The Ministry for the Environment is committed to encouraging, promoting and leading sustainable and low-carbon World Environment Day 2008 celebrations.

The Ministry is already working on a number of initiatives to improve its sustainability and to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions through programmes such as Govt 3 and the Carbon Neutral Public Service. Throughout World Environment Day celebrations the Ministry will be building on these actions. This also involves working with suppliers for the core World Environment Day events.

Examples of some of the action we are taking include:

• minimising waste and providing recycling at WED core events
• using 100 per cent recycled paper and vegetable inks for WED promotional material wherever possible
• holding core WED events in central locations on public transport routes and encouraging walking to and from events or using low carbon alternatives
• using video conferencing for event planning rather than air travel to meetings.

World Environment Day core events carboNZero certified

The following United National Environment Programme and Ministry for the Environment World Environment Day core events have also been certified as carbon neutral through the carboNZero programme.

• the Green Ribbon Awards – acknowledging the outstanding contribution New Zealanders are making to sustaining, protecting and enhancing our environment
• the Art for the Environment Exhibition with works from renowned international artists
• the photographic exhibition from the UNEP International Photographic Competition on the Environment
• the international children’s painting competition.

How can I make my event low-carbon and sustainable?

The Ministry has produced a checklist on how to make your event more sustainable.

Join the sustainability discussion forum

If you would like to discuss sustainability and related topics with other New Zealanders, you can join the online discussion forum.