The Legislative Press and Public Information Bureau
Distributed April 19, 2000
For more information,
contact: Dana Rae DelSignore, Publicist
State House Room 20
(401) 222-2457
Email: ddelsignore@rilin.state.ri.us
Representative Naughton urges all to "think green" this Earth Day
STATE HOUSE – Rep. Eileen S. Naughton is urging her constituents and everyone throughout the state to think globally, act locally, and above all, think "green" this weekend in celebration of Earth Day.
Saturday, April 22, is the 30th anniversary of Earth Day and Representative Naughton (D-Dist. 32) of Warwick wants all Ocean State residents to take part in the events and enjoy the state’s abundant natural resources.
"Only in Rhode Island can you find a dizzying array of salt-sprayed beaches, fertile farmland and tranquil country settings," said Representative Naughton, who chairs the House Committee on Accountability in Relation to all Aspects of the Environment. "As citizens of this beautiful state, it is our duty to not only enjoy but ensure that this pristine environment lives on for future generations to enjoy.
"There are so many ways you can help this Earth Day," Naughton continued. "Volunteer in a neighborhood clean-up, use recycled products, take the bus or just go for a walk and soak in the beautiful surroundings."
Representative Naughton recently fashioned a resolution proclaiming April as "Earth Month" in Rhode Island, which was passed by the House of Representatives. In it, she urges all Rhode Islanders to remember that the fate of the Earth is in their hands.
"We recognize the enormous potential that a clean, healthy, prosperous and sustainable planet Earth holds for improving the quality of life in Rhode Island and around Earth," the resolution states, "and everyday should be ‘Earth Day.’"
Members of the Department of Environmental Management recently outlined plans for this year’s Earth Day celebration at a meeting of the House Committee on Accountability in Relation to all Aspects of the Environment and the Conservation and Use of the Natural Resources of the State.
Officials told Representative Naughton that this was the first year Earth Day activities would be celebrated year-round, with a record 82 community clean-ups taking place throughout the state. Members hope to surpass last year’s efforts, in which 6,000 volunteers picked up 185 tons of trash and 16 tons of tires from their neighborhoods.
A gala Earth Day Festival will be held Saturday, May 7 at Goddard Memorial State Park in Warwick. The free event, which runs from 11-5 p.m., will feature food, exhibits and concerts featuring Rhode Island’s own Roomful of Blues and the Marshall Tucker Band.
In addition, a high school scholarship fund has been set up in memory of Mark Gould, an ecology professor at Roger Williams University who was active in the study of Rhode Island’s marine education. The scholarship is for incoming college students from Rhode Island who plan to study environmental science.
For information on this year’s Earth Day activities, call 222-3434 or 1-800-CLEANRI, or visit the Department of Environmental Management’s Web site at www.sec.state.ri.us/dem/earthday/homepage.htm.
In addition to chairing the House Committee on Accountability in Relation to all Aspects of the Environment and the Conservation and Use of the Natural Resources of the State, Representative Naughton serves on the Aquaculture Commission, the House Finance Committee and the Joint Committee on Environment and Energy.
As always, your