This is an archive of news stories and research from the National Union of Public and General Employees. Please see our new site - https://nupge.ca - for the most current information.
Earth Day celebrates and promotes the "power of one" with personal acts of environmental wisdom and lifestyle changes.
Ottawa (22 April 2011) - Celebrated every April 22, Earth Day is the largest, most celebrated environmental event worldwide.
More than 6 million Canadians join 1 billion people. in over 170 countries to stage events and projects to address local environmental issues. Nearly every school-aged child in Canada takes part in an Earth Day activity.
Environmental challenges abound as our daily actions pollute and degrade the fragile environment that humans and wildlife depend on to survive.
Earth Day Canada has launched a campaign Give it up for Earth Day asking Canadians to make a commitment from one week to a permanent lifestyle change: I won't buy it, I won't watch TV, I won't use toxic cleaners, I won't eat meat.
Similarly, the Earth Day Network that coordinates international Earth Day events and activities, asks individuals to post any and all "acts of green" that they choose to commit to.
While all personal acts build the foundation for a sustainable household, government action is the keystone to supporting societal shifts towards a greener Canada. The 2011 election is an opportunity to demand action on important environmental issues such as climate change.
During this election, environmental NGOs have worked to raise the profile of this issue with fact sheets, questionnaires, community debates and green report cards.
Good summaries of the parties platforms and track records can be found in the Sierra Club of Canada's Election Report Card and Environmental Defence's party platform analysis.
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The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE
More Information:
Sierra Club Canada Election Report Card
Environmental Defence assessment of party platforms - here.