THIS year’s WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY will mark 40 years since it was first initiated on June 5, 1972 at the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, in Stockholm (Sweden). Today, it remains one of the most appreciated and supported tools for raising global environmental awareness on environmental issues, and promotes positive actions locally and globally. The theme for this year’s celebration is ‘Green Economy: Does it include you?’.

What is a Green Economy?
According to UNEP’s Green Economy Initiative, a green economy can be defined as ‘one that results in improved human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities.’ Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy is therefore an important step in our movement towards a green economy.
A green economy also contributes to the aims and efforts of sustainable development, which is defined as ‘development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.’
From both definitions, we see a clear link to ‘human well-being’ and ‘meeting the needs of present and future generations’. No doubt, then, in response to the second part of this year’s theme: yes, the green economy does include you!
A green economy is targeted towards the overall improvement of our lives, whether through improved health; safe food and water supply and availability; and even the creation of jobs. This will lead to overall well-being of human life, while at the same time maintain a healthy environment, on which we continue to be so dependent.

Celebrating WED 2012
This year, the host country for WED celebrations is Brazil. This is most fitting, as they prepare to host the highly anticipated United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20). Countries around the world will join in the celebrations: organizing rallies, walks, film and art festivals, to name a few. There are also global initiatives such as the ‘Green Wave’ and ‘Billion Tree Campaign’ which support WED celebrations.
Locally, the public is encouraged to join in celebrating WED.  Three (3) awareness events are being organized by the EPA: a Green Walk on June 3, which will take place in Georgetown; and a Ride-for-the-Environment, in Linden and Anna Regina on June 10 and June 16 respectively.
But WED is much more that a day’s celebration. It encourages us to make conscious, practical, and urgent changes to our individual lifes! Below is a WED A-Z action list that can be considered in helping us to be more environmentally-friendly.
Challenge yourself, or better yet, your entire family! Identify at least ten (10) actions that you will start doing to be more environmentally friendly. Encourage others to do the same!

You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O EIT Division, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN; or email us at eit.epaguyana@gmail.com