The Bonobo Challenge

June 5th is World Environment Day - a day set up by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) to ’stimulate worldwide awareness of the environment and enhance political attention and action.’ This year, the main celebration kicks off in Wellington, New Zealand while events and activities happen worldwide. The 2008 theme is Kick the Habit! Towards a Low Carbon Economy because:

‘Recognising that climate change is becoming the defining issue of our era, UNEP is asking countries, companies and communities to focus on greenhouse gas emissions and how to reduce them. The World Environment Day will highlight resources and initiatives that promote low carbon economies and life-styles, such as improved energy efficiency, alternative energy sources, forest conservation and eco-friendly consumption.’

We couldn’t agree more…so here is a list of actions you can take to reduce your carbon footprint:

1. Bike, walk, scoot, skate or carpool to school, camp, the store or your friend’s house.

2. Turn computers and cell phones OFF - leaving them on stand-by wastes energy and shortens their lives!

3. Buy local. Look in your area phonebook the next time you need something - chances are you can find whatever you are searching for made right in your town!

4. Eat local. Support local farms and you will get the freshest food available while seriously cutting back on the fuel needed to transport food throughout the country. Farmers’ Markets are springing up everywhere, visit Local Harvest to see if there is one near you.

5. Turn out the lights. If you start paying attention, you’re likely to realize that lights are often left on in your house when they aren’t needed. Start using solar-made, soy or beeswax candles - try a candlelight dinner, bath or bedtime tonight!

6. Buy products from companies that practice good green behavior. Example? When your summer softball team is getting their team t-shirts printed, encourage them to use an eco-friendly screenprinting shop, like Mantis Graphics, that uses water based inks instead of standard plastisol inks containing nasty chemicals and that require harmful, toxic cleaners.

7. If your washer, dryer, dishwasher, refrigerator or any other major appliance should break down, encourage your family to research an energy and water saving alternative. If your car breaks down, encourage your family to buy a hybrid, electric or biofuel car. TIP: a great site that lists all kinds of eco-friendly products is Debra’s List - check it out and share it!

Can you think of other great tips? Send them in and we’ll post them all!

Have a great WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY!

Help Spread the Word!!!