World Environment Day 2010 (WED)

"Many Species. One Planet. One Future." What's it all about? Celebrated on 5th June since 1972, World Environment Day is organised annually by the UN. 2010 has been declared the International Year of Biodiversity. Stressing the importance of biodiversity for human well-being, reflect on our achievements to safeguard it and encourage a redoubling of our efforts to reduce the rate of biodiversity loss. "A total of 17,291 species are known to be threatened with extinction - from little-known plants and insects to charismatic birds and mammals. It echoes the urgent call to conserve the diversity of life on our planet. A world without biodiversity is a very bleak prospect. Millions of people and millions of species all share the same planet, and only together can we enjoy a safer and more prosperous future." What can I do? Join thousands of people from countries all over the world in celebrating WED this year. There are so many ways, big and small, for you to do something positive for the environment. Check out our tips below or visit the WED website www.unep.org/wed/2010 for inspiration and to post your activities online. They're also running lots of activities and competitions for you to get involved with.

	if a group of you are planning an event then register your activity at www.UNEP.org
	replace the old style/ tungsten light bulbs in your home with energy-saving bulbs
	use the waste diary to record the amount of packaging you recycle for each week. Remember that recycling helps to reduce CO2
	walk or cycle to and from school/ work
	plant a tree(s) or add your voice and Twitter loudly!
	have a shower instead of a bath
	wash your clothes at 30°C
	turn your electrical equipment off. Don't leave it on standby
	turn off the tap while cleaning your teeth
	don't use your tumble dryer. Summer days are a perfect opportunity to dry your clothes outside!
	reduce, reuse and recycle-more! To find out where you can recycle a wide range of items in the UK please visit the bank locator