EARTH DAY NETWORK CO-HOSTS D.C. FORUM FOR GREENING EMBASSIES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE           Contact: Emily Hartman Phone: 202.518.0044, ext. 30 Email: [email protected]  

Earth Day Network Co-Hosts D.C. Forum for Greening Embassies Embassy of Finland Hosts First Forum Series on International Green Practices for Embassies

WASHINGTON, D.C., JUNE 9 —Today foreign embassies throughout Washington, D.C., will take part in the D.C. Forum for Greening Embassies, a four-part environmental conference series developed by Earth Day Network and U.S. Department of State.  As part of Secretary Clinton’s Green Diplomacy Initiative and D.C. Forum for Greening Embassies, the Embassy of Finland is hosting the first program to talk about the green renovation efforts to the building and its collaboration with various partners. In honor of this year’s 40th anniversary of Earth Day, Earth Day Network and the U.S. Department of State have developed the D.C. Forum for Greening Embassies so that foreign missions can exchange ideas on environmental issues and operational practices.The D.C. Forum for Greening Embassies will provide embassies with the opportunity to discuss best practices, green facility renovations and exchange information on green initiatives in their home countries. The program’s objective is to exchange sustainability ideas, challenges and experiences within the Washington, D.C. diplomatic community and to engage NGOs and other organizations to identify new green innovations that are applicable to Forum members. “Earth Day Network is honored to participate in the D.C. Forum for Greening Embassies as a means to showcase the environmental commitment of the global community in their own country and here in the U.S.,” said Kathleen Rogers, President, Earth Day Network. “We applaud the efforts of embassies, like the Embassy of Finland, that find innovative ways to take an active role in the fight against climate change.” Since 1970, Earth Day has been a launch pad for course-changing, positive environmental action. Today the need to address the environment and climate change has never been greater. Earth Day Network is working with partners like the U.S. Department of State, to engage vital and diverse communities around the world to take an active role in saving biodiversity and combating climate change. About Earth Day Network Earth Day Network was founded on the premise that all people, regardless of race, gender, income, or geography, have a moral right to a healthy, sustainable environment. Our mission is to broaden and diversify the environmental movement worldwide, and to mobilize it as the most effective vehicle for promoting a healthy, sustainable environment. We pursue our mission through a combination of education, public policy, and consumer activism campaigns. Earth Day Network’scampaign and programs are predicated on the belief that an educated, energized population will take action to secure a healthy future for itself and its children. The organization has a global reach with a network of more than 20,000 partners and organizations in 190 countries. Earth Day Network is a 501(c)3 organization located in Washington, DC.

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