April 14, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES FOR 2010: CARAS AND THE JUNO AWARDS
PROMOTE ECO-EFFICIENCY
AND ECO-FRIENDLY PRACTICES

Toronto, ON (April 13, 2010) – The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) is committed to leveraging its position as a leader in the Canadian music industry to promote sustainability in the communities in which it works. As part of this commitment, CARAS is working with its partner, Strategin Solutions, to develop a comprehensive strategy designed to continuously improve the sustainability performance of CARAS and the JUNO Awards over time.

The strategy has allowed CARAS and the JUNO Awards to introduce new and exciting initiatives and partnerships in 2010. Examples include the initiation of a composting program in the CARAS office, the use of recycled content paper for production of all marketing materials, and designing set and stage elements to facilitate easy disassembly, reuse and recycling.

In addition, CARAS and the JUNO Awards partnered with Me to We Style for the first time to produce all JUNO branded apparel for the 2010 JUNO Awards with the use of organic cotton and viscose from bamboo. A new partnership was also struck with Carbonzero, who has generously provided carbon offset credits sufficient to offset travel related emissions of all CARAS, Insight and CTV personnel. And 2010 represents the third year of partnership with Bullfrog Power, who is kindly providing 100 per cent green electricity for all 2010 JUNO Week events.

Overall, the sustainability strategy is enabling CARAS and the JUNO Awards to minimize and effectively manage waste, support markets for socially and environmentally responsible goods and service, and contribute to the development of renewable energy systems within Canada. Further, through engaging partners, suppliers and sponsors in sustainability related dialogue, CARAS is contributing to the momentum of sustainability practices in the music and events industry, and is encouraging all organizations participating in the 2010 JUNO Awards to explore opportunities for eco-friendly practices.

JUNO Awards Tips to Sustainability:

We all have the power to affect change. Music fans have a role to play in helping to minimize the environmental impact of the JUNO Awards by engaging sustainable practices when and wherever possible. The following are a few tips:

• Check out the Green Key Eco Rating program online to select accommodations with existing sustainability policies and practices
• Turn off any lights, TVs, air conditioners or heaters when leaving hotel rooms
• Opt into towel and linen reuse programs available in many hotels
• Dispose of waste and recyclables in appropriate receptacles
• Use reusable mugs and/or water bottles when possible
• Go sightseeing by foot or public transit
• Get to know the local culture and purchase locally produced goods
• Book travel via the most direct route to reduce travel-related emissions
• Offset green house gas (GHG) emissions generated as a result of travel

 
JUNO Week takes place April 12-18, 2010, in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, culminating in the live broadcast of THE 2010 JUNO AWARDS on Sunday, April 18, on CTV.

Sponsors of the 2010 JUNO Awards include FACTOR, Canada’s Private Radio Broadcasters and the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage’s “Canada Music Fund,” with commitments from The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, the City of St. John’s and Radio Starmaker Fund.

Sponsors of THE 2010 JUNO AWARDS broadcast on CTV include Chevrolet, Garnier, Pepsi and Rogers.

Web Links:

Official JUNO Awards website: www.junoawards.ca

CTV’s JUNO Awards website: www.junos.ctv.ca

St. John’s Host Committee: www.ruckusontheedge.com

CARAS website: www.carasonline.ca

CTV Website: www.ctv.ca

Web Links for Sustainability Partners:

Strategin Solutions: www.strateginsolutions.com

Bullfrog Power: www.bullfrogpower.com

Carbonzero: www.carbonzero.ca

Me To We Style: www.metowestyle.com

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Chris McDowall
416-628-5648
cmcdowall@hccink.com