April 22, 2020 marks the world’s 50^th Earth Day and the opportunity to reflect on global environmental issues – and it will be the first time in history it will be 100% digital! Striving towards a better, more sustainable future for all, there has never been a better time to start making a difference.

This year Earth Day will be celebrated during one of the most prolific global pandemics experienced in generations. Traditionally groups would have gathered to celebrate, discuss and lobby towards movement. This year Earth Day will be commemorated entirely online with countless digital resources available towards awareness and taking action. This Earth Day is the perfect time to start thinking globally and being mindful of actions towards bettering the planet.

GET ENGAGED

• Earth Day Live 2020 – series of discussions & performances
• Animation & Poetry for Our 50th Earth Day – program of short animated films to acknowledge 50 years of Earth Days

INTERESTED IN TAKING ACTION?

There are several habit-forming changes; big and small, that you can start today that will work towards positive and lasting environmental results. Here’s a few:

• Use reusable water bottles and eliminate plastic water bottle waste
• Eat less meat or consider a Meatless Monday challenge and lessen polluting gasses and water usage through production
• Use less hot water showering and doing laundry
• Consider taking shorter showers instead of baths
• Ensure to recycle recyclable items instead of disposing of them in the trash
• Use reusable products rather than disposables
• Change your light bulbs to LED – they last 10 times longer and use two-thirds less energy!

The post EARTH DAY ISN’T JUST ANOTHER DAY – 50TH ANNIVERSARY appeared first on Realstar Blog.

According to Feed Ontario, donations typically decline once the weather gets warmer because it isn’t “top of mind for most people”.  Although food banks work to meet the demands of “summer hunger”, “its existence highlights significant cracks in how our system address[es] child food insecurity.” 

In addition to asking farmers and food companies to step up their contributions,  food banks heavily rely on organized fundraisers like Spring Hope Food Drive during leaner months.  Celebrating it’s 20th anniversary,  Spring Hope targets residential rental properties by canvassing door to door one evening in April for donations that supply food banks within the local community.
   
In association with the Federation of Rental-Housing Providers of Ontario (FRPO) and the Greater Toronto Apartment Association (GTAA), Realstar has been actively supporting this vital community initiative since the beginning.   This year 80 of our properties across Ontario, as well as our Head Office, participated in collecting much needed items like baby food and formula to give back to the local communities in which we live and work.  Of course, none of which would be possible without the generosity of our residents, on-site management and staff.

While summer isn’t the season most associate with giving, for food banks it is high on the list. As you’re easing in to carefree days of summer sun,  supporting those in need couldn’t be easier by making a online cash contribution at Spring Hope’s donation page for local food banks. 

The post Spring Hope Food Drive – Working to Ease Summer Hunger for Ontario Families appeared first on Realstar Blog.