| EARTH DAY 2009 - THE GREEN GENERATION |
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands; Tuesday, April 21st, 2009 - For over thirty years on April 22nd of each year, countries around the globe have celebrated Earth Day in an effort to promote environmental awareness and sustainability. Each year a new theme is adopted with the hope that persons will endeavor to make a difference on that day, if even in a small way.
The theme for Earth Day 2009 -The Green Generation, serves as a reminder that Mother Nature’s resources are finite and must be used carefully. Its primary goal is to encourage use of the many new options and technologies now available which allow us to live in better harmony with the environment through the production of less waste and the application of alternative, more environmentally sustainable sources of energy. These options are wide-ranging and can be as simple as using cloth or paper bags to grocery shop instead of plastic bags which take countless years to break down in nature, to purchasing more energy efficient appliances which ultimately reduces carbon emissions and the release of other harmful gases into the atmosphere.
The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), through the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR) celebrates this special day annually as part of its on-going efforts to make a change and make a difference to the way we treat the environment. In doing so, activities have been planned across the islands to garner community participation and support.
This year, there will be beach clean-ups in South Caicos and Providenciales where DECR staff will be working alongside the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourist Association to clean the Grace Bay and Bight Road areas. In Grand Turk, Governors Beach will receive a much-needed face-lift with repairs and landscaping that will make the beach and its facilities more environmentally friendly and efficient. The Department will also visit schools across the islands during the week to inform the younger generation on the important role they play towards safeguarding the environment for the future.
Overall, Earth Day has proven to be a successful catalyst for ongoing environmental education, action and change. The DECR therefore takes the opportunity to encourage the general public to organize activities or take steps in their own homes and communities to commemorate this day. Here are a few quick tips that you can use towards becoming apart of the Green Generation:
* Still using incandescent bulbs? Switch to fluorescent light bulbs to save energy.
* Ever thought of car-pooling? It will save fuel and cut back on gas emissions.
* Water is life. Try washing one or two large loads than many small loads to save water.
* Reduce your waste: Try to reuse water bottles (refill at water machines-it will also save you money) or start a compost heap in your home to cut back on the garbage you generate.
Remember the three R’s- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and if each person plays their part it will make the difference. For further information on Earth Day and its activities please contact the DECR. |
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