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15 · Friday, March 30, 2012 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com Earth Hour. I will, if you will Halton Region encourages residents to participate in Earth Hour On Saturday, March 31, Halton Region will join communities around the world by turning out the lights for Earth Hour. A global initiative led by the World Wildlife Fund, Earth Hour encourages communities and individuals around the world to turn out their lights for one hour to symbolize their commitment to fighting climate change. On March 31, from 8:30 ­ 9:30 p.m. lights and non-essential electrical equipment at Regional facilities (that do not compromise public safety or interfere with essential services) will be turned off for one hour. Halton Region also encourages local residents and businesses to turn out lights and non-essential electrical appliances and show their support for action on climate change. "At Halton Region we are committed to reducing our ecological footprint and integrating sustainable practices into our operations," said Regional Chair Gary Carr. "On March 31, we will join Halton residents and businesses participating in Earth Hour, and will continue working toward the principles of sustainability every day." Corporate Sustainability is one of the priorities of the Citizens' Priorities (2011-2014) Action Plan. Halton Region has undertaken several initiatives to help protect and enhance our environment, including: · Landfill Gas Capture Project at the Halton Waste Management Site · Waste diversion programs such as the Blue Box for recycling and the GreenCart for organics collection · Halton's Naturally Green Program · Smart Commute Program to promote carpooling · Forest Management, including protection of the Region's 1,645 acres of forest · Corporate initiatives to reduce energy consumption and use alternative fuels, including a commitment to reduce energy consumption 15 per cent by 2015 · Involvement with, and support for, organizations such as the Halton Partners for Clean Air, the GTA Clean Air Council, and Partners for Climate Protection For more information about these and other initiatives, visit www.halton.ca. To join Team Earth Hour and pledge your participation, visit www.wwf. ca/earthhour/get_involved. Five simple actions to mark the 5th Anniversary of Earth Hour (NC)--This year, for Earth Hour's 5th anniversary, Canadians are being asked to make an ongoing commitment to support a more sustainable, healthier, and greener planet Earth. "Earth Hour is the time of year when many of us reflect on our individual impact on the planet and commit to making more environmentallyfriendly choices," explains Josh Laughren, the director of Climate and Energy for World Wildlife Fund Canada (WWF). "For Earth Hour 2012, we're asking Canadians to make a resolution to 'go beyond the hour' and take five simple actions to reduce their environmental footprint every day." Saturday, March 31st will mark the fifth anniversary of this special event organized by WWF. Launched in Sydney, Australia in 2007, Earth Hour has since become a global phenomenon. With millions of people switching off their lights for an hour each year to show their support for action on climate change, it is the world's largest environmental event. Five fun and easy ways you can go beyond the hour are: 1. Get the whole family involved. Set out a family challenge to reduce your household's carbon footprint throughout the year. This could include getting kids to turn off the TV or computer when not in use, making a commitment to walk to school instead of drive, or switching to energy-efficient household appliances. 2. Sign up for alternative energy sources. Renewable energy sources include solar and wind, so you can switch to green energy providers such as Bullfrog Power. 3. Get your company on board. Be a green energy advocate in your workplace. Take efforts to ensure your company: doesn't leave computers and lights on at night; recycles properly; and keeps the heat and air-conditioning at basic levels. 4. Talk to your local elected official. Real change needs to take place at all levels of government. Find out what your representative is doing to fight climate change. 5. Use E-billing. Are you still getting paper bills? Switching to e-billing will cut down on waste and clutter and you'll contribute to cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions while helping to preserve forests. T THOMSON THOMSON SPRING JUNK WASTE SERVICES CLEAN UP SPECIAL $ * 4 yard-18 yard bin sizes available (18 yard-12'L x 6'W x 6.4'H) Ideal for: Spring Cleaning, Renovations etc. Weight Charges Will Apply 18 yard max size bin 129 Call for details 00* Plus HST We drop the bin off, you fill it. We pick it up! We'll Rebate you for any included Scrap Metal Recyclables! Call for details BONUS! 905.681.8832 www.thomsonmetals.com