Earth Day

Photo credit: Marcia Leeder Photography

To celebrate our beautiful planet on Earth Day this April 22, 2018, Cosmopawlitan and friends got together to clean up HTO Park on the Toronto Waterfront.

As we take the time to appreciate our planet, join us in celebrating wild spaces, creatures and the custodians.

Being in the cosmopolitan city of Toronto, or any big city or suburban environment for that matter, it’s easy to forget about our connection with nature.  Cosmopawlitan owner, Hoann, recently visited Kenya, Africa to reconnect with nature and to experience the world of elephants and the conservation efforts of the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT).

The DSWT was founded in 1977 by Daphne Sheldrick in honour of her late husband David Sheldrick with the mission to conserve and protect wildlife and the natural environment.  They operate “The Orphans Project” which rescues and rehabilitates orphaned elephants, rhinos and other species.  There is a nursery in Nairobi and three other units in other parts of Kenya where the elephants eventually transition to in order to re-integrate back into the wild (a process that takes up to 10 years).

Other DSWT initiatives include:

• an anti-poaching program with helicopter & vehicle patrol, a canine unit and partnership with authorities;
• a mobile veterinary unit that aids injured wildlife on the field;
• forest management that includes a nursery full of native tree and plant species to help regenerate both flora and fauna;
• management of man-made watering holes for thirsty wildlife which is life-saving during dry season and droughts;
• community outreach programs to raise awareness in the local public and especially youth; and
• vital partnerships with the government’s Kenya Wildlife Service, Big Life Foundation and others.

Do we have to look so far to be in touch with nature?  If you live near Cosmopawlitan, you have likely strolled along the waterfront of Lake Ontario and through the peaceful Toronto Music Garden across the street from the shop.  Enjoying the lake and the trees and the sounds of the birds are great ways to reconnect with nature on Earth Day and any day.

We can help preserve nature by putting our trash, recycling and cigarette butts into the appropriate receptacles.  Pick up dog poop.  Avoid single-use plastics like straws.  Bring your own shopping bag and use a reusable coffee cup.

Let’s magnify the movement by sharing the simple acts we do to love the planet.  You can comment below on some of the ways you connect with nature and help conserve the natural environment and help wildlife.

Happy Earth Day!