On July 31, 2026, Partnering with North Star Special Needs Society Buddy Up program, GreenToronto member Mia Cao participated in a hands-on community activity combining creativity, teamwork, and environmental awareness together with other young volunteers. One of the featured activities was a Spaghetti Tower Challenge, in which participants used spaghetti and marshmallows to design and build freestanding structures. What made this activity especially meaningful from a sustainability perspective was that the materials were past their intended use as food and were repurposed as building supplies instead of being immediately discarded. Through experimentation, participants learned how simple materials can be given a new purpose. They tested different shapes, adjusted unstable designs, shared ideas with teammates, and discovered how thoughtful design can make limited resources more useful. The activity introduced several important sustainability concepts in an accessible and practical way:

1. Reducing waste by finding an alternative use for materials

2. Reusing resources before sending them into the waste stream Encouraging creative thinking about the value and lifespan of everyday items

3. Demonstrating how educational activities can help spread environmental awareness

Alongside the building challenge, youth participants also worked together on digital learning activities and supported younger children through one-on-one guidance. These moments highlighted another important aspect of sustainability: building communities in which knowledge, skills, and resources are shared. At GreenToronto, we believe environmental education does not always have to begin with a large project. Sometimes it begins with a simple question: “Before we throw something away, is there another way we can use it?” By turning unused materials into tools for creativity and learning, this activity encouraged young people to see waste differently—and to understand that small decisions can inspire more responsible habits in the future.