June 5, 2008: World Environment Day

 

World Environment Day is celebrated each year on June 5th. The theme of the World Environment Day this year is climate change and especially the transition to a low carbon economy and lifestyle. New Zealand, and specifically Wellington, will host the international celebrations for this day with the slogan "Kick the CO2 Habit. Towards a low carbon economy". Recognising that climate change is becoming a very important issue of our era, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) encourages countries, companies and communities to focus on greenhouse gas emissions and ways to reduce them. World Environment Day 2008 highlights initiatives that promote low carbon economies and lifestyles, such as improved energy efficiency, alternative energy sources, forest conservation and eco-friendly consumption. 

Ways to kick the carbon habit: 
  

Energy 

  • Turn appliances off and switch off lights when leaving the room
  • Use hot water wisely
  • Monitor your power use
  • Choose energy efficient product 
  • Draught-proof your home

Building 

  • Insulation
  • Design for the sun
  • Reuse and recycle materials
  • Use durable, non-toxic, efficient materials
  • Build for the future

Rubbish 

  • Reduce
  • Reuse
  • Recycle
  • Compost or use a worm farm
  • Buy pre-loved, or recycled products