Kick the CO2 habit for World Environment Day

Today is World Environment Day! Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972, World Environment Day's now organized by the United Nations Environment Programme on June 5 each year. The day's theme this year is "Kick the Habit! Towards a Low Carbon Economy." Everyone -- from individuals to entire countries -- are encouraged to shrink their carbon footprints.

Unfortunately, the materials UNEP's put together are rather vague, though well-intentioned. UNEP's 80 Ways to Celebrate are full of unspecific directives (top item on the list: "Adopt a ‘green’ way of life.") and the Twelve Steps to Help You Kick the CO2 Habit too is rather vague. I would've at least linked to a carbon footprint calculator to get people started -- and I will here! Get into the theme of the day by measuring your own carbon footprint -- if you haven't done so already -- and making plans to shrink it.

As for more collective events: The main international celebrations are far, far away in New Zealand, and even the North American celebrations are all the way in the Chicago Botanic Garden. Still, we do have an L.A.-area celebration -- a free Family Art Festival at the Canoga Park Youth Arts Center -- though it's not actually happening today:

When: June 17, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Where: The Canoga Park Youth Arts Center, 7222 Remmet Ave., Canoga Park
Cost: Free

UNEP invited the center, a facility of the city of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, to create "an installation of expressive projects exploring issues of climate change, environmental awareness and leadership." So students created artworks from recycled trash items! The fair on June 17 will serve as a reception for this recycled art exhibition. Refreshments will be served, and art workshops will let the audience take part in the event.