The following statement given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Environment and Conservation

Earth Day 2010 Celebrated Today

I rise in this Honourable House today to recognize Earth Day — a day founded on the premise that all people have a right to a healthy, sustainable environment. Founded by Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin in 1970, Earth Day is a time for us to reflect on our actions and recognize the need for ongoing environmental education, continued action and change.

Earth Day 2010 marks the 40th anniversary of this celebration. Last year, on this day, the Green Generation Campaign was launched — a two-year project that focuses on the promotion of renewable energy. The goals of the campaign are continued this year, as people around the world remain committed to responsible, sustainable consumption and creation of a new green economy that helps create quality green jobs and transforms the global education system into a green one.

The celebration of Earth Day is an opportunity to address worldwide environmental concerns, as well as an opportunity to focus on local environmental initiatives. More than one billion people in 190 countries are taking action for Earth Day and Newfoundland and Labrador is also doing its part.

To celebrate Earth Day, the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board is participating in a number of activities to promote the importance of waste reduction and encourage families across the province to cut their waste in half — to protect our province and our planet for future generations. The MMSB is participating in an Earth Day Fair at the Fluvarium and promoting the Get-to-Half at School message at St. Bernard's Elementary and Fatima Academy in St. Bride's during their Environment Fest. The Get-to-Half message will also be presented to Brownie groups in Foxtrap and Paradise this week, and the MMSB will also participate in the Newfoundland and Labrador Landscape and Gardening Show this weekend at the Remax Centre in St. John's.

Forty years after the first Earth Day governments, organizations, businesses and individuals remain committed to taking action every day to reduce their environmental impact through saving energy and reducing waste and emissions. Earth Day 2010 represents an opportunity for everyone to make a personal commitment to the environment.

I encourage all residents of Newfoundland and Labrador to consider options for responsible, sustainable consumption in all aspects of their lives on Earth Day and throughout the year.

2010 04 22                                                 1:55 p.m.