Month: June 2014

For Immediate Release
June 5th, 2014

ST. JOHN’S, NL – June 8 – 14, 2014 is Rivers to Oceans Week in Canada and the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) is partnering with the Northeast Avalon ACAP (NAACAP) and holding a free professional development workshop exploring sediment and erosion control.

Rivers to Oceans Week is dedicated to creating an understanding of the connectivity of Canada’s water and what everyone can do to protect and keep it healthy for people and wildlife.

“The northeast Avalon region is experiencing significant population and industrial growth, and with that comes an increase in land development,” says Ted Lomond, Executive Director of NEIA. “With development – when the ground is disturbed from its natural condition – there is the associated risk of silt and sediment laden waters affecting local waterways.”

The environmental impacts of sedimentation can include the loss of aquatic habitat; the loss of wetlands; and can even contribute to human health concerns.

Working Together for Responsible Erosion and Sediment Control is a free workshop delivered by industry targeted towards professionals, contractors, municipalities, and the public. “The workshop includes a review of the environmental need for control; an overview of development regulations; and a look at industry best practices in the field,” says Lomond.

“From wetlands, ground water and springs to creeks, streams, ponds, rivers and oceans, our water is connected,” says Lomond. “The workshop presents an opportunity to share knowledge, experiences, and to foster working relationships between stakeholders to ensure that sedimentation of local waterways is avoided.”

More information on the workshop can be found at www.neia.org/workingtogether.

NAACAP is an environmental non-government organization (NGO) that works with all sectors of the community, to protect and enhance the aquatic environmental quality of the watersheds and coastline of the Northeast Avalon region. NAACAP works with the communities, government agencies, university researchers, volunteer groups and businesses to protect and enhance our natural surroundings.

NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the growth and development of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. The organization offers a diverse range of expert knowledge and support services for members working to grow economic opportunity while respecting the natural environment. NEIA is The Business of the Environment, and has over 160 members.

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Media Contact:
Kieran Hanley
kieran@neia.org
709.237.8190

For Immediate Release
June 4, 2014

Online Tool will Capture and Visually Represent Your Ideas and Input

ST. JOHN’S, NL – June 5, 2014 is World Environment Day and the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) wants to hear what your environmental concerns are in the province through an online tool.

“We want to help ensure that decision-makers have a better understanding of the environmental issues that are important to Newfoundland and Labradorians,” says Ted Lomond, Executive Director of NEIA. Lomond explains that what some see as environmental problems, others can view as economic opportunities. “Many of NEIA’s member-firms started with a single individual who identified an environmental challenge – and then created or modified their firm to provide a solution to that challenge.”

That is why being able to identify the problems we face is so critical, says Lomond. “What environmental issues are we experiencing in Newfoundland and Labrador? And the next question should be: Where are the opportunities?”

The online tool available on NEIA’s website will capture your individual concerns and visually represent them – along with every other submission – in real-time through a ‘word cloud’. A word cloud weighs the frequency of words or ideas by representing them at varying sizes.

NEIA is hoping that the collection and sharing of results may promote entrepreneurship in the sector. “NEIA’s members are forward-thinking businesses which provide sustainable products and services globally,” says Lomond. “With the environmental problems we face today and will face in the future, we need to ask ourselves what the businesses opportunities are for Newfoundland and Labrador.”

Visit www.neia.org/environment to express any or all of your concerns.

World Environment Day was designated by the United Nations in 1972 to stimulate action on the environment and empower people from every corner of the globe to become agents of sustainable and equitable development. June 1-7, 2014 is Canadian Environment Week.

NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the growth and development of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. The organization offers a diverse range of expert knowledge and support services for members working to grow economic opportunity while respecting the natural environment. NEIA is The Business of the Environment, and has over 160 members.

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Media Contact:
Kieran Hanley
kieran@neia.org
709.237.8190

For Immediate Release
June 2, 2014

ST. JOHN’S, NL – June 1-7, 2014 is Canadian Environment Week and the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) is issuing a challenge to all residents of the province: this week choose a healthier and cleaner mode of commuting.

“Our routine is to get in the car and drive ourselves to and from work each day,” says Ted Lomond, Executive Director of NEIA. “But this is an opportunity to consider other means of transportation – such as the bus, taking your bicycle, or even walking.”

The Commuter Challenge is a nation-wide event that promotes citizens opting out of single occupancy vehicles. “By leaving the car at home, we can reduce air pollution, decrease fuel usage, and ease congestion on the roads,” says Lomond.

Each alternative to the single occupancy vehicle has its merits. One bus replaces an average of 45 cars on the road. “Simply by carpooling you reduce your greenhouse gas emissions – and your expenses – in half,” notes Lomond. But the benefits can be even more substantial. “Walking is one of the best and easiest ways to improve your overall fitness and health”.

NEIA’s Board of Directors has committed to taking the Commuter Challenge, and the association is encouraging its membership to register too. “As individuals we can make a personal decision. Collectively these decisions can make a significant difference.” says Lomond. “At the end of the week we will be able to estimate the carbon emissions avoided, fuel saved, and calories burned.”

Individuals and businesses can participate in the Commuter Challenge by registering at http://commuterchallenge.ca/.

NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the growth and development of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. The organization offers a diverse range of expert knowledge and support services for members working to grow economic opportunity while respecting the natural environment. NEIA is The Business of the Environment, and has over 160 members.

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Media Contact
Kieran Hanley: 709.237.8190