Participate in World Environment Day: Twitter for Trees

June 2, 10:29 AMHolidays ExaminerJace Shoemaker-Galloway

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Not to be confused with Earth Day, World Environment Day, WED, is an annual event celebrated on June 5th. In 1972, the United Nations General Assembly established WED to raise awareness and bring attention to the environment. Today, more than 100 countries participate in thousands of events that take place across the globe.

Each year, the event has a host country as well as a theme chosen by the United Nations Environment Programme, UNEP. “Your Planet Needs You!” is the theme for 2009.  Mexico will serve as the host country and Omaha will serve as North America’s host city.

Many events will take place across the globe for World Environment Day. One such event is the worldwide showing of a highly anticipated film, HOME, featuring renowned photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand. The beautifully made movie will be shown in more than 100 locations worldwide. People can also download the full-length film for free on YouTube.

Another anticipated event of the 2009 WED is the launch of Climate Heroes. This program highlights people who go above and beyond the “Your Planet Needs You!” Just a few of the amazing individuals that will be featured include Roz Savage, who is rowing across the Pacific Ocean, Charles and Sho Scott, who are biking through Japan and David de Rothschild, who is building a boat out of recycled plastic that will cross the Pacific.
 
World Environment Day 2009 Global Events:

• UNEP hopes to plant 7 billion trees by the end of 2009 with their UNEP Billion Tree Campaign
• A neighborhood clean-up campaign is underway in Kabul
• A “Run to the Hills” race takes place in Sarajevo
• Sign up to take part in the Campaign against Plastic Bags in Kashmir
• Brazil is holding an online campaign
• 30,000 children are expected to participate in a painting contest in the Republic of Korea

How to Participate:

• Tweet for Trees - One simple way to participate is by being part of the Twitter campaign. Just follow the Twitter page by June 5th and UNEP will plant a tree for each follower.
• Simple Tips - Easy ways you can help.
• Let's Not Motor Day - From the folks at MINI.  Take the pedal off the medal and pledge not to drive on June 5th.  So, how many miles will you not be driving? 
• Michael, Michael Go Recycle - Play this online game - just for fun.
• Micheal Recycle - If you are looking for a great book that teaches children about recycling, look no further. 

WED Resources:

• Free Booklet
• WED Posters
• United Nations Environment Programme

By working together, we can all make a difference.  Happy World Environment Day!