In response to a fast food restaurant opening in Rome's Piazza di Spagna in 1986, journalist and activist Carlo Petrini founded the Slow Food movement. The movement encouraged the preservation of traditional farming methods, the promotion of local and seasonal ingredients and the celebration of regional culinary diversity.
Other "slow" movements have emerged since, such as slow tourism and slow fashion (more on those below), which are all connected by a shared commitment to sustainability, mindfulness and a rejection of fast-paced consumerism. Earth Month is a time to celebrate our wonderful natural world and take action to protect it — so this year we're slowing down our pace to both enjoy and protect our planet. |
In this month's edition of Evergreen News, we're exploring how moving slow and being mindful is critical to caring for the earth, whether we're shopping, traveling or building better public spaces. Read on for more news, stories and resources. |
10 public spaces bringing grey cities to life
(with before and after photos!) |
As a home to music, art, food and culture, public spaces infuse colour and vibrancy into our cities, making them more livable and attractive for visitors and locals alike. Check out these ten before and after snapshots to see how public space transformations prove that our cities don’t have to be grey. |
What in the world is slow tourism?
|
Do you ever feel like you need a vacation from your vacation? You might want to try slow tourism, a practice that encourages personal awareness, discovery of local culture and history and conservation of the environment. Learn how slowing down doesn't mean missing out when you travel. |
An Evergreener's guide to sustainable shopping |
Is it time to change the way we shop? We think so! From visiting local markets to participating in the circular economy, there's many ways to resist the perils of fast fashion. Read on for some of our favourite tips for shopping sustainably. |
In Toronto this weekend? Come celebrate Earth Day with us at the Brick Works on April 20, between 9am and 4pm. You can contribute to the circular economy through the Mini Drop, Swap and Shop and so much more! |
5 creative ways to host a sustainable birthday bash
|
Want to make your birthday party as enjoyable for the planet as it is for the guests? With a few thoughtful swaps, you can host a low-waste celebration without diminishing the delight. From DIY decorations to mindful gift-giving, let’s explore five eco-friendly alternatives to traditional party practices. |
Stories we're reading from around the web |
🔗 Can public investment revive Canada’s ailing main streets? The Globe and Mail
🔗 10 ways to get your garden ready for spring: Nature Conservancy of Canada
🔗 From awareness to action: Earth Day calls for collective efforts this year: Evergreen
🔗 32 Canadian books for children to check out in spring 2024: CBC |
Take action: support better public spaces
|
From open-air movie nights in local parks to events like the Good Mourning Festival at Evergreen Brick Works, our public spaces foster and enhance a city’s cultural life. Public places serve as home bases for festivals, events and activities that bring life to otherwise grey cities. These spaces are open forums for people to encounter art, enjoy performances, eat delicious food and participate in diverse cultural activities.
This Spring, make a donation in support of places that improve social connection, decrease loneliness, connect people to nature, support local vendors and provide city-dwellers low-cost fun! Vibrant public places make our cities more livable and attractive for a diverse array of people.
Donate today to help us create and steward great public places that make our cities come alive. |
Save the date: October 9 & 10, 2024 at Evergreen Brick Works
|
Mark your calendars: the 2024 Evergreen Conference has a date! The conference is going to look and feel a little different this year — a two-day respite to experience placemaking in action. It’s an opportunity to learn and connect with people across sectors committed to building better public spaces for people and the planet. |
In conversation with Matt Humphries, Associate Principal at ARUP in Canada |
Want to see more climate resilient school grounds across the country? So do we. Learn more through the Climate Ready Schools Conversation Series, which connects those interested in transforming Canadian school grounds with experts who have worked with Evergreen on climate adaptive design projects. |
We're celebrating National Volunteer Week!
|
Our volunteers are at the heart of so much of what we do. It was a group of volunteers who started us on our journey, and to this day, our work in communities across Canada wouldn’t be possible without them. This week we're spotlighting our incredible volunteers on Instagram — read our first Q&A with Linda Fernandes. |
Run with us at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon
|
Ready to cap off your "slow movement" journey? We're also embracing slow fitness in time for the outdoor running season! Join the Evergreen team at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon this October and show your support for greener public places. You can take part in the 5K, half marathon or full marathon in person or run the virtual race wherever you are.
|
|
|
|
Our Staff Spotlight series shines the light on the voices and perspectives of the incredible Evergreen team. Up next, we recognize An Ha, the heart and soul of the Evergreen shuttle bus! Join us in expressing our appreciation for the work An and the rest of the folks at Mulmer Services have been doing since 2010. |
|
|
Want to work at Evergreen?
|
We are looking for skilled, passionate individuals to join our growing team. As Evergreen works to build thriving cities that are livable and green, we are dedicated to developing a workforce that reflects the spaces in which we live and work. Visit our careers page |
| |
|
Evergreen's Word of the Month |
This is the spot where we break down an overly ‘jargony’ word or term to help bring you into our work of building better public places. We think everyone should be able to join the conversation! Our April Word of the Month is Sustainable Tourism. Gearing up for summer vacation? There are numerous ways to embark on your journeys sustainably, ensuring that your adventures not only benefit you but also leave a positive impact on the destinations you visit.
Check out our City Builder Glossary for more definitions. |
|
|
Love this newsletter?
Forward it to someone you know!
|
Be the first to read new stories, hear about upcoming events and access helpful resources. |
| |
|
|
