Green up!

planting, clean-up campaigns and much more.
World Environment Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly to mark the opening of the 1972 Stockholm Conference on Environment and Human Development.
Celebrating World Environment Day is about the inspirational power of individual actions that collectively become a force for positive change.
The first World Environment Day was commemorated in 1973. This day was created to create awareness on environmental issues as active agents of sustainable and equitable development.
It promotes an understanding that communities are pivotal to changing attitudes towards environmental issues.
World Environment Day embodies the approach of raising awareness, encouraging people to voice their thoughts and do their utmost part to improve the environment.
The 2012 World Environment Day theme is “Green Economy: Does it Include You?”
This highlights the Green Economy as an essential rethink to the way we do business.
But more importantly, the theme brings out the fact that “you” are an important element to its success and invites “you” to evaluate whether the steps being taken by the Government, private sector, civil society and community in your area “include you”.
Why celebrate World Environment Day?
When we see or experience the negative effects of climate change and environmental degradation, it is easy to blame our governments for not prioritising environmental policy.
We also tend to blame corporate organisations for raising greenhouse gas emissions, NGOs for not lobbying strongly enough for the environment and individuals for not taking action.
World Environment Day is a day we put aside our differences and instead celebrate the achievements we have made towards protecting the environment.
By celebrating World Environment Day, we remind ourselves and others of the importance of caring for our environment.
Remember that every action counts, so join us every year, everywhere, everyone!
This year World Environment Day commemoration for Zimbabwe were held on June 4, at the Botanical Gardens, in Harare.
Greening the Economy —
Does it Include You?
2012 marks the 40th anniversary of the World Environment Day, following the creation of the United Nations Environment Programme in 1972.
In this significant year for the environment and sustainable development, world leaders are again meet at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, 20 years after the historical Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, 1992.
Dubbed Rio+20, one of the main themes of this Summit is “A Green Economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication”.
The Green Economy initiative has come to Zimbabwe against a background of the global trend of high levels of industrialisation, which increases emissions of greenhouse gases.
Environmental issues cut across all societal as well as business divide adding that greening the economy is key to the country as we move towards a global trend of high levels of consumption.
The Green Economy touches almost every aspect of our lives, and concerns our development.
It is about sustainable energy, green policies, sustainable agriculture, forestry, industry, energy efficiency, green building, sustainable tourism, sustainable transport, waste management, water efficiency and all other resource efficiency.
Why is agriculture important in
Greening the Economy?
Use you consumer power to support local, organic and sustainable agriculture!
The population is growing! It’s time to support sustainable agriculture to ensure our ability to feed EVERYONE.
Use organic fertiliser/manure for your farming.
Invest in renewable energy technology for your irrigation — use solar-powered water pumps.
Grow your own vegetables and shop from local farmers’ markets. When you buy local, organic and sustainable food products, you send a message to producers that you support a Green Economy for agriculture.
What role does the transport sector play in Greening the Economy?
Congestion, pollution, traffic accidents.. there’s a better way!
Riding alone in your car is not just environmentally and economically inefficient, it’s lonely!
Taking public transport reduces environmental impacts and economic costs. Purchase vehicles with improved fuel combustion engines/systems to reduce vehicle emissions.
When you choose alternative transportation methods, you support a Green Economy in the transport sector. Green up!
What role does forestry play in Greening the Economy?
Forests support livelihoods, societies and cultures, our climate, and a plethora of wildlife and ecosystems.
Deforestation accounts for close to 20 percent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Sustainably managed forests can continue to support communities and ecosystems without damaging environment and climate.
Use electronic files to reduce your demand for paper products. Use alternative sources of energy for curing tobacco not firewood.
What is the importance of water in Greening the Economy?
Use water wisely!
Billions of people worldwide lack access to clean water or improved sanitation services — and population growth will worsen the problem.
Turn off the tap when you are not using it, wait until you have a full load to run your laundry or dishes, limit shower time. Save water — Green Up!
What is the importance of alternative energy supply in Greening the Economy?
Invest in renewable energy sources like solar, wind and water. Consider ways to improve your personal energy efficiency.
Turn off lights and unplug appliances when you are not using them. Save energy – Green Up!
Why is the Manufacturing and Industry Sector important in Greening
the Economy?
Industry and manufacturing drive employment and economic growth in many countries, but there is need for them to invest in cleaner technology so as to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Use resources more efficiently. Be a wise consumer — support businesses that have sustainability plans, use eco labels, and invest in renewable energy.
Environmental Management Agency (EMA) encourages all Zimbabwean to protect our environment, for it is our future.