Canadian Environment Week
May 31 - June 6, 2009

Protecting Canada's natural environment reaps a world of benefits for Canadians, from strengthening the economy to enhancing health and quality of life.

Canadian Environment Week is the perfect time to celebrate our achievements and initiatives in tackling climate change and reducing air pollution.

Your Actions Count

With hundreds of events planned, it's easy to get involved this Environment Week.  Take a look at the Community Action Board to learn more about what your community is doing for Environment Week and how you can participate.

Five Easy Ways to Celebrate Environment Week

Canadian Environment Week is a time to focus on simple changes that contribute to a greener future for everyone. You don't have to look far to find easy ways to green your lifestyle or appreciate the beauty of nature. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Buy locally grown food. Take some time to visit local Farmers Markets and learn more about the benefits of choosing locally grown foods! 
2. Change at least one light bulb to a compact fluorescent. Those qualified to ENERGY STAR® use about a quarter as much electricity as a conventional light bulb to produce the same amount of light. Compact fluorescents cost a bit more than incandescents, but they last up to ten times longer. 
3. Take a walk on the wild side. Go for a day hike on a local nature trail and revel in the beauty and serenity you're trying to preserve for future generations.
4. Turn off your computer when you're not using it. A home computer, monitor, and printer can use up to 200 watts of electricity. At both work and home, set your monitor to go into "sleep" mode if it is idle for more than 5 minutes, and your computer to do the same after 15.
5. Carry a cloth bag or keep one in your car.   Avoid traditional plastic bags in favour of reusable totes.  Most plastic bags wind up in landfill sites, where they can take up to a thousand years to biodegrade.  A cloth tote is durable, easy to carry and much more eco-friendly!

World Environment Day (June 5)

Canadian Environment Week is held during the first week of June to coincide with World Environment Day (June 5). This special day was designated by the United Nations in 1972 to stimulate political action on the environment and empower people from every corner of the globe to become active agents of sustainable and equitable development.

Clean Air Day (June 3)

Clean Air Day (June 3) raises awareness and encourages action on clean air and climate change issues. Canadians can show their commitment by participating in activities that contribute to cleaner air, healthier communities and a better quality of life for all.

The transportation sector is a major contributor of air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions.  For Clean Air Day, why not renew or begin a commitment to sustainable transportation?  When you use public transit, cycle, walk and rollerblade, you can reduce your personal emissions, save money used on fuel, contribute to your personal health and much more. 

Oceans Day (June 8)

Oceans Day (June 8) is a time to remember the critical role of oceans worldwide.  This international celebration has grown from a ripple into a tidal wave of awareness about the importance of our oceans.

Rivers to Oceans Week (June 8 - 14)

Rivers to Oceans Week (June 8 - 14) is an opportunity to work together to create an understanding of Canada's watersheds, our connection to fresh- and salt-water environments and what everyone can do to protect and keep watersheds healthy for people and wildlife.

Commuter Challenge (May 31 - June 6)

The Commuter Challenge (May 31 - June 6) is a nation-wide event that promotes friendly competition among organizations and cities to see who can get the highest percentage of employees out of single occupancy vehicles and into healthier and cleaner modes of commuting such as walking, cycling, transit, carpooling, vanpooling and teleworking.

For more information on Government of Canada environmental initiatives, visit our ecoACTION website at: www.ecoaction.gc.ca