Montreal, March 21, 2024 – Today Earth Day Canada launched its 2024 campaign spotlighting active and public transport. The campaign, created by Sid Lee, features an animated character promoting an active lifestyle, inspiring Canadians to opt for active and public transport solutions beyond Earth Day. Accessible on digital platforms, radio, and TV, it runs until April 22, aiming to reduce the environmental impact of daily commutes. Additionally, a new Ipsos survey on the transportation habits of Canadians was unveiled at the press conference.

“Transform your commute into an opportunity to cultivate healthy habits and embrace sustainable lifestyle. If you find the infrastructure in your area less than ideal, fear not—there’s a wealth of alternatives at your disposal. From leveraging public transport to joining a carpool, every choice you make contributes to a healthier planet. Remember, celebrating Earth Day isn’t just a once-a-year commitment; it’s a daily dedication to our planet’s well-being!”– Valérie Mallamo, Executive Director of Earth Day Canada.

Moreover, Earth Day Canada hopes that employers and municipalities will help facilitate and endorse active and public transportation, advocating for a sustainable shift not just on Earth Day, but all year round.

Most Canadians take the wheel to get to work, but many ready to give it up.
A recent survey by Ipsos, commissioned by Earth Day Canada, reveals that while many Canadians are behind the wheel for their daily commute, a considerable number are open to more sustainable alternatives:
● while 54% of employed Canadians drive to work, there’s a strong inclination towards
eco-friendlier commuting methods;
● 76% of employed Canadians express a preference for walking or biking;
● More than half (66 %) would like to use a greener way to commute;
● 67% of employed respondents are willing to engage in employer organized carpooling initiatives on Earth Day, with 49% open to participating in these programs if they were available year-round.

Taking action depends on employers engagement.
The findings suggest a potential role for employers in addressing climate change through the promotion of sustainable commuting practices. Strategies for employers could include offering subsidies for monthly transit passes or bicycle maintenance, and encouraging carpooling, particularly in rural areas where access to active and public transportation may be restricted.

Many of these strategies are already being deployed by organizations such as EY Canada.
“We believe that every organization has an obligation to foster environmental stewardship. Through a collaborative endeavor with Earth Day Canada, we’re thrilled to introduce our Sustainable Mobility Challenge. Over the next month, we’re inviting our employees to embrace greener commuting options by leveraging Rideshark, an innovative app that facilitates ride-sharing and public transit use, while tracking their eco-friendly journeys. It’s through initiatives like these that we hope to inspire a lasting shift towards more sustainable transportation habits among our people.” – Laura Schlee, Corporate Responsibility Leader, Ernst & Young Canada.

150 municipalities committed to our planet, every day.
For the fourth consecutive year, Earth Day Canada’s Committed Municipalities project strengthens partnerships with municipalities across the nation. Launched in 2020, this initiative has rallied over 150 municipalities committed to enhancing environmental conservation and sustainable transportation. This enduring collaboration highlights a unified dedication to ecological stewardship and the advancement of green mobility solutions nationwide.

“Active and public transportation are the linchpins for the sustainable evolution of our urban and rural communities. Embracing these eco-friendly transportation modes transcends environmental responsibility, fostering a move towards more cohesive and healthier societies. The commitment to public transit, as well as cycling and pedestrian transit options, represents a vital investment in enhancing the well-being of our present and future generations. The Committed Municipalities project has showcased the concrete benefits of local initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable mobility. Championing these efforts within our towns and cities marks a significant stride towards cultivating a society that prioritizes health and respects our planet,” remarks Stéphane Boyer, Mayor of Laval and national spokesperson for the Earth Day 2024 campaign. 

Nationwide Activities Stretching Beyond April 22.
Spanning from March 21 to April 22, Canadians embracing sustainable transportation methods such as biking, walking, running, using public transit, or carpooling are invited to register at https://earthday.ca/legday for a chance to win exciting prizes. Participants can also choose to engage
through the Strava app by opting into the Earth Day challenge, further amplifying the campaign’s reach.

To celebrate the campaign’s kickoff, a distinguished event is scheduled in Laval, graced by its Mayor, Stéphane Boyer. This campaign is set to feature an extensive array of activities and events, all designed to enlighten and motivate Canadians towards adopting environmentally beneficial
behaviors. For comprehensive information on this diverse and engaging lineup, the Earth Day website will serve as the go-to resource, ensuring participants have access to all they need to get involved and make a positive impact on our planet.
About Earth Day Canada
Earth Day Canada is an environmental organization that helps individuals, municipalities and organizations reduce their impact on the environment by taking concrete action on Earth Day and every day. In addition to a large scale awareness campaign on April 22nd, Earth Day Canada continues
to roll out environmental programs and projects with proven positive impacts in areas such as waste management, food waste and sustainable mobility.

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Alexander Walsh
COPTICOM, Strategies and Public Relations
(514) 601-2073
awalsh@copticom.ca