Sustainability advocates and politicians have given a mixed reaction to news that Government has issued a Request for Proposals for a Waste-to-Energy facility.

Opposition One Bermuda Alliance yesterday questioned Government's rationale for its RFP given that $20 million of taxpayer's money has been spent on upgrading the facility.

Bermuda could become an environmental leader and protect the Atlantic by banning plastic bags, according to Senator Michael Fahy.

He said he attended a lecture over the Easter holiday about a floating mass of trash around twice the size of Texas, found in the Pacific Ocean.

A similar build-up of plastic waste has been recorded in the North Atlantic Gyre.

Homes and businesses can now install larger solar panels without needing planning permission under new rules.

Recently approved amendments to the Development and Planning (General Development) Order 1999 allow up to 400 sq ft of solar panels to be installed without the need to apply to the Planning Department for planning permission. A building permit, however, is still be required.

Greenrock and BELCO announce the winners of the 2012 Earth Hour Essay Contest for Students, which was sponsored and coordinated by BELCO. The prize-giving ceremony took place at the Bermuda National Library, Youth Library.

Spring 2012 edition of Envirotalk courtesy of the Department of Environmental Protection.

In this issue –

Click here to download.

Sitting outside the Barley Mow on Tilford village cricket ground, a group of early evening drinkers swing their gaze from left to right, as earnestly as fans of Andy Murray on Centre Court.

Indeed, what they're watching has just flashed past with the quiet fizz of a tennis ball.

But this isn't Wimbledon.

Here is a short video from our 2012 Earth Hour Expo, inspiring us to keep on moving and championing a powerful message for action on climate change.

We hope you'll feel the same.

On Saturday night [Mar.31], Bermuda joined with over 130 countries in celebrating Earth Hour, which encourages people to turn off their lights to serve as a visual reminder on the importance of a sustainable lifestyle.

Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce (BEST) researchers have been digging once again in all of our interests and have the real scoop behind the Devonshire March Development controversy. They have released an excellent video showing why the warehouse development applied for at Devonshire Marsh should have been rejected, and not even considered by the Development Applications Board (DAB), much less been the subject of an appeal. Full details at www.best.org.bm <http://www.best.org.bm> 

Free community event seeks to raise awareness of sustainable living in Bermuda through exhibitors and entertainment 

Hamilton, Bermuda – March 28, 2012 – Greenrock, a Bermuda registered charity, today confirmed its event schedule for the Earth Hour Expo taking place from 5 PM – 10 PM this Saturday, March 31, at City Hall.

The Earth Hour Expo is a free community event, which seeks to raise awareness on sustainable living in Bermuda through green exhibitors and entertainment, and is made possible through the generous support of sponsors Bacardi, PartnerRe, BTC, ACE, Zurich, Appleby, Waterfront Properties Limited, Butterfield & Vallis and Hiscox.