I love Earth Day. While Toronto has no shortage of green events throughout the year, it's only during this week that there are so many of them that there is bound to be a few really good ones no matter where you find yourself.

Earth Day 2009 is quickly approaching - it falls on this coming Wednesday. And while there are event listings for across Canada such as on EarthDay.ca, the following three Toronto events are my favorite. And they're all at different times and locations spanning the city, so if you're so inclined you could check them all out.

East End: Toronto Zoo: Party for the Planet
(this weekend, $21 general admission)

This event is actually this Saturday & Sunday for "Earth Day Weekend". The zoo will be celebrating a commitment to conservation and their newly renovated Conservation Connection Centre. They should have some special pavilions set up and I'll bet the staff gets pretty hyped about the whole thing.

Downtown: U of T's Centre for Environment - Research Day
(on Earth Day, free)

The agenda spans the whole day and features eight research presentations by graduate students on some solid research topics within the areas such as pesticide use, biodiversity, and climate change.

West End: An Evening of Green - Building an Environmental Community
(on Earth Day, pay what you can)

This well-organized student-run event runs from 5-9pm at the Etobicoke School of the Arts. Support from sponsors means door prizes and an "environmental marketplace", and there is a long list of local environmental organizations who will be there with displays. Main events are a screening of the Sharkwater (a good film!) and a coffee house with live music.

Of course, there should be many smaller-scale events in your area or at your workplace. And as an Earth Day aside, keep an eye out for local businesses that are participating in GREENtuity, a one-day fundraiser for a good green cause.

Image courtesy of EcoMarketingSolutions.