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22 * WATERLOO CHRONICLE + Wednesday, April 16, 2008 s April 22 â€" Earth Day 2008 Aâ€" rapidly approaches, it is ime for the business sector and our community partners to recognize the importance of the natural resources and environâ€" ment critical to our local quality of Taking care of the environment is everyone‘s husiness life across Waterloo Region International Earth Day is celeâ€" brated in nearly 100 countries to recognize achievements and expand programs for protecting our environment. Activities, which have develâ€" oped around the day, include tree planting, cleanup of waterways and workshops. On April 19, the Grand River Conservation Authority will host an event at the Laurel Creek Conâ€" servation Area to engage the comâ€" munity on conservation and environmental protecâ€" | tion. Recent statistics cited by the Ontario Government estimate that global investment in renewable power generation, biofuels and lowâ€"carbon technologies increased from US $28 billion in 2004 to US $71 billion in 2006, presenting a significant opportunity for provinâ€" cial businesses. of jobs and new investment. At our chamber‘s 2008 Business Excellence Awards gala in Februâ€" ary, local organizations that demonstrate significant leadership in sustainability, conservation and environmental responsibility were well represented among the recipiâ€" ents.