In honor of International Earth Day, the University of Manitoba, Winnipeg (Canada) is asking staff and students to make a pledge to permanently change at least one thing in their daily work and personal lifestyles that can help protect our environment.

And as an added inducement, a lucky entrant will be randomly selected to win one of the following prizes:
• A package of Green-certified cleaning products donated by Enviro-Solutions and Swish Maintenance  
• Envirologic paper package, provided by Wood Wyant Inc
• A customized bicycle
• A refillable coffee mug and a pound of fair trade coffee, on behalf of Daily Bread Cafe, St. John's College

According to Ophelia Morris, the University of Manitoba is not alone in celebrating Earth Day. “Millions of people all over North America join millions more in over 180 countries in staging events and projects to address local environmental issues on this special day,” she says. “And here in Canada, nearly every school child takes part in an Earth Day activity.”

Small Steps Make Big Changes
Among the actions that entrants to the contest can pledge to do include:
• Using double-sided photo copies and print projects, reducing waste
• Carpool, bike, or use public transportation
• Start bringing “litterless” lunches to work
• Switch at least one light bulb from conventional to compact florescent bulb
• Sign up for online payment and billing wherever possible

“The University of Manitoba has always been a leader when it comes to sustainability and protecting health and the environment,” says Mike Sawchuk, vice president and general manager of Enviro-Solutions.  “This contest is not only generating a little excitement, but it is showing people how easy it can be to make a Green change in their lives.”

Sawchuk notes that the University of Manitoba was one of Canada’s first universities to transfer to Green cleaning and has served as a model for other schools on how to implement and succeed in Green cleaning.   

“Going Green is easier than many people think,” says Sawchuk.  “And, it amazes me how people always feel ‘good’ once they make a decision—no matter how big or small—to help protect our environment.”