Jerusalem, April 22 – Israelis are marking world Earth Day with a variety of events aimed at promoting environmental awareness and action. It is hoped thousands will help clean Tel Aviv’s beaches, while city halls throughout the country will coordinate a lights-off hour from 8-9pm. Several Israeli organizations, companies and individuals will receive prizes for their contribution to the environment during the last year.
Water
- Israel is the world’s most efficient recycled water user, according to the United Nations
Israel recycles more than 70 percent of waste water. - Israel is home to the world’s largest Seawater Reverse Osmosis desalination plant.
- Drip irrigation, invented in Israel, is used on 60 percent of agricultural land in Israel
African and Asian nations are among those purchasing or receiving Israeli water know how.
Government Initiatives
- $602.2 million investment for greenhouse gas emission reduction.
- Investment to pioneer projects for new and existing green building.
- New education and information projects to increase awareness and promote public behavioral changes.
- Promote regulations to improve the energy efficiency of electrical appliances.
- Taxes to encourage reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, especially for cars.
Forestry
- Israel is one of only two countries with more trees today than 100 years ago
- The Jewish National Fund planted 240 million trees in Israel since 1901.
- Israel uses forestation in its anti-desertification work at home and abroad.
- Every year Israelis celebrate a birthday for trees by planting thousands more
Electric Cars
- Israeli company Better a Place
- Its first battery switch station will soon be opened at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport.
- Will offer 130 battery charging points in Hawaii by year’s end.
- First 10 electric cars arrived on Israel’s roads in Jan 2012.
