By Theresa Ficazzola Did you know that June 5 is World Environment Day?
World Environment Day has been celebrated on that date since 1973 to raise global awareness of our environment. It was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972.
Run by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), this worldwide celebration of our planet focuses on
a different theme each year. Events and programs are held in many countries and consist of various activities, including parades, tree plantings, beach and park clean ups, school contests, and political rallies, among others. However, each year a “host city” features a main event.
Barbados was the site of this year’s main World Environment Day celebration. The theme for 2014 was “Small Islands and Climate Change” and the official slogan was “Raise Your Voice Not the Sea Level.”
As reported by UNEP, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said, “Small island nations share a common understanding that we need to set our planet on a sustainable path”. Ki-moon added that reaching such a goal requires cooperation from all sectors of society in all countries.
“This year, I urge everyone to think about the plight of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and to take inspiration from their efforts to address climate change, strengthen resilience and work for a sustainable future,” said the UN chief.
While tiny islands, such as Barbados, inhabit millions of people, they, themselves, contribute little to climate change—emitting less than 1 percent of global greenhouse gases. However, global warming and the resulting rises in sea levels pose a direct threat to their very existence.
Global warming is a very real and very serious threat to our planet. But there are small steps each of us can take that can collectively make a big difference in our lives today and in the lives of future generations.
What can you do today to make a difference in your environment? Consider one or more of these suggestions..then actually follow through on doing them.
- turn off the lights when you leave a room
- take a shorter shower
- plant a tree
- walk to the store
- recycle everything you can
- get your car tuned up
- utilize recycled bags for shopping
- unplug appliances when not in use
- donate old clothes to a charity
- consider solar panels on your home to generate your own electricity
SI Solar can give you the power to generate your own electricity while locking in your energy rates over a long period of time. To learn more about how solar technology can save you money while saving the planet, give us a call at 844-747-6527.
