Residents Encouraged to Celebrate Earth Day

This Sunday, April 22, more than one billion people around the world will participate in Earth Day activities, making it the largest civic observance in the world. This year’s theme, Mobilize the Earth, provides an opportunity to increase awareness and appreciation of the earth's natural environment. While Earth Day encourages individuals to think about all aspects of the environment, one issue that affects water, land, air, and ecosystems is climate change.

“Climate change is one of the greatest long-term challenges facing the earth today,” said the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Environment and Conservation and Minister Responsible for the Office of Climate Change, Energy Efficiency and Emissions Trading. “As such, the Provincial Government is committed to taking action on climate change, as we believe that all jurisdictions, no matter how big or small, need to be part of the solution.”

The Provincial Government recognizes the importance of leading by example when it comes to responding to climate change and improving energy efficiency. This commitment is evidenced through two separate, yet complementary, action plans focused on climate change and energy efficiency approaches.

Containing 75 specific commitments, Charting Our Course: Climate Change Action Plan 2011 establishes a strategic approach to climate change and sets out government’s vision and goals for the next five years with regard to adapting to the unavoidable aspects of climate change and reducing greenhouse emissions. Recognizing that opportunities also exist to improve energy efficiency in a cost-effective way, the 40 action items contained in Moving Forward: Energy Efficiency Action Plan 2011 articulate government’s vision for energy efficiency in our province.

“As a government, we are tacking these environmental issues head-on,” said Minister French. “That said, all individuals have a part to play by making environmentally responsible choices every day.”

Everyday actions that can have a positive impact on the environment include:

• Using CFL or LED light bulbs, and turning them off when not in use;
• Walking, cycling, car pooling and using public transportation where possible;
• Not idling and keeping cars well maintained to improve fuel efficiency;
• Washing clothes in cold water and hanging to air dry;
• Using low-flow showerheads and faucets to reduce hot water use;
• Ensuring areas such as basements and attics are properly insulated;
• Buying only ENERGY STAR certified products for items like appliances, computers and TVs, and turn them off when they are not in use;
• Installing programmable thermostats and turning back the heat at night and when not home;
• Starting a compost bin at home or at work; and,
• Donating, reusing and recycling items instead of throwing them in the trash.

“I encourage all Newfoundland and Labradorians to make the extra effort this Earth Day to do something positive for our environment,” said Minister French. “We have an obligation to ourselves and to future generations to protect and conserve our environment. A healthy environment means healthy people and more vibrant communities for us all.”

To learn more about Earth Day visit www.earthday.ca/. 

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Media contact:
Melony O’Neill
Director of Communications
Department of Environment and Conservation
709-729-2575
moneill@gov.nl.ca 

2012 04 20                       3:00 p.m.