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4- The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday April 2, 2008 www.oakvillebeaver.com Participation key to achieving change By Melanie Cummings SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER Environmentalists have got it all wrong demanding people make drastic lifestyle changes and wagging their fingers at those who don't, says Blake Poland, the federally nominated Green Party candidate for Oakville. "It's all wrong to say that we have to give it all up," he said as he and about 30 other people walked along Lakeshore Road Saturday (March 29) encouraging people to participate in Earth Hour that night. The entourage chanted "Earth Hour, turn off the power," waved placards promoting the worldwide campaign to switch the lights off between 8 and 9 p.m. and handed out postcards that urged passersby to participate in Earth Hour, switch to non-polluting sources of electricity, install energy-saving light bulbs and turn off computers and chargers when not in use. The message of Earth Hour, that even one hour makes a massive difference collectively, should resonate with guilt- inducing environmentalists, too, he said. "Every little bit helps," and Poland prefers discussion and dialogue, to chastising because it's far more productive in convincing people to change their habits, over the long term. "We're starting to now grapple with the future," he added. Poland has listed 50 ways to reduce his family's carbon footprint on his website www.blakepoland.ca. It includes not flying for pleasure and getting rid of their second car, RV and motorcycles. "There is only so much individuals can do," said Poland. "There needs to be a national and provincial effort." While he said the other federal parties are "green washing" their policy books, not enough action is being taken. China has already banned production of ultra-thin bags and will forbid its supermarkets and shops from handing out free carriers after June 1. Why won't Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty do the same?, asked Poland. And, as much as Canadians got on board with Earth Hour ­ it had one of the highest participation rates around the globe with over 150 cities involved, including SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER GETTING THE WORD OUT: Federal Green Party candidate for Oakville Blake Poland and Oakvillegreen president Liz Benneian take part in a march in downtown Oakville last Saturday to spread the word about Earth Hour taking place. Oakville and 14 local schools -- the country also leaves a much bigger carbon footprint than most other nations. Per capita, each citizen spews out 19 tonnes per year, three times more than Britains and a lot worse than the Chinese, said Poland. He's hopeful change is imminent. After all, one year ago he admits he knew nothing about climate change. The Oakville Association of the Green Party of Canada, the Oakvillegreen Conservation Association and the Oakville Sustainability Initiative organized the Earth Hour awareness rally. Howard Williams.ca Y After 130 years, our first sale ever, is also our very last sale. Howard Williams Jewellers is ou are cordially invited to our Bishop showing RSVP is required by April 4th. Showing is April 5, 2008 11:00am - 2:00 pm Register on-line or via phone. GOING OUT OF BUSINESS! EVERYTHING MUST GO ­ TO THE BARE WALLS · Get design ideas · See what Lifestyles can do for you · Imagine the possibilities for your home 33%­66% OFF EVERYTHING ­ NO EXCEPTIONS Original gold bullion pricing ­ no adjustment made for increased gold pricing Experience the difference with: SALE HOURS: SUNDAY 11-5, MON-WED 10-8, THURS 10-9 FRIDAY 10-7, SAT CLOSED. O ver 50 Years Collective Experience Specializing in: · Design/Build · Full 3D Modeling · Procurement Services · General Contracting Bus: 905.867.9777 Fax: 905.877.5586 info@lifestylesbybarons.com or visit us at www.lbbdesigns.ca For a complimentary Bishop Project DVD 309 Lakeshore Road East Oakville 905-815-1220 Lifestyles Designs TM Copyright © 2008 Lifestyles by Barons Inc.