Media and delegates "Mug-it" at the Summit

Halifax, May 9, 1995 -- Media and delegates are being asked to be environmentally friendly by "mugging-it" at the Halifax Summit this June. To facilitate the process, the Halifax Summit Office (HSO) with the support of Environment Canada, the Province of Nova Scotia, and the Civic Environment Committee (CEC) announced today that all members of the delegations and media will receive a Summit mug in their media kit bags.

"This is another important step in our efforts to green the operations of the Halifax Summit," stated Malcolm McKechnie, spokesperson for HSO. "By giving everybody a reusable mug we are hoping to eliminate the use of un- recyclable plastic throw-away cups from all Summit sites."

As an incentive to using the mugs, local restaurants are being asked by the CEC to provide Summit participants with complimentary re-fills upon presentation of their mug. The CEC is a group composed of representatives from environmental groups, business, concerned individuals and interested governmental departments.

"Each mug is made of recycled plastic and has the Summit logo on one side, and the eco-logos of G-7 countries on the other," explains McKechnie. "Whenever the mugs are used, the delegates and media will be reminded of the environment."

Eco-logos are considered an environmental stamp of approval. The Canadian eco-logo is composed of a maple leaf and three doves, it can be found on selected products approved through the Environmental Choice ProgramM. The European Union, France, Japan, the United States and Canada all have their eco-logos on the Summit mug.

Environmental awareness is a key theme of the Halifax Summit. HSO, in conjunction with the Civic Environmental Committee, is working hard to ensure that the Summit becomes a positive environment model for others to emulate.

The Halifax Summit is a gathering of leaders from the seven largest industrialized nations as well as representatives of the European Union and the Russian Federation. The event will take place in Halifax from June 15-17, 1995.

For more information:


Malcolm McKechnie
Halifax Summit Spokesperson
(902) 473-7117  

Approved by:

     Len Edwards
     Malcolm McKechnie
     Wayne Barchard
     Marie-Helene Fox
     Jonathan Goldbloom