VICTORIA - In recognition of Earth Day, Environment Minister Barry Penner issued a challenge to all British Columbians to take individual actions and get involved with local environmental issues to address climate change.

"Everyone can help, and no step is too small," said Penner. "Being part of the solution can take many forms: turn your thermostat down; pick up litter in your community; support local farmers' markets; drive less or carpool and use biodiesel if you can; turn off your computer at night; plant a tree. Every single one of us can do something."

The Province's goals to address climate change include reducing B.C.'s greenhouse gases by at least 33 per cent below current levels by 2020. In British Columbia, each of us produces almost five tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions every year.

"Personal action is good for the environment and your pocket book," said Penner. "Here are a few easy things you can do, and an estimate of how much money you'll save in the process."



If you turn down your thermostat 5 degrees, you can save 10 per cent of your home heating costs

If you caulk and weather strip your doors and window, you can save up to 25 per cent of your heating costs

If you switch to a low-flow showerhead, you can save $175 to $190/year

If you use the warm/cold cycle for laundry instead of hot/hot, you can save up to $28.66/year

If you replace five standard light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs, you can save about $30/year

If you avoid aggressive driving (fast starts, hard stops, etc.), you can save up to 37 per cent of your fuel costs

If you reduce highway speed by 10 km/h, you can save up to 10 per cent of your fuel costs

If you use vehicle air conditioning sparingly, and not in stop and go traffic, you can save up to 20 per cent of your fuel costs

Earth Day events are in progress around B.C. Visit www.earthday.ca for listings and information on organizing events.