Earth Day this year has particular relevance. The environment – especially climate change – is front and centre in people’s minds and at the top of the political agenda.
CUPE’s National Environment Committee urges all CUPE members to recognize Earth Day, take part in local activities in their communities, to work throughout the year to fight the climate crisis and help lead our society along a more sustainable path.
Co-chair Rh’ena Oake says, “Earth Day is a great chance for workers to come together in their communities to rally around environmental concerns. We all know now that we need to do more to stop climate change. It starts in our workplaces, our homes and our communities. Workers can make a difference and be part of the solution.”
The National Environment Committee is meeting in Ottawa this weekend. On Earth Day, the committee will interrupt their meeting to go and hear renowned Canadian environmentalist David Suzuki give a keynote address on climate change at the National Library of Canada. The committee is also helping to develop new materials for members to take action on climate change at work.
Three things to do on Earth Day:
- Participate in Earth Day activities in your community.
- Cut your carbon output for the day to an absolute minimum (e.g., don’t drive, don’t fly, conserve electricity, reduce waste output). Start with a day and then take it further.
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Urge your employer to put an environmental program in place (e.g., start or expand a recycling, waste reduction and composting program; promote car-pooling and pubic transit use; conduct a workplace environmental audit; form a workplace environmental committee).
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