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Welcome to Field Notes '26, a series from the Reconciliation & Inclusion team, offering curated resources to support deeper learning and inclusive practices across Seneca Polytechnic. This Field Notes is in collaboration with Sustainable Seneca, the community at Seneca that advances sustainability at Seneca and beyond.
In 2009, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 22 April as International Mother Earth Day. This was built on the backs of U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson, who, in 1970, saw the powerful potential of student activism and appointed graduate student Denis Hayes, to build the movement and include students and the general public. Although it was only officially celebrated in Canada in 1990, crowds gathered in Windsor, near the polluted Detroit River, to protest environmental catastrophes. Each year, the day serves as a reminder of the importance of environmental protection and conservation, and our shared responsibilities in advocacy. The day has led to numerous landmark environmental laws, educational programs, research projects and conservation initiatives. But, the work is never done. Action begins with education and awareness, and we are sharing some of our favourite resources to grow your understanding and find your niche within the climate movement.
📖Read 📺Watch 🏙Local Favourites 📖Other Recommendations
READ
All We Can Save by Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson An anthology of essays and perspectives from women leading in climate spaces, offering both insight into the crisis and the pathways forward. The collection balances urgency with solutions, highlighting diverse voices and approaches.
Why: It centers diverse leadership in climate action, showing that solutions are varied and collective as the challenges themselves.
Artificial Wisdom by Thomas R. Weaver A novel set in a world shaped by climate crisis and an election in which a human is running against an AI candidate.
Why: This one is for the reader who wants their climate fiction mixed with politics and tech.
Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice A novel set in a First Nation community after a societal collapse, following what happens systems fall away. The story is deeply rooted in community, survival and return to land.
Why: What happens when the lights go out? If you like dystopian fiction but want something more grounded than the usual apocalypse story, this one stays with you.
Saving Us by Katherine Hayhoe A book that emphasizes how climate action requires communication, shared values and connection to encourage dialogue over division.
Why: It’s a valuable resource to help you talk about climate change in real life and acknowledge that we all have reasons to care about it.
The Backyard Bird Chronicles by Amy Tan A reflective exploration of birdwatching that blends observation, journalling and creativity. Tan invites readers into a more attentive relationship with the natural world through everyday encounters with local wildlife.
Why: The beautiful sketches, and Tan’s visible improvements in her drawings over time, inspire a nature-focused hobby that is low-cost, meditative and easy to begin.
Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy A novel about a family who are the last caretakers of a seedbank, whose world is disrupted by the arrival of a stranger. The story unfolds against environmental instability and high emotional stakes.
Why: For anyone who likes literary climate fiction with tension, atmosphere and survival built in. Plus, the seedbank aspect alone is a great hook.
WATCH
Ted Talk: How to Find Joy in Climate Action A talk exploring how each of us can contribute to climate action by tapping into our skills, resources, interests and networks in ways that feel meaningful and energizing.
Why: This is a good antidote to doomscrolling. Instead of asking you to do everything, it helps you figure out the part of climate action that belongs to you.
LOCAL FAVOURITES
Arcadia Earth An all-age, immersive, multi-sensory exhibit combining large-scale installations and interactive technology to explore the environmental crisis. Using repurposed materials and digital storytelling, the experience makes complex climate issues tangible and accessible.
Why: It transforms environmental awareness into something experiential, helping visitors better understand the urgency of the crisis and their role in it.
bare market An online shop offering package-free goods, including body and home care, DIY ingredients and bulk food to help consumers reduce waste. The owner’s vision is to offer the most sustainable and affordable products while ensuring full transparency and careful sourcing.
Why: Great for anyone curious about low-waste living but not looking to become a completely different person overnight. It’s where you start with one shampoo bar, refill or kitchen swap.
Evergreen Brickworks A former industrial site in Toronto’s Don Valley transformed into a thriving environmental and community hub. It features green spaces, a weekly farmers market with local Ontario vendors and regular programming.
Why: April is Earth Month at Evergreen, with multiple free or low-cost workshops related to sustainable crafts, education and community each Sunday. Drop by the EcoFair on April 26th for activities, artisans and networking!
T.O the Good Swap A Toronto-based monthly clothing swap event where participants exchange clothing. The initiative has processed over 20,000 items in two years, helping extend the life of garments and reduce textile waste.
Why: This is sustainability with an immediate payoff: clean out your closet, get something new-to-you and skip the usual cycle of spending money on clothes you won’t wear enough. The next event is scheduled on April 19th at Evergreen Brickworks.
OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS
An Imperfect Guide to Career and Climate A guide that encourages readers to take meaningful climate action through their own skills, emotions and career paths. It acknowledges the role of reflection and emotional processing, while pushing readers towards action.
Why: It’s helpful if climate anxiety has you frozen. It meets you where you are, and gently pushes you toward doing something useful with the skills and energy you already have.
WWF Living Planet Leader A certification designed to help students build skills and experience in sustainability and conservation. It offers an approachable structure for completing activities and recognizing learning that many students may already be doing in everyday life.
Why: A practical option if you want something Earth Month-adjacent that can also live on your resume or LinkedIn afterward.
While you're here, check out the Sustainability guide published by Seneca Libraries for more resources related to sustainable living, waste reduction, climate change, environmental justice and more. In addition, check out Sustainable Seneca, and initiatives such as Career Threads, Seneca Honey, and educational keynotes and workshops on demand, hosted by Seneca.
The Reconciliation & Inclusion team knows the best learning happens in conversation. Let us know if you explore any of the resources above, or if there’s something you’d recommend we include in future editions. Share your thoughts and suggestions in the comments, or email us at ri@senecapolytechnic.ca.
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