In every issue we will bring you a different story about Canadians making a difference in their environment. Many successful projects and initiatives are the result of individuals, groups, businesses and often entire communities taking action. Perhaps their activities and approaches will inspire you too!

Your Quick Action Guide for Environment Week

"Make a Difference!" is this year's slogan for Canadian Environment Week, June 2 to 8, and on Clean Air Day, June 5.

Here are some suggestions on what individuals and local groups can do to make a difference for clean air, clean water, climate change and nature. These are just a few ideas – the possibilities to make a positive impact are limitless.

In your neighbourhood

• Clean up shared space such as parks, bus stops, pathways or gardens;
• Try a ride-sharing network for children's activities;
• Organize a meeting to discuss transportation issues in your neighbourhood; and
• Organize a neighbourhood "junk" exchange.

In your community

• Form a group to co-ordinate local environmental projects;
• Contact your municipality to set up regular hazardous waste collection days;
• Start up a community garden – involve your neighbours in growing fresh local-grown organic produce; and
• Organize projects such as tree-planting as an environmental legacy.

In your school

• Organize a "no waste" lunch including competition between classes to see which one has the least waste;
• Propose a no-idling policy for vehicles in front of schools;
• Start a Rescue Mission project where students study their community to determine sustainability.

Many of these suggestions are designed to reduce air pollution. With thousands of people adversely affected by smog, Clean Air Day provides and ideal focus for action ranging from leaving cars at home to reducing reliance on gasoline tools such as lawnmowers and garden tractors.

Visit the Environment Week Web site and the Clean Air Day Web site for more ideas.

"No Fees, no Fines" Vehicle Emissions Clinics

Vehicles are the source of millions of tonnes of pollutants released into the atmosphere each year, making a significant contribution to air quality problems.

Motorists in a number of cities across Canada can help the "drive for cleaner air" this spring and summer with a check of their vehicle's tailpipe emissions at Environment Canada's Vehicle Emissions Inspection Clinics.

The free, "No fees, no fines" clinics include a simple idle exhaust emissions test, a check of tire pressures and a gas cap seal test.

Check out the schedule for dates and locations across Canada.

Reduce your impact on the planet. Check out the following links for hints and ideas on becoming more environmentally friendly.

What You Can Do : Small Changes Make Big Differences
You can make a difference for the environment! Whether you are an individual or already part of a community environmental group, this site is for you. Connect with environmental organizations across the country, find tools, resources, links and information that you can use in your day-to-day life, and in helping with your community environmental group efforts.

Canadian Pollution Prevention Information Clearinghouse
Environment Canada's online database and comprehensive resource providing Canadians with the information they need to put pollution prevention (P2) into practice. Search the database to access over 1500 different P2 resources organized by sector, activity, substance, audience, and P2 type.

Aptitudes is an on-line training program mainly geared to people working in non-governmental organizations involved in environmental endeavours. The program enables these people to interact with governments and to increase their involvement in the development of government policies, programs and services in environmental matters.

CanadianEnvironmental.com is a free comprehensive resource for environmental professionals and others involved in the management of environmental issues related to industry. The site is a gateway to hundreds of major on-line sources of environmental information and provides easy access to environmental news, information and legislation, products and services, job listings, calendar of events, discussion forum, a free monthly newsletter and more.

Eartheasy
Is about helping us reduce our impact on the environment and bring more harmony and quality to our lives. Simple, inexpensive ideas and practical solutions address a wide range of lifestyle choices we all face each day.

Environmental Choice Program^M
Canada's ecolabelling program helps Canadians identify products that are safer for the environment. Once a product or service has been certified, it can carry the EcoLogo^M – three stylized doves in the shape of a maple leaf.

Tools of Change
Offers specific tools, case studies, and a planning guide to help you take action and adopt habits that promote health and more environmentally-friendly choices.