WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY

FRIDAY 05 JUNE 2009

Celebrating World Environment Day:
What You Can Do For A Cleaner Greener Thomastown

What is World Environment Day (WED)?
World Environment Day (WED) has been celebrated throughout the world every year since 1972. WED takes place each year on 05 June. The purpose of WED is to raise awareness about our environment.

What happens on WED?
Each year the event is celebrated in over 100 participating countries. This year’s host country is Mexico. Thousands of events are taking place across the globe to mark WED. Visit http://www.unep.org/ for more information.

So how can you Green Your Routine?

Reduce, reuse and recycle.
Plant a tree.
Conserve water.
Switch off lights when not needed.
Say no to plastic.
Use reusable containers for food storage.
Use both sides of a piece of paper.
Start a recycling system in the office.
Use eco-friendly products.
Drive less.
Walk more.
Get a bike.
Get involved locally - join Thomastown Tidy Towns!

Watch a free movie on WED!
WED sees the worldwide premiere at cinemas, on DVD, TV and internet of the highly acclaimed beautifully-shot movie ‘HOME’ by world-renowned photographer Yann Arthus-Betrand. You can download ’HOME’ for free on:
http://www.home-2009.com/


UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL BIODIVERSITY DAY
FRIDAY 22 MAY 2009


Retaining and Restoring Biodiversity in Thomastown: How You Can Help

What is biodiversity?
Biodiversity means the variety of all living things in the world, including all plants and animals from the bumble bee to you and me. Biodiversity provides the essentials needed for life - oxygen, clean water, a range of foods, clothing, health and relaxation.

Why is it so important?
Biodiversity is essential for the many resources we depend on in life. Without the complex network of biological systems, habitats and species, the support systems that sustain human life would cease to exist. Without the bumble bee, there would be no you and me! Biodiversity enriches all our lives, and we should seek to safeguard it for future generations.

Countdown 2010
Governments throughout the world have promised to save biodiversity by 2010. Each EU country must take specific steps to move from words to action. At a local level small changes in the way you do things in your home, garden, school and community will minimise the impact you have on the environment.

10 Steps You Can Take In The Home, Garden, School and Community
Reduce, reuse and recycle.
Compost as much as possible.
Buy local produce with minimal packaging.
Buy what you need.
Consider growing your own fruit and vegetables.
Drink less bottled water.
Use energy-efficient bulbs.
Reduce use of household detergents.
Look for alternatives to weed-killer, pesticides and insecticides.
Conserve water.

Get Involved Locally
If you have an idea for a community-based project which will help restore and retain biodiversity in our community, please contact the Tidy Towns Committee on Tel: 087 2186309.

Further Information:
http://www.noticenature.ie/ http://www.npws.ie/ http://www.repak.ie/ http://www.change.ie/ http://www.enfo.ie/
http://www.kilkennycoco.ie/ http://www.sei.ie/ http://www.unep.org/ http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/ http://www.environ.ie/