. a solar car.
As you prepare to take action and implement some of these Earth Day activities at school, it is important to get everyone involved. Garner the support of your school board’s sustainability specialist and the environmental department, along with your staff and students. If possible, create a student-led initiative where learners are the primary decision makers. Collaboration will be key. You can work with local businesses, organizations and the municipal or provincial government. Try to ensure that the climate action activities augment the learning for subjects like science, social studies, art and languages. Continuously track and measure your progress, to help identify areas for growth and improvement. Finally, share your learnings and educate those around you.
Remember! You can also use any of your Earth Day activities towards your EcoSchools certification.
Have a great Earth Day.