Environment and Conservation
April 22, 2010The 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.
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