Days of Awareness: May
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.
Asian Heritage Month – May 1 – 31
May 1st – 31st is celebrated as Asian Heritage Month, honoring the contributions of Asian Canadians to the nation’s culture and history. Since the late-1700s, people of Asian origin have made important contributions to Canada’s history and identity. The theme for Asian Heritage Month 2025 is: “Unity in Diversity: The Impact of Asian Communities in Shaping Canadian Identity”. This theme acknowledges the abundance of diversity present among Asian Canadian communities, and how this richness has contributed to building a unifying Canadian identity. The diverse nature of Asian Canadian communities is considered as one of their strengths, just as it is in our Canadian identity.
Ways to get involved:
- CUPE’s Anti-Racism Strategy specifically calls out anti-Asian racism and outlines 10 goals to fight racism in our workplaces. Help put CUPE’s Anti-Racism Strategy into action: https://cupe.ca/help-put-cupes-anti-racism-strategy-action
- Learn about the the national historic persons, places and events related to Asian Heritage in Canada: https://parks.canada.ca/culture/designation/patrimoine-asiatique-asian-heritage
World Tuna Day – May 2
World Tuna Day is observed on May 2nd throughout the world to raise awareness about ending overfishing and safeguarding tuna supplies for the future. The MSC’s 2025 theme for World Tuna Day is Yes We Can; we need to conserve our wonderful tuna resources for future generations.
Join the conversation by promoting sustainable fishing ideas and share information on social media about responsible seafood choices: World Tuna Day 2025 | Marine Stewardship Council
World Migratory Bird Day – May 10
World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) is a biannual global awareness-raising campaign highlighting the need for the conservation of migratory birds and their habitats. It is celebrated on the second Saturday in May and October. This year, WMBD focuses on creating bird friendly cities and communities – raising awareness about the many challenges migratory birds face due to human activities and expanding urban development. The campaign will advocate for strategic urban planning and conservation efforts that incorporate bird-friendly practices, making sure that our communities become havens for these remarkable travelers. The 2025 theme encourages action from all sectors, including national and local governments, businesses, community groups, and individuals worldwide.
Ways to Get Involved:
- Toronto’s lakeshore and green spaces provide vital habitats for a large number of breeding and migratory birds. Protecting and restoring these habitats is essential to making Toronto truly Bird Friendly: birdfriendlytoronto
- Learn more about the World Migratory Bird Day with some helpful resources from Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals: World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) | CMS
International Day of Plant Health – May 12
The International Day of Plant Health calls on everyone to raise awareness and take action to the environment healthy. Plant health is the foundation of food security and is deeply connected with human and animal health. When we protect plants, we protect lives!
Ways to get involved:
- Learn about the invasive species in your area and what they look like
- Share or use this activity book that is designed, written and illustrated to bring children closer to the world of plant protection: https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/ce3a6410-21c1-40fc-ad0a-a590c92fc1eb/content
National Bike-to-Work Day – May 16
The Bike-to-Work Day will be celebrated on May 16, 2025; a day which encourages Canadians to leave their cars at home and commute to work by bicycle, promoting benefits of cycling and healthier lifestyles.
As more and more people take to bicycles for transportation to and from work, it’s important for both cyclists and drivers to share the road safely. Both must be aware of the traffic laws and follow them. More and more communities are adding bike lanes to improve safety. National Bike to Work Day promotes the bicycle as a healthy and safe alternative for commuting to work.
Ways to Get Involved:
- Bike to work and encourage your co-workers to adopt eco-friendly commuting options!
- Share biking tips: https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/lists/3-tips-for-long-commutes-by-bike
World Bee Day – May 20
Today bees, pollinators, and many other insects are declining in abundance. World Bee Day provides an opportunity for all of us to come together and take action to protect and enhance pollinators and their habitats. By doing so, we can mitigate risks to food security and nutrition, agricultural livelihoods, biodiversity and the environment.
Find out more about how you can promote #WorldBeeDay by reading this guide: World Bee Day 2025 – Get involved
If you have any questions about the Days of Awareness feature, please contact Charlotte Hung at charlotte.hung@trca.ca.