Climate Investigation Cleanup: The Filter Felon

Calling all Climate Investigators! Join A Greener Future for Toronto Climate Week's most engaging environmental action experience. Your mission: investigate the Filter Felon - cigarette butts that are fooling everyone into thinking they're biodegradable while poisoning Lake Ontario.

This 2-hour climate investigation combines a hands-on shoreline cleanup (90 minutes) with detective work (15 minutes) as you collect evidence and uncover how these toxic tricksters connect tobacco farming, plastic manufacturing, and water contamination to climate change. You'll remove real litter while learning how each piece tells a climate story.

No prior detective experience required! All investigation equipment will be provided. Perfect for first-time volunteers, families, students (community service hours available), and anyone seeking climate action with immediate, visible results.

Why Join This Cleanup

🌊 Help protect Lake Ontario’s shoreline and local wildlife
🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Take part in a community-powered environmental initiative
📊 Contribute to real environmental data used for research and advocacy
🎓 Earn high school volunteer hours (bring your form!)

What to Expect

✔ A short welcome and orientation
✔ Guided shoreline cleanup
✔ All cleanup supplies provided
✔ Friendly staff and community atmosphere

No experience needed, just dress for the weather and come ready to help.

📍 Meeting Spot: In front of the Woodbine bathing station (Google Map)

Registration

Registration for this event will open in April 2026. We encourage you to subscribe to our monthly newsletter to receive updates and secure your spot once registration opens.

Toronto Climate Week (TOCW) transforms the city into a global stage for climate solutions by uniting Canada's climate ecosystem and welcoming international partners to participate in a week of cross-sector collaboration. The week positions Toronto as a leading climate hub and connects Canada’s climate efforts with the world.