Happy Earth Day from the Alberta Emerald Foundation!

Legacy Leader

Emerald Leaders

You can make a difference too!

Join our social network:

Happy Earth Day from
the Alberta Emerald Foundation

Dear

It's my pleasure to be writing the introduction to this edition of e-news. As the new Executive Director of the Alberta Emerald Foundation (AEF), I have had a unique opportunity to witness firsthand our province's passion for the environment, and the innovative and extraordinary ways we are positively impacting our natural world. The AEF has the honour of recognizing and showcasing examples across all sectors in our province through the Emerald Awards, and elevating these examples to inspire others through the Emerald Days and social media. As we prepare to roll out the green carpet at the 24th Annual Emerald Awards on June 4th, we welcome you to learn more about our finalists.

Today, Canada celebrates its 25th Earth Day, an important day as Albertans collectively turn their attention to the environment and assess their own personal global footprint. Although the AEF hears the "above-and-beyond" examples of environmental stewardship, we recognize that everyone's individual environmental commitment, no matter how large or small, has a huge impact on our planet. Join us on Facebook or Twitter today and share how you are celebrating Earth Day. We look forward to reading and sharing your stories and your favourite eco-friendly tips.

On behalf of the Alberta Emerald Foundation, happy Earth Day! Thank you for being an everyday eco-hero.

Sincerely,

Carmen Boyko

Executive Director | Alberta Emerald Foundation

10 simple ways you can reduce
your global footprint this Earth Day

Stop the bottled-water madness. Buy a reusable container and bring it with you. Cheaper, more eco-friendly and potentially better for your health.
Don't brush it off! Turning off the water while brushing your teeth can save more than five gallons of water a day.
Second-hand is first-rate! Consider buying used before buying new. You'll save money and reduce the global impact. The library is a great place to start.
With #3 in mind, think of donating or reselling before you throw things away.
Adjust your thermo stat! By adjusting your thermostat one degree warmer in the summer and one degree cooler in the winter will reduce your energy use by 10%
You've found your match! Most lighters are made with plastic and fuelled by butane, and over 1.5 billion end up in the landfill every year. Cardboard matches are now often times made from recycled paper.
Fly with an e-ticket! This trend is the way of the future, and saves both your airline and you money.
Switch to online billing. Not only does it reduce paper, but also the fuel used to get your bill to you.
Keep your lawn green! If you must, water early in the morning. Treat weeds with vinegar. Skip the bag and use your clippings as fertilizer.
It's a wrap! Skip the paper and be creative when wrapping presents.

Want to share your eco-friendly tips? Join us on Facebook or Twitter.

Announcing the April Youth Environmental Engagement Grant Recipients

Through the generous support of our program sponsor, ConocoPhillips Canada, and other sponsors and individual donors, The Alberta Emerald Foundation is able to inspire Alberta's next generation of eco-heroes by supporting youth-led and youth-targeted environmental projects. The Alberta Emerald Foundation intends to allocate over 100 Youth Environmental Engagement Grants this year.

We're pleased to announce our March recipients:

Blackie School Green Day

Blackie School - Blackie

A New Approach to Agriculture

W.G. Murdoch School - Crossfield

Conventional vs. Organic Grain Farming

Morinville Community High School - Morinville

Hillview Community Garden

Hillview School - Edmonton

Agricultural Arts

Holy Redeemer High School - Edson

Beats by JA

Junior Achievement of Northern AB & NWT - Edmonton

Birds, Bats, Bees and Butterflies

Ralph McCall School - Airdrie

Broadscale Recycling

CW Perry School - Airdrie

Organics Revolution

Nose Creek Elementary - Airdrie

Planting Flowers in Acme

Acme Nature Club - Acme

Langdon Outdoor Classroom/School Garden

Langdon School - Langdon

Congratulations to this month's Youth Environmental Engagement Grant recipients!

Learn more about the Youth Environmental Engagement Grant program.