New Brunswick families take action on climate change

01/12/2011

 Eight New Brunswick families will be taking action to combat climate change by participating in the Neighbourhood Eco-Challenge from Jan. 10 to March 4.

The challenge highlights the importance of taking action against climate change at the community level. It is a partnership between the Department of Environment, Efficiency NB, the New Brunswick Lung Association and the New Brunswick Environmental Network.

These families are setting an excellent example for residents in their communities of Shediac, Dieppe, Petitcodiac and Saint Andrews, and for all New Brunswickers, said Environment Minister Margaret-Ann Blaney. I encourage all families to reduce their carbon footprint as a New Year"s resolution.

Each family will begin the challenge by calculating the carbon emissions it already produces referred to as its carbon footprint. Then, each will select actions from a list of possibilities to help reduce that footprint. Some actions will include conserving energy and water, using public and alternative means of transportation, reducing waste, and setting an example for their neighbours.

Each family will be provided with tools and methods to track their progress. The New Brunswick Lung Association will compile and evaluate the data.  

All New Brunswickers will be able to use the same tools as the families in the eco-challenge by going online.

I encourage all New Brunswickers to visit our climate change website to learn more about climate change, our progress in addressing these challenges and how everyone can be part of the solution, said Blaney.

The challenge is part of a commitment made in the New Brunswick Climate Change Action Plan to increase public education and outreach. The plan aims to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions in the province by 5.5 megatonnes annually by 2012 and position New Brunswick to make further reductions of 10 per cent below 1990 levels by 2020.

(source: www.gnb.ca - New Release)