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Ecowrappin'

With Tom Chatterton

The Nature Challenge

Tuesday, April 15, 2003

Canada's environmental icon, Dr. David Suzuki, was in southwest Ontario this past week. On a whirlwind tour he made presentations in Windsor, Leamington, Chatham, Sarnia and London over the April 5th & 6th weekend.
As usual his message addressed the many problems faced by the planet as a result of the human misuse of the Earth and its resources. He emphasizes that the economy is the driving force in much of the world with limited consideration of the environmental impacts.
Dr.Suzuki discussed the web of life that unites all living things. The web is maintained by the protection and critical balance of the four ingredients of air, water, earth and fire. Keeping the integrity of these elements is absolutely essential to the future of the planet and life on it.
Dr. Suzuki said that he is often asked the question, "What can one person do?" In consultation with leading scientists and environmentalists across North America, he has developed a list of 10 suggestions which an individual can do and he calls this his "Nature Challenge".

They are:

Find ways to reduce your home heating and electricity use by 10% percent this year.
Replace chemical pesticides on your lawn, garden and houseplants with non-toxic alternatives.
Choose an energy-efficient home and appliances. Check to see if homes meet R-2000
standards and appliances are Energy Star approved.
Choose at least one day a week to eat meat-free meals in your household.
Prepare your meals with food from local farmers and producers for one month this year.
Check the Canadian Government's Auto Smart ratings for the next car you intend to buy to make sure it's fuel efficient and low polluting.
Walk, bike, carpool, or use transit to get to one of your regular destinations each week.
If you are moving, choose a home within a 30-minute bike, walk or transit ride from your daily destination.
Support alternatives to the car. Contact your local media or government, urging improved public transit and bike paths.
Learn more about conserving nature and share what youíve learned with family and friends.

Dr. Suzuki's Challenge is to agree to do at least 3 of the 10 items listed above over the next year. He hopes to have one million Canadians sign up for the Challenge. With this support he hopes to change government policies to help the environment.

Please assist Dr. Suzuki and the planet's future by signing up NOW on line at  HYPERLINK http://www.davidsuzuki.org www.davidsuzuki.org