Days of Awareness: September
Partners in Project Green shares Days of Awareness each month to spread awareness and start conversations. These days may have a social, historical, or sustainable significance worthy of our attention. These are just a small sampling of important days to acknowledge or remember. If we missed any days of importance that should be included, please share them with us.
Rosh Hashana – September 12
Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the Jewish New Year. Apples and honey are a traditional food of the holiday which symbolize the hope for a sweet new year. Rosh Hashanah, also spelled Hashana or Ha-shanah, comes from Hebrew and most simply put, means “beginning of the year.” The phrase “shana tova”, which translates to “good year” is used as a greeting during this holiday.
Yom Kippur – September 21
Yom Kippur is the most sacred day in Judaism. It is observed as a day of fasting, prayer, and reflection, offering an opportunity to seek forgiveness, make amends, and begin the new year with renewed purpose.
World Car Free Day – September 22
World Car-Free Day is a global initiative that encourages people to explore alternatives to driving. Whether you walk, bike, take transit, or share a ride, every car-free trip helps reduce traffic, lower emissions, and create cleaner, more livable communities.
Ways to get involved:
Celebrate World Car Free Day by choosing a car-free way to get around! Walk, bike, take public transit, or carpool, and help create healthier, greener, and more connected communities. Consider organizing a group walk or bike ride, encouraging colleagues and neighbours to participate, or simply leaving the car at home for the day. Every trip makes a difference! Check out Peel Region’s Active Transportation portal here or research your own local resources.
World Environmental Health Day – September 26
World Environmental Health Day highlights the important connection between the environment and our health. From clean air and water to safe, resilient communities, protecting our natural surroundings helps create healthier places for people and future generations.
Ways to get involved:
- Get involved by learning about local environmental health issues, reducing waste, conserving energy and water, or checking out a local TRCA conservation area.
- Visit World Environmental Health Day to learn more!
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – September 30
Also known as Orange Shirt Day, it honors the survivors of the residential school system, their families, and the communities still impacted by intergenerational trauma, while memorializing the children who never returned home. This day encourages Canadians to reflect on the lasting impacts of residential schools, honour survivors and Indigenous communities, and commit to ongoing learning and reconciliation.
Ways to get involved:
- Consider attending a local event, such as the TRCA Reconciliation Walk & Indigenous Art Trail, or learning about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action.
- Visit National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Canada.ca
About Days of Awareness
Since its launch in 2023, Partners in Project Green’s Days of Awareness campaign has become a monthly celebration of the days, events, and observances that matter most to our community. Designed to highlight moments of social, historical, cultural, and environmental significance, this initiative invites us to pause, reflect, and engage in meaningful conversations that extend beyond sustainability alone.
Each month, we spotlight a curated selection of awareness days to honour the diversity of our team, Members, and the communities we serve — fostering connection, inclusion, knowledge-sharing, and collective action across our network.
Read the September 2025 Days of Awareness article here.
If you have any questions about the Days of Awareness feature, please contact Vanessa D’Andrea at vanessa.dandrea@trca.ca.