Earth Day and The Burin Peninsula Environmental Reform Committee (BPERC)

Earth Day is just a week away and The Burin Peninsula Environmental Reform Committee (BPERC) asks what you will do to contribute in your region.  The BPERC is planning an Earth Fair on Earth Day April 22 at St. Gabriel’s Hall in Marystown.  We have exhibitors from MUN providing a composting demonstration, gardening information and other exhibits.  The Department of Natural Resources is also providing an exhibit.  There will be demonstrations and education about eco-friendly technologies such as wind power and solar power.  The BPERC invites organizations, governmental programs and commercial enterprises with goods, services and causes that address the environment and quality of life on the peninsula to join in as well.  Businesses will be charged a $10.00 exhibition fee for a table, but tables are free to all other groups and organizations.

We have several fun activities planned such as the ‘Dirty sock contest’ to bring awareness to the carbon emissions our vehicles emit.  The contestants will place a white sock on their exhaust pipe for thirty seconds.  The cleanest and dirtiest sock will receive a prize. The dirtiest will win a free tune up! We have even more planned for gardeners as we are holding a free seed and cutting exchange.  Weather permitting, there will be a hike planned on the Winterland Ecotourism Trail.  

We have partnered with the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation and Think Recycle and will also host a cell phone and cell phone accessory, recycled battery and print cartridge collection.  The rechargeable batteries for collection include batteries for cell phones, laptops, defibrillators, heart monitors, bar code readers, walkie-talkies and other rechargeable batteries.  Local artist Ed Walsh is designing a green map of the peninsula outlining all the green areas on the ‘boot’ such as trails, parks and recycling centres so visitors can view the peninsula from a green perspective. 

The BPERC has also created a pledge tree from reused cardboard and participants can purchase leaves for one dollar to make an environmental pledge to commit to until next Earth Day April 22, 2009. Pledges can be as specific as switching to friendlier cleaning products, or more generalized like a commitment to overall energy conservation.   The BPERC is also seeking nominations for an Environmental Hero Award in our region that will be presented at the event.  

Kimberley Armstrong
Executive Director
Burin Peninsula Environmental Reform Committee