22nd April 2006

Today is Earth Day (www.earthday.org) - a time to reflect on our relationship with the natural environment. Earth Day is the only event celebrated simultaneously around the globe by people of all backgrounds, faiths and nationalities. More than a half billion people participate in Earth Day campaigns every year.

The Greens are asking each member of the public to use the opportunity presented by Earth Day to pledge to take action to help the environment.

For example, the Earth Day Network recommends 10 things that everyone can do to reduce the impacts of climate change.

http://www.earthday.net/resources/2006materials/Top10.aspx

Says Green Councillor Craig Simmons: "If everyone lived like the average Oxfordshire resident we would need three planets to support global consumption. We all need to do more to help the environment - both personally and by applying pressure to government and businesses. Simple actions - such as not leaving electrical devices on standby - can have a significant beneficial impact. People also need to look at better insulating their homes and considering generating some of their own energy using solar panels or wind turbines."

Previously, following pressure from the Green Party, the City Council has flown the Earth Flag (a flag of the globe) from the Town Hall to highlight Earth Day - a practice which the Labour-run Council has now abandoned.