“Celebrated every April 22, Earth Day is the largest, most celebrated environmental event worldwide.
More than 6 million Canadians join 1 billion people in over 170 countries in staging events and projects to address local environmental issues.
Nearly every school child in Canada takes part in an Earth Day activity.
Environmental challenges abound as our daily actions pollute and degrade the fragile environment that humans and wildlife depend on to survive.
Earth Day Canada encourages you to Give it up for Earth Day!
“Are you ready to try a meat-free diet or green your cleaning routine? Will you put an “out of order” sign on your TV or stop buying stuff?”
This April, your challenge is to help create a healthier world by making some changes to your daily routine. What will you give up?“
Also, Earth Day Canada is excited to announce that they have partnered with the Green Living Show and will provide programming for their kids zone over the three days of the show as well as hold an EcoMentors conference for youth aged 15 to 24.
Here are the the details:
EcoKids Corner (April 15-17)
Engaging, educational and entertaining workshops to raise awareness of conserving Canadian forests, in celebration of The International Year of Forests.
EcoMentors Youth Conference (April 16)
Earth Day Canada EcoMentors Conference. This series of workshops and training sessions aims to give kids aged 14 to 24 the tools they need to lead environmental education programs in their schools and communities.
Bonus — all students who register for the conference receive FREE admission to the Green Living Show!
Time
9:00am to 4:30pm
(PLUS: Take part in an exclusive Planet In Focus film screening from 4:30pm to 6:30pm – limited space available
The EcoMentors Youth Conference is an exciting FREE event for youth (ages 15 to 24) offered by Earth Day Canada and Green Living Enterprises.
You’ll take part in an interactive day of fun youth-oriented environmental workshops and activities that will inspire and equip you as a young eco-leader.
Network and connect with a diverse group of environmentally-engaged youth and organizations from across Canada, and find out how you can facilitate positive change in your community as an EcoMentor!
- FREE registration for all youth (15 to 24)!
- FREE admission to the Green Living Show!
- FREE travel support for participants over 18 (limited time offer)!
- FREE local and organic drinks, snacks and a sustainable lunch!
- Interactive presentations from prominent environmental heroes!
- Choose from 12 awesome environmental workshops!
- Watch an exclusive video screening from the Planet In Focus film festival!
- Check out over 400 environmental exhibitors!
- Win special prizes in the Green Living Show scavenger hunt!
- Earn cool green rewards, certification and volunteer hours!
- High-energy entertainment from UrbanArts Toronto and the Dub Poets Collective!
Please click here to REGISTER NOW!
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, April 13th, 2011 (5pm EST)
Saturday, April 16, 2011
10 A.M. – 11 A.M.
EcoMentors Youth Conference Opening Presentation
Special Guests: Joey McColm, NASCAR Driver;
Peter Schiefke, environmental activist
“Youth! Environment! Leadership! Earth Day Canada kicks off a full day environmental conference for young eco-leaders. Don’t miss the line up of inspiring speakers and presentations, including NASCAR Canada driver Joey McColm who advocates individual responsibility when it comes to the environment in professional racing and his personal life.”
3:30 P.M. – 4:30 P.M.
Special EcoMentors Youth Conference Performance
“A full day of youth sharpening their green smarts wraps up on the Main Stage with high-energy performances by artists from UrbanArts Toronto!”
For Immediate Release
Earth Day Canada Announces Partnership with Canadian NASCAR Star Joey McColm
Earth Day Canada and Joey McColm team up to promote environmental education
Toronto (07/04/2011) – Earth Day Canada (EDC) is proud to announce a new partnership with 25-year-old Canadian NASCAR driver Joey McColm to engage youth and race fans in environmental education and action. Joey will be at the Green Living Show April 15-17, 2011 at the Direct Energy Centre conducting a number of school presentations with EDC as well as supporting their youth programming and promoting the importance of environmental responsibility to race car fans both on and off the track.
“Joey provides us with a great opportunity to engage NASCAR followers and to connect with youth on a new level,” says Keith Treffry, Director of Communications at Earth Day Canada. “He is young, personable and deeply committed to educating others on how they can reduce their impact on the environment. He is also a leader in proposing changes in the racing world that will help them stage events with a lower environmental impact.”
Joey, a Civil Engineering graduate of Ryerson University in Toronto Ontario, is determined to lower the environmental impact of his sport and inspire those watching to do the same. As a race car driver, Joey has the unique opportunity to speak out to youth and racing fans across Canada.
“I’m not your typical environmental champion. Yes, I’m a NASCAR Canada driver, but I’m also an Engineer and a committed individual,” states McColm. “My race team is the pioneer for a sustainable future in NASCAR racing. My goal is to inspire youth, race fans, my competitors, and our facilities to commit to simple environmental actions that will result in a BIG impact.”
Joey understands that his sport has a big environmental impact but he is taking the necessary steps off the track to lower his carbon footprint. He uses water-based paints and all-natural cleaning products, reduces travel luxuries and car rentals, optimizes travel routes and accommodations, and is developing bio-fuel alternatives for race equipment transportation and energy resources.
“It’s a start. NASCAR and the race car industry are not going away so the question becomes ‘What can I do to positively influence a sport I am passionate about?’” states McColm. “NASCAR is one of the fastest growing sports in Canada. So, the way I see it, it needs an environmental champion to create change from within.”
Beginning this summer Joey and his team will be offering an exclusive opportunity for interested media to “Ride Along” in his Ethanol powered Thrill Ride race car. For more information to participate please contact Joey or Keith.
About Earth Day Canada
Earth Day Canada (EDC), a national environmental charity founded in 1990, provides Canadians with the practical knowledge and tools they need to lessen their impact on the environment. In 2004 it was recognized as the top environmental education organization in North America, for its innovative year-round programs and educational resources, by the Washington-based North American Association for Environmental Education, the world’s largest association of environmental educators. In 2008 it was chosen as Canada’s “Outstanding Non-profit Organization” by the Canadian Network for Environmental Education and Communication. EDC regularly partners with thousands of organizations in all parts of Canada. www.earthday.ca.
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