This Sunday, citizens and corporations around the world will commemorate Earth Day by promoting environmental protection and sustainability. But, Richmond's Developmental Disabilities Association (DDA) has been in the business of being "green" long before it was fashionable - more than three decades.
"Through our 300 donation bins and residential pickups we raise more than six million pounds of recyclable items annually," said Deanna Barlow, DDA director of the business centre. "This is significant as we have prevented these donations from going into the landfill."
"We recycle all paper and cardboard items through inhouse recycling programs at all our sites. We also recycle scrap metal, computers, monitors and televisions at our Donation Station (2643 No. 5 Road)."
DDA also practices what it preaches in its office. The nonprofit organization encourages staff to share resources internally. They also print all brochures and publications using post-consumer recycled content, and its donation bags are made of biodegradable products.
Meanwhile, Richmond youth are hosting the Richmond Earth Day Youth (REaDY) summit on Saturday, April 21 at Steveston-London secondary.
The youth-led conferences will feature motivational speakers such as David Suzuki Foundation's CEO, Peter Robinson and Queen of Green, Lindsay Coulter, who helps people live green and clean.
The summit will also have interactive workshops, including the Climate Change Showdown and the Wetland Challenge.
Students, educators and residents of all ages who want to help make a change for the better are invited to the event supported by the City of Richmond, Richmond school district and the Suzuki Foundation. There will be more than 30 sustainability speakers, presenters and exhibitors:
Also, Grade 7 students from five elementary schools planted trees as part of its Graduation Grove program to commemorate the REaDY Summit and Earth Day 2012. In addition, a grove will be planted at Steveston-London secondary. The five schools will be honoured at the REaDY Summit and at the Richmond Earth Day Celebration at King George Park on Sunday, April 22.
The King George celebration is sponsored by the City of Richmond and East Richmond Community Association. Residents are invited to spend the day (10 a.m. to 1: 30 p.m.) taking part in everything from cleaning up the park, planting trees and shrubs, to building the new natural playground at Cambie Community Centre.
"We already have more than 250 people signed up and we expect more to drop in," said Paul Brar, parks program coordinator. "We are telling people to dress to get earthy, the day is designed to get dirt in your fingers." For information, call 604-233-8372.
RICHMOND EARTH DAY YOUTH (READY) SUMMIT
? Saturday, April 21
? 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.,
? Steveston-London secondary, 6600 Williams Road.
? Admission Free
? Visit www.facebook.com/readysummitbook
