For Immediate Release: April18, 2007 07-23

CELEBRATE EARTH DAY APRIL 22 TAKE THE PLEDGE TO PREVENT WASTE

HONOLULU – The Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) is celebrating Earth Day, April 22, by asking the public to pledge to prevent pollution today – and every day. Pollution prevention means not generating waste in the first place and eliminating or reducing the use of toxic materials. Waste has a big impact in Hawai`i, especially with our limited landfill space. For a business, waste can mean added expense and lost revenues. The Department of Health (DOH) Pollution Prevention Program offers some suggestions to prevent pollution at home, work, and play:

ü Purchase only what you need and choose durable products with recycled content. Donate unwanted items for reuse.

ü Choose energy efficient appliances and equipment labeled “Energy Star”.

ü Ask for “low mercury” energy efficient fluorescent lighting or choose non-mercury LED lights to replace old incandescent lighting.

ü Save water by checking for leaks and repair immediately. Choose low-flow faucets and toilets. Check landscape irrigation and prevent runoff.

ü Choose 30-100% recycled-content paper labeled “chlorine-free” for all your paper needs. Print only when absolutely necessary and print documents double-sided.

ü Avoid toxic chemical use. Clean with vinegar, baking soda, citrus and borax. Avoid use of pesticides by removing debris regularly; as a last resort choose baits and traps.

ü Select personal care products (shampoos, lotions) with few toxic effects on human and environmental health. Visit www.ewg.org/reports/skindeep2 for product rankings.

ü Select computer equipment with less lead or mercury. Visit www.epeat.net for listings.

ü Use rechargeable batteries in place of alkaline batteries.

ü Use cloth or reusable bags for all your shopping needs.

ü Drive less! Carpool, walk, bus, or bike.

ü Compost green waste and food scraps.

ü Choose organic and locally grown foods.

ü Recycle! Keep separate containers to store cardboard, newspaper/mixed paper, white paper, HI5 bottles, cans, and scrap metal for recycling.

ü Share your efforts with family, friends, coworkers, and the community. These actions demonstrate your commitment to future generations and to the sustainability of the Islands.

Visit the DOH Pollution Prevention program website for more information and business specific bulletins: www.hawaii.gov/health/environmental/waste/p2wastemin/index.html.

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For more information, contact: Ellen Schulte Pollution Prevention Coordinator Phone: (808) 586-4226 Ellen.Schulte@doh.hawaii.gov