When it comes to energy efficiency, Rio Hong, a Grade 6 student at West Kent Elementary School, has some simple advice for Canadians: Save! Save! Save!
That’s the title of Rio’s winning entry in the Prince Edward Island poster contest for the Energy and the Environment 2007 calendar. Produced each year by Natural Resources Canada to encourage energy efficiency and renewable energy, the calendar features one drawing from each province and territory.
The theme of the poster contest for the 2007 calendar was Be energy efficient at home, at school and on the road! Rio’s poster shows clothes hanging on the clothesline to dry; bicycles on the road instead of cars; the curtains in the window open to allow passive solar energy to help heat the home; and wind energy providing power.
“Rio delivers an important message – that there are many ways we can save energy, save money and help protect our environment,” said Minister of Environment, Energy and Forestry Jamie Ballem. “Being energy efficient can be as simple as following a few simple tips like Rio suggests. It’s surprising how small changes can make a big difference.”
Minister Ballem visited West Kent Elementary School Monday to present Rio with his prizes. In addition to having his drawing featured in the Energy and the Environment 2007 calendar, Rio received a mounted copy of his artwork; a battery-free radio flashlight; and a backpack featuring NRCat, Natural Resources Canada’s energy efficiency mascot. The school also received a mounted copy of Rio’s artwork, and all Island students who entered the calendar contest received an NRCat bungee bookmark.
“I want to thank all of the students for their efforts. They had many excellent ideas for conserving energy and protecting our environment,” said Minister Ballem. “I also want to thank all of the teachers who are helping young Islanders learn how they can contribute to a healthier environment.”
To learn more about energy, energy efficiency and the environment, Island students, teachers and parents can visit the CalendarClub website at http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/CalendarClub.