World Environment Day was marked yesterday by the Minister for the Environment, Mr Dempsey, who appealed again to people here to take individual responsibility for the environment.
Though he said the current economic boom "does not have to mean increased environmental pressures", his statement reiterated the threats recently flagged by the Environmental Protection Agency in its Millennium State of the Environment Report.
Inland waters polluted by phosphorous from farming, a doubling of municipal waste volumes since the mid-1980s, litter and unauthorised dumping, air quality in urban areas threatened by emissions from traffic and a "significant increase" in our output of greenhouse gases.
The Minister said he is extending his Department's National Environmental Awareness Campaign - "It's Easy to Make a Difference". The focus of the campaign is on solutions with an emphasis on simple lifestyle changes - such as saving water by having a shower rather than a bath.
Urging people to get involved in recycling, he pointed out that a third of all kitchen waste can be turned into compost and most homes are near a bottle or can bank. People should also look out for the EU energy label when buying electrical products.
These "small steps that make a difference" are among the actions outlined in a booklet launched by the Minister last week, Your Home and the Environment: A Better Place to Live in. It is available free from ENFO in Dublin, telephone 1890 200191.
"We have no excuse for not taking action. Information is readily available," said Mr Dempsey, referring to a range of environmental exhibitions currently touring the State.
Exhibitions include Ireland's Environment - A Millennium Report at ENFO, 17 Andrew Street, Dublin, a River Catchment Awareness Road Show at Limerick City Hall and Choices for Sustainable Living at Navan County Library and Galway County Hall.
