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Asian Americans Unite Around Environmental Issues

April 10th, 2008

Events around Southern California Reflect a Commitment to the Earth; A Special Focus on Motorbikes and E-Waste

Contact: Joe Pan, jpan@lpcpr.com
For immediate distribution

In conjunction with the celebration of Earth Day in April, a number of events are being held to encourage Asian Americans to think and act responsibly to protect the environment and our communities. “These events reflect the growing awareness by Asian American community and scientific leaders that we must all do our part to address the burgeoning environmental concerns in Southern California and around the globe,” said Dr. Yue Rong, President of the Southern California Chinese American Environmental Protection Association (SCCAEPA).

SCCAEPA will be hosting a 4-day long event in the City of Industry titled “Symposium on Global Emerging Challenges and Government Responses”. It will feature speakers such as Dr. Barry Wallerstein, Executive Officer of the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD), Mr. David Nahai, General Manager of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (DWP), and many other leaders, experts, academics, and professionals. The symposium will address air quality, toxic substances, water resource protection, and many other issues and offer site tours of local facilities. There will be special forums on “Environmental Challenges in Global Chinese Communities” and “Reaching Owners of High-Polluting Vehicles”. The latter is a special community outreach effort based on research showing that 10% of vehicles on the road produce more than 50% of the pollution.

“Southern California’s air is one of the worst in the nation,” said Dr. Weixing Tong, conference chair. “This causes all sorts of health and environmental problems, such as cancer, asthma, and premature death. We see this as an opportunity to bridge cultural and language barriers to address vehicle owners who, out of ignorance or neglect, fail to properly register and maintain their vehicles.”

In addition, two churches located in the hearts of Asian communities are volunteering their time and facilities to partner with Electronics Recycling Center of Pomona (ERC) to host E-Waste Collection Events in the month of April. On Saturday, April 19, Mandarin Baptist Church, located in Alhambra, will collect all sorts of used electronic parts for recycling. One week later, on April 26, First Chinese Baptist Church, in Los Angeles’ Chinatown, will host a similar event. Both events are open to the public.

“These events can create grass-roots change by getting local organizations and communities involved with environmental protection,” said Joe Pan, member of First Chinese Baptist Church and President of the Asian American Environmental Partnership (AAEP). “As the Asian American community here in Los Angeles grows, it needs to take responsibility and demonstrate leadership to keep this region a great place to live.” The AAEP also hosts the annual Asian American Environmental Symposium, an event held every November focused on connecting and building current and future leaders by inviting both professionals and students.

Symposium on Global Emerging Challenges and Government Responses
April 25-28, 2008
Pacific Palms Conference Resort, Industry
To register: www.sccaepa.org

E-Waste Collection
Mandarin Baptist Church
110 W. Woodward Ave., Alhambra, CA 91801 (Woodward & 2nd St.)
Saturday, April 19, 2008
9:00AM-3:00PM
Contact ERC, 909-620-8882
E-Waste Collection
First Chinese Baptist Church
942 Yale St., Los Angeles, CA 90012
Saturday, April 26, 2008
9:00AM-3:00PM
Contact ERC, 909-620-8882

For More Information:
SCCAEPA: www.sccaepa.org
AAEP: www.environmentalasian.org
ERC: 909-620-8882 www.ercsoca.com

Entry Filed under: News