David Suzuki Foundation invites Canadians to get outside for the 30×30 Nature Challenge

TORONTO, APRIL 22, 2015: The David Suzuki Foundation’s fourth annual 30×30 Nature Challenge — a campaign to get Canadians into “the nature habit” by spending 30 minutes a day outside for 30 consecutive days — launches today. Over the past three years, tens of thousands of individuals and hundreds of schools and workplaces have taken the challenge, reaping the many benefits of regular time spent outdoors.

“A growing chorus of scientists and researchers agree: time spent in nature makes us happier, healthier and less stressed,” said Aryne Sheppard, DSF 30×30 Challenge campaign lead. “Getting a daily dose of nature through the 30×30 Nature Challenge is the best prescription for a healthy, happy spring.”

People who register at davidsuzuki.org/30×30 get daily tips on how to add green time to busy routines during the month of May. There are also free tool kits for workplaces and schools with ideas for getting colleagues and students involved.

“Getting 30 minutes outside can be a walk in a nearby park, eating lunch under a tree or holding a business meeting on a park bench or at the beach instead of in a boardroom,” said Sheppard. “Of course, we should all add nature to our routine every day, not just in May.”

Since the first 30×30 Challenge in 2012, tens of thousands of individuals have heeded nature’s call, doubling their time spent outside. Participants surveyed each year reported their daily nature habit helped them sleep better, and feel calmer and less stressed.

The 30×30 Nature Challenge is being presented in partnership with Genuine Health, with generous support from program partners Desjardins, Elemental and Interface and media partners Météo Média / The Weather Network.

For more information, please visit www.davidsuzuki.org/30×30 or contact:
Jode Roberts (647) 456-9752 jroberts@davidsuzuki.org
Manon Dubois (Quebec) (514) 679-0821 mdubois@davidsuzuki.org