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December 21, 2004, VANCOUVER - This year, when you're making up those New Year's resolutions that you have all the best intentions of keeping,The Humane Society of Canada (HSC) is asking Canadians to incorporate environmentally-friendly changes into their lives when they make New Years' resolutions.
According to HSC Western Regional Director Al Hickey, the changes don't have to be difficult or time consuming to be effective.
"Being vigilant about recycling, both inside the home and out, switching to more energy efficient items and buying products that contain minimal packaging are three easy ways to make a big difference in preserving the planet, says Hickey.
Hickey points out that doing things that are good for the environment are often also beneficial for people as well.
"When new appliances are needed it is good to replace them with energy efficient ones," recommends Hickey. "Not only is it beneficial to the Earth to use less energy, but it will save you money in the long run. And some energy efficient appliances are eligible for government rebates."
HSC Executive Director Michael O'Sullivan wants people to know that the planet is sick and that it will be the seemingly small actions of millions of people that will make her better.
"Picking up garbage, planting native trees and plants and using public transportation whenever possible are three ways to help protect Mother Nature," says O'Sullivan. "Buying products from companies that are environmentally-friendly and avoiding items produced by those who aren't is another simple way to minimize our negative impacts on the planet."
In order to help protect the planet from pollution, global warming, deforestation, habitat loss and many other ills that the human species inflicts on the Earth, The Humane Society of Canada is asking everyone to take action to preserve the ecosystems that all species depend on. The following are a few suggestions that can easily be accomplished that will contribute to the greening of the world.
20 Simple Ways to Protect the Planet
- Minimize your use of "harmful travel." Walk, use public transit and carpool when possible. If you need to pick up items, try to wait until you have several places to go so you can reduce travel and the energy consumption and pollution associated with it.
- Practice the 4Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle, refuse) whenever possible.
- Compost appropriate food scraps, leaves, grass clippings etc.
- Plant native trees, shrubs, bushes and plants; better still, create a wild area on your property for other species to use.
- When appliances, vehicles and similar items need replacing try to switch to long-lasting, energy efficient ones.
- Support companies and organizations that are environmentally-friendly and stay away from those that aren't.
- Conserve water; don't water lawns, sidewalks etc. and try to collect rainwater for use on your gardens.
- Conserve paper; use both sides of the paper, use scrap paper for shopping and "to do" lists.
- Buy products which don't contain too much packaging.
- Use products made from material that has a minimal impact on the planet. Hemp is a plant that has many uses and it is very good for the environment. Clothes, paper, foods, bags and many other items made from this versatile eco-plant are of excellent quality.
- Use safe, non-toxic products.
- Stop using harmful, unnecessary products like pesticides and herbicides.
- Plant an organic vegetable garden. Most vegetables are grown with harmful fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides and travel long distances before being sold in stores. By reducing your dependence on commercially grown vegetables you will help the environment and get healthier, more nutritious food.
- Buy organic vegetables and other products whenever possible.
- Buy fair trade products. Fair trade items are often obtained using sustainable, eco-friendly practices.
- Go without sometimes. We live in a commercial world where we often buy items that we don't really need.
- Don't use disposable products. These "throw away" products fill landfills and litter the roadsides and countryside.
- Use items as long as possible and dispose of them appropriately. Newer and "better" items are always coming on the market, but if your "old" computer or cell phone still works you don't need to buy one because it is a little faster or a little smaller.
- Use eco-products, like solar radios and lights, when possible.
- Educate others about how they can help preserve the Earth.
"Protecting our natural heritage for ourselves, our children and for its' own sake just makes good common sense," says O'Sullivan.
CONTACT: Al Hickey or Michael O'Sullivan by toll free 1-800-641-KIND or Michael on his cell phone (416) 876-9685 or at www.humanesociety.com
[For more than 17 years, Al Hickey was the Chief Executive of the BC SPCA and before that headed up the Alberta and BC Chambers of Commerce, and the Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Vancouver. He has 6 grandchildren.
A father with two children, and a houseful of dogs and cats, O'Sullivan has worked across Canada and in over 90 countries during the last 35 years helping people, animals and nature.]
The Humane Society of Canada works to protect dogs, cats, horses, birds, livestock, lab animals, wildlife and the environment. They carry out hands on programs to help animals and nature, mount rescue operations, expose cruelty through hard hitting undercover investigations, work to pass laws to protect animals, fund scientific research, support animal shelters and wildlife rehabilitation centres and spread the word about how to help animals and nature through humane education.
The Humane Society of Canada depends entirely on donations to support our programs to help animals and the environment. All donations are gratefully acknowledged with a receipt for income tax purposes. If you would like to support our educational and environmental campaigns please make a donation here |
