Raise your voice, not the sea level!

Raise your voice, not the sea level! This catchy phrase is being used a lot this year for World Environment Day (WED).  Dating back to the first WED in 1972, the United Nations has been using this event as the principle vehicle to encourage people across the world to take on positive environmental action. In support of the UN designation of 2014 as the International Year of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), WED is adopting SIDS in the broader context of climate change as its theme. The purpose is to encourage greater understanding around the urgency to help protect the islands in the face of growing risks and vulnerabilities due to climate change.



What can you do?

Since Clean Air Day (June 4^th) and World Oceans Day (June 8^th) are happening around the same time, there are plenty of resources that you can find! In the meantime, here are some tips that you can start integrating into your daily routine:

• Green your commute. Try to cycle, walk and rollerblade when you can. You’ll save money and get into better shape! If you can’t go car free, try carpooling or car sharing.


• Reduce household pollutants. Cut down and properly dispose of herbicides, pesticides and cleaning products.


• Reduce your personal emissions by using more sustainable forms of sustainable transportation


• With 18% of greenhouse gas emissions coming from meat and dairy products, try to buy local and organic when possible.


• Garbage buried in landfills produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Keep stuff out of landfills by reducing waste, dispose of trash properly. Where possible recycle, reuse and compost.


• Be energy efficient by unplugging your unused electronics, avoid washing clothes in hot water and hang dry when possible.


• Get involved in local activities and events that promote environmental awareness


• Learn all that you can and pass on your knowledge!