07/06/2005 - Environment
Minister Carwyn Jones this week launched a
new advertising campaign that asks people
to help the environment by choosing public
transport. Environment Agency Wales has produced
the adverts to mark World Environment Day
on the 5 June. Fifty buses operating out of
depots in Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, Wrexham,
Port Talbot and Pontypridd will encourage
people to "save the planet - take the
bus", and in Welsh "Bendith i'r
byd yw bod ar y bws".
Road traffic emissions are the main reason
for 92% of the designated air quality ‘hotspots’
in Wales. We can all do our bit to help reduce
this by using public transport more and our
cars less.
The average car commuter drives 19 miles
a day emitting about 1.3 tonnes of carbon
dioxide over one year, the same as that absorbed
by 432 trees.
The Minister also made a pledge to lessen
his personal impact on the environment. Describing
the benefits of the World Environment Day
campaign, he said: "The Welsh Assembly
Government will soon publish its draft environment
strategy, a framework to achieve an environment
which is clean, healthy, biologically diverse
and valued by the people of Wales. But to
make a real difference, individuals need to
do their bit too.
If everyone made small lifestyle changes,
together we can make a huge difference. Last
year, I made a pledge to plant four trees,
and this year I will be replacing car journeys
to work with public transport. I will be encouraging
everyone I know to make a pledge for World
Environment Day."
Environment Agency Wales Director, Dr Helen
Phillips, said: "World Environment Day
asks us to think about the little things we
can do as individuals which, collectively,
add up to significant benefits for the environment.
Research shows that nearly three-quarters
of the population might do more for the environment
if they thought it would make a difference
- and if they knew exactly what to do.
"Our campaign clearly demonstrates that
together we really can make a difference and
describes what actions we can take. We are
encouraging everyone to make a pledge, ask
their colleagues, family and friends to join
in and for us all to do our bit to help improve
the environment."
The Environment Agency’s online pledge campaign
in support of World Environment Day, 5th June,
is asking people to sign-up to one (or more)
of 12 simple pledges. These range from turning
the tap off while cleaning our teeth, which
can reduce water wastage by an amazing 11,000
litres per year; replacing two dead light
bulbs in your home with energy efficient versions
– did you know that a low energy light bulb,
which lasts up to 10 times longer than a standard
bulb, can save up to £50 over its lifetime;
to volunteering for a green project in your
local community.
Do your little bit to help save the planet
and celebrate World Environment Day. Pledge
your support on-line at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/wed
- or leave your car at home and take the bus.
