|
April 19, 2005, VANCOUVER – April 22 is Earth Day and a reminder that with only one planet to call home, everyone needs to pitch in and make sure that we treat every day as Earth Day says The Humane Society of Canada (HSC).
"All of us, people, plants and animals need a healthy environment to provide a good quality of life for ourselves and future generations,” says Al Hickey, HSC Western Regional Director. "However, unfortunately, the way we live is often short sighted and is putting all of this at risk.”
HSC Executive Director Michael O'Sullivan agrees that only one species, ours, has the power to change and make the world a better place for all of us.
"Global warming, mass species extinction and unbridled exploitation of the Earth's resources are just a few of the devastating consequences humans have inflicted on the planet," says O’Sullivan.
Earth Day is about hope, and the good news is that much of the harm being inflicted on Earth by humans can be reduced and even reversed.
"Simple things, done every day can make a huge difference," advises O'Sullivan. "Planting native trees, eliminating the use of needless, deadly pesticides, herbicides and chemical fertilizers and reducing our use of water are just a few easy ways to significantly improve the health of the planet," suggests O'Sullivan. "Cleaning up parks and beaches is another great way to keep our communities clean.”
For a comprehensive list of ways to celebrate Earth Day and protect the planet click here.
According to Michael O'Sullivan, people need to think about how they can live sustainable lifestyles.
"There are lots of ways to drastically reduce our use of energy and our creation of pollution," states O'Sullivan. "Taking public transit to work, driving fuel efficient vehicles, car pooling, using energy efficient appliances and growing some of our own vegetables in a small garden are easy things that make a huge difference. Changing over to a more environmentally friendly lifestyle is good for all of us, including the millions of other species with whom we share this planet,” 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 environmental campaigns please make a donation here. |
