Released on April 22, 2015
Saskatchewan has much to be grateful for on Earth Day, including smog-free cities, healthy and productive forests, and an abundance of fertile soils – some of the key findings contained in the Government of Saskatchewan’s 2015 State of the Environment Report.Earth Day, celebrated around the world each year on April 22, is aimed at raising awareness about the importance of preserving the environment, as well as the sustainable use of natural resources.
"Earth Day is a chance for the people of Saskatchewan to recognize and appreciate the province’s natural environment including the healthy air, land, water and ecosystems we are so fortunate to have,” Environment Minister Scott Moe said. "Earth Day is an opportunity for government and residents alike to consider ways we can further enhance and protect both the local and global environment."
The Government of Saskatchewan tables a State of the Environment report every two years to assess the province’s environmental health, and to guide actions for better environmental management. The 2015 report explains that while Saskatchewan’s economy and population are growing, we are achieving a sustainable balance; cities are smog-free, forests are healthy and productive, and the environmental health of agricultural lands is improving.
Other highlights include:
- 89 per cent of forested areas in Saskatchewan are successfully regenerated;
- 44,817 tonnes of solid waste and 19,120,254 litres of waste liquid were diverted from landfills in 2013 through recycling and other waste management strategies;
- From 2012 to 2014, 82 per cent of all deposit-paid, ready-to-serve beverage containers were recycled. Saskatchewan has the highest return rate of all beverage container programs in Canada.
The report also highlights some of the actions taken by the Ministry of Environment and its partners to address environmental challenges facing the province. Initiatives include reducing the amount of waste going to local landfills, updating fishery regulations, enhancing air quality data collection, and more effectively regenerating harvested forest areas. Additionally, the provincial government, through SaskPower is continuing to expand its use of renewable energy sources and has made a significant effort toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions with the development of the world’s first commercial-scale carbon capture and storage project at the Boundary Dam Power Station near Estevan.
The 2015 State of the Environment report is available at www.environment.gov.sk.ca.
All residents can protect the earth with these simple actions:
- The theme for Earth Day 2015 is, ‘Clean Your Commute’. The use of personal vehicles contributes to the province’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. There are, however, a number of ways to make a difference, including fuel efficient vehicles, using public transit or riding your bike to work.
- Practice the three Rs – reduce, reuse, recycle. The more waste we put in the ground, the more our landfills release methane gas, a contributor to climate change. Making small changes in our everyday lives can make a powerful difference to the health of all living things and the province and planet we call home. There are many recycling programs available for residents such as SARCAN for beverage containers, used paint and end-of-life electronics. Residents can also recycle used oil, antifreeze and other petroleum products and containers, and scrap tires. Visit www.recyclesaskatchewan.ca for information about recycling in the province.
- Individual contributions add up. Government and industry are taking action to reduce GHG emissions, but if we all do our part, we can make a meaningful difference:
- Install an energy-efficient furnace, A/C, water heater and appliances, and improve doors, windows, seals and insulation.
- Use a programmable thermostat; lower the temperature at night or when you are away, and lower the temperature on your hot water heater.
- You can recycle much more than paper, glass, tin and plastic. Paint, tires, oil, electronics, fluorescent bulbs, chemicals can also be recycled.
- Did you know 40 per cent of all electricity used to power electronics is consumed when the products are turned off? Unplug your cell and laptop chargers when you're not using them. Plug your computer, TV and home entertainment centre into a power bar you can time or switch off so they won't use power when you're sleeping or at work.
- Install dimmers and remember to switch lights off when you're not in the room.
For more information, contact:
Jamie Gibson
Environment
Regina
Phone: 306-798-3900
Email: jamie.gibson@gov.sk.ca