Be inspired by Environment Week!

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

By making a commitment to make a difference, you can be part of the the environmental solution. Environment Week is upon us, and it’s time to be inspired. From June 3 to June 9, 2012, there are opportunities to participate in events all over the region. It’s a good time to take stock of your own footprint and to step up your role in sound environmental practices. This year, the Environment Week theme is Take Back the Tap, encouraging all Albertans to recognize the part they play in conserving this valuable resource. The poster declares: “We all share the responsibility to ensure a healthy, secure and sustainable water supply for our communities, environment and economy.” We can all work together to protect our water at its source: the rivers, lakes, streams and groundwater that, after treatment, comes from our water taps. By working together to take the simple steps required, we can ensure that our water supply remains free from harmful bacteria or viruses. Here’s something we can all do: • Be aware of what goes down the drain and dispose of materials properly: compost organic matter instead of using the garburator; and dispose of used oil at a collection site instead of down the street drain. • Avoid the use of pesticides and

fertilizers on your lawn. • Water plants only when neces

sary. • Get involved in water educa

tion. Bottled drinking water is an easy and convenient solution when you’re on the road, out jogging or taking the kids to the park. But it’s worth taking a serious look at the health concerns and environmental impact before you invest in your next 30-pack at the supermarket. First, are you really sure that your favourite brand of bottled drinking water meets minimal quality standards? The bottled water industry is not regulated, and tests have revealed that some brands are really tap water dressed up in a plastic bottle. Add to that the ugly spectre of millions of plastic bottles deposited at landfills across the country, not to mention the environmental cost of the plastics production and distribution. In fact, tap water production is held to much more stringent and measurable quality standards. Its convenience can be as high as those plastic bottles from the grocery store if you invest in reusable bottles that you can fill at home and refill along the way in your travels. You can even purchase reusable bottles with built in filters if you so choose. For drinking at home, keep a pitcher of tap water in the fridge. If you don’t like the taste of your tap water or feel insecure about its quality, filter pitchers and faucet filters will ease your mind. There’s more you can do to help conserve water, and these simple acts can become everyday habits as easily as recycling has in our community. Here are a few ideas: • Install a low-flow toilet. • Turn off the tap while brushing

your teeth. • Only run the washing machine and dishwasher with full loads. • Check taps and toilets for leaks

and repair them if needed. • Keep your drinking water in

the fridge. • Take shorter showers. Of course, protecting our fragile environment is about more than water conservation and ground water protection. This week is a good time to investigate other steps you can take to help preserve the planet for generations to come. Invite your friends and family to join you in become a better global citizen. Environment Week is a good time to get started.