Sweater Day in Canada

Sweater Day in Canada is observed on the first Thursday of February. In 2026, it falls on February 5. This national environmental campaign encourages Canadians to lower their thermostats by two degrees Celsius and layer up with warm clothing. By trading central heating for cozy knitwear, participants demonstrate a collective commitment to energy conservation and the fight against climate change.

History of Sweater Day in Canada

The holiday was launched in 2010 by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Canada as a creative way to engage the public in environmental activism. The initiative was inspired by the simple fact that residential and commercial heating are significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. WWF sought a tangible, easy-to-understand action that individuals, schools, and workplaces could take to reduce their carbon footprint. Since its inception, over one million Canadians have participated annually, turning the day into a staple of the winter season.

A notable part of the holiday’s early history involved a unique “Granny Call Centre” campaign. Volunteers acting as grandmothers would call participants to remind them to bundle up and turn down the heat, playing on the traditional image of grandmothers as the ultimate advocates for warmth and resourcefulness. Over the years, the event has gained massive corporate and institutional support, with major retailers and school boards across the country officially adjusting their building temperatures to support the cause.

Why is Sweater Day in Canada important?

The primary importance of this day lies in its ability to quantify the impact of small, individual actions. According to WWF Canada, if every household in the country lowered their thermostat by just two degrees throughout the winter, it would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 2.2 megatonnes. This reduction is roughly equivalent to taking 350,000 cars off the road for an entire year. The day serves as a practical demonstration of how minor lifestyle adjustments can lead to significant environmental benefits.

Beyond the numbers, the day fosters a culture of conservation and mindfulness regarding energy use. It prompts citizens to think about where their energy comes from and the environmental cost of maintaining high indoor temperatures during the harsh Canadian winter. By making sustainability visible through the wearing of sweaters, the holiday helps normalize eco-friendly habits. It also provides an educational platform for students to learn about climate change and the importance of preserving natural habitats for wildlife.

• The campaign highlights that residential heating is a major source of air pollution.
• It teaches children that they can take direct action to protect the environment.
• The holiday promotes the longevity of clothing through layering rather than heating.
• It encourages a sense of national solidarity through a shared, simple goal.
• Participation helps raise funds for critical wildlife conservation projects across Canada.

How to Celebrate Sweater Day in Canada

The most direct way to celebrate is to turn down the thermostat by two degrees Celsius in your home or office. Participants should then select their warmest, most comfortable, or even most “ugly” sweater to wear throughout the day. In many Canadian workplaces, this serves as a “dress down” day where employees contribute a small donation to environmental charities for the privilege of wearing casual knitwear. Many schools take the opportunity to host “sweater fashion shows” to make the environmental lesson more engaging for students.

Community involvement is another key aspect of the celebration. Many people host “sweater swaps,” where they trade gently used knits with friends or coworkers to refresh their wardrobes without buying new items. Others organize clothing drives to collect sweaters for local shelters, ensuring that everyone in the community can stay warm during the cold months. Sharing photos of your favorite sweater on social media with the appropriate campaign hashtag helps spread the message and encourages others to join the movement.

• Lower your indoor temperature to exactly 18°C or 19°C for the day.
• Wear a vintage or hand-knitted sweater to celebrate sustainable fashion.
• Host a “lunch and learn” to discuss energy-saving tips with colleagues.
• Organize a sweater-themed fundraiser for a local conservation group.
• Take a “sweater selfie” and share your pledge to save energy online.

Sweater Day in Canada Dates Table