Mayor John Tory’s first few months have focused on the laudable goal of getting Toronto moving. We couldn’t agree more.
So this month we’re issuing the mayor and the rest of council a challenge that could inspire Torontonians to transform their lives, spark creativity and innovation and improve their health and well-being.
The best part: It doesn’t require any digging, tunnelling or deft political gamesmanship. And it’s absolutely free.
Mayor Tory and city councillors: We challenge you to get into “the nature habit” by joining the David Suzuki Foundation’s 30×30 Nature Challenge. Will you heed the call of nature, for the good of the city?
It’s simple. During the month of May, participants commit to spend at least 30 minutes in nature each day for 30 consecutive days.
Most adults sit indoors or commute more than nine hours a day. Kids spend more than six hours in front of screens each day and mere minutes outside. Our increasing disconnect from nature is hurting our health and productivity.
But research shows something most of us know intuitively: nature is good for us.
Spending time in a natural setting reduces stress and boosts immunity, ingenuity and energy.
If you’ve ever witnessed a council meeting or wandered through city hall, you’ll agree getting these folks out for a breath of fresh air each day can’t hurt.
But how can a busy mayor, councillor — or any of us, really — fit more green time into our hectic schedules? We’ve prepared a tailored, city hall daily green time itinerary.
Start the month by checking out one or two free, citizen-led Jane’s Walk walking tours of a local park or one of the city’s lost rivers. Sundays are great for a soothing stroll through one of the city’s ravines. On Monday, plan at least one meeting outdoors. Tuesday, make it a walking meeting. Start a new hump-day tradition by inviting colleagues to have lunch in a nearby park. On Thursday take the scenic route home — be sure to check out a green space along the way. Stop to smell the flowers and take notice of critters, trees and plants.
During the second week, brush off your green thumb and spruce up your garden.
In week three, as the weather warms, take a hike in Rouge Park, the wild green space that will soon become Canada’s first urban National Park.
Check out some of the great natural spaces in the city — the Evergreen Brick Works, High Park, Riverdale Farm, Toronto Island and Leslie Street Spit. While you’re there, tap your inner child — splash through a puddle, roll down a hill or hunt for bugs and birds.
Mayor and councillors: When you take the 30×30 Nature Challenge, you’ll join tens of thousands of your fellow Canadians who are getting into “the nature habit.”
Remember, getting Toronto moving with a daily dose of nature is good for our heads, hearts and health. See you outside.
David Suzuki is the host of the CBC’s The Nature of Things and author of more than 30 books on ecology. (With files from Jode Roberts.)