As the world celebrates International Mother Earth Day on April 22nd, Cape Town has plenty of ways to honour and appreciate our planet.
There are many ways to celebrate and contribute to a more sustainable future, from sustainable events to eco-friendly activities.
As a city known for its natural beauty and commitment to environmental protection, Cape Town provides the perfect backdrop to reflect on our relationship with the Earth and take positive action towards a more sustainable future.
Here are some of the ways you can celebrate Mother Earth Day this Saturday:
March and spread love for the planet
This Earth Day, you have the opportunity to join the Extinction Rebellion movement and declare your love for the Earth. A form released by the movement encourages people to reflect on what they love about the Earth, and what they want to protect.
These answers will then be transferred onto paper hearts, which will form part of an Earth Day installation by Extinction Rebellion Cape Town.
By signing the form and joining the march along Sea Point Promenade on 22 April, you can be part of a collective effort to protect what we love about our planet.
Even if you don’t attend the march, take a moment to reflect on what part of the Earth you love, and share it.
- Location: Along Sea Point promenade, near Rocklands Beach
- Date: 22 April
- Time: 11am
- Sign the form: Here
Attend a beach clean-up
Starbucks South Africa and Daily Peach are joining forces to celebrate Earth Day 2023 in Cape Town by organising a beach clean-up event on Saturday, 22 April.
The initiative is part of Starbucks SA’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and reducing waste. The public is encouraged to participate in the event, which will take place at various locations along the South African coastline.
Starbucks is also launching its new recyclable cup made from coffee grounds, which is just one example of the iconic coffee brand’s efforts to reduce its environmental impact.
The event is a great opportunity for people from all walks of life to get involved and make a difference. The person who picks up the most waste will also be rewarded with a hamper valued at R1000.
- Location: Muizenberg Beach front
- Date: Saturday, 22 April
- Time: 9am
Also read: Park Buddies: Cape Town youngsters are cleaning up the environment
Walk around Rondebosch Common
On Saturday 22 April, a 5km walk around Rondebosch Common is taking place to celebrate World Earth Day and promote physical and mental well-being through outdoor activity.
The event is organised by the University of Cape Town’s Disability Service unit, in partnership with the Students with Disabilities Forum, and is open to members of the campus community, their families and friends.
The walk begins at 10am on the Rustenburg Girls High School side of Rondebosch Common, which is accessible to wheelchair users and welcomes all members of the campus community and the general public.
During the event, volunteers from the Disability Service unit will be present to assist participants with disabilities.
- Location: Rondebosch Common, Rustenburg Girls High School side
- Date: Saturday, 22 April
- Time: 10am
- Sign up: Here
Attend a virtual Earth Week Live event
Earth Week is a global event organised by EARTHDAY.ORG that takes place from 14 April to 22 April. It is the organisation’s most ambitious effort yet, aiming to inspire and engage people worldwide to take action for a more sustainable planet.
The theme for Earth Day 2023 is centred around promoting collective responsibility in transitioning to an equitable and prosperous green economy for everyone.
By reframing the conversation, accelerating action, and bringing people together, the organisation aims to showcase that this transition is attainable if everyone works together.
On Friday, 21 April, the event will be A View From Space and on Saturday, 22 April, the event will be Earth Day Fiesta. RSVP to receive an email with links to the events on the day by clicking here.
Watch the premier of Secrets of the Elephants
On Earth Day, the award-winning natural history franchise Secrets Of is premiering its next instalment, Secrets of the Elephants.
From Academy Award-winning filmmaker James Cameron, the four-part series explores the lives of different families of elephants across the world, revealing their strategic thinking, complex emotions, and sophisticated language.
Narrated by Academy Award-winning actress Natalie Portman and featuring elephant expert Dr Paula Kahumbu, the series showcases the courage, tenacity, and complexities of elephants in unique contexts.
The series will be available on Disney+ and National Geographic Wild, taking viewers on a journey to witness how elephants have adapted to their unique environmental context in the face of evolving climate change. Tune into National Geographic Wild via DSTV on channel 182.
- National Geographic Wild streaming: Friday, 21 April
- Disney+ streaming: From Saturday, 22 April onwards
Also read:
Vondeling boosts its sustainable farming efforts with ecotourism activities
Picture: Unsplash