Turn down the heat and put on a sweater on February 6th

TORONTO, ONTARIO – More than one million Canadians have united to participate in National Sweater Day, WWF’s campaign for energy conservation, since the campaign began. On Thursday, February 6, 2014, WWF is challenging Canadians from coast to coast to lower their thermostats and wear a sweater in support of action on climate change.

Canadians to create a virtual sweater of support
This year, National Sweater Day kicks off by unveiling a virtual sweater, knit in real-time, as Canadians engage in the climate change conversation through their social media channels. Canadians will be encouraged to upload #selfies showcasing themselves wearing sweaters to Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Google Plus with the hashtag #SweaterDay. To see the virtual sweater come to life, visit www.sweaterday.ca.

Calling on decision-makers to take action
By participating in National Sweater Day, individuals, businesses and communities are coming together to show their commitment to reducing energy use and call on decision-makers to take action.

“Scientists around the world have confirmed that climate change will have serious negative impacts on nature, the economy and society,” says David Miller, WWF President and CEO. “As Canadians, we need to improve our efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy conservation is the quickest, easiest and most cost-effective way to do it.”

Energy conservation is key to cutting carbon emissions
According to a report put out by Environment Canada in 2013, Canada is set to reach only half of its 2020 greenhouse gas emissions targets. Getting serious about tackling climate change includes, among other things, getting serious about energy conservation. And, the good news is that there are practical and actionable solutions that individuals can help drive—through their everyday choices and their voices as engaged citizens.

Three key strategies that Canadians and Canada can put into action to make huge strides in saving energy include:
1) Retrofit it: Making it easier and more affordable for people to invest in older homes and buildings to make them more energy efficient.
2) Build it smarter: Setting higher efficiency standards for new homes and offices along with consumer appliances (like refrigerators, dryers, and TVs) that we use every day.
3) Sustainable transportation: Making more efficient transportation options accessible for all commuters, from public transit to cycling to electric vehicles.

WWF’s National Sweater Day is made possible through partial proceeds from the sale of plastic shopping bags in Loblaw banner stores across Canada. Since 2009, Loblaw Companies Limited has donated $1 million annually to WWF, for a total of $6 million, to support activities that engage Canadians on climate change and other conservation issues.

“Loblaw is proud to be the presenting sponsor of National Sweater Day,” says Bob Chant, Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Communication, Loblaw Companies Limited. “We are excited to be participating through our banner stores across Canada including Loblaws, Real Canadian Superstore, Provigo, Atlantic Superstore, and Extra Foods. Our stores will be lowering the temperature a few degrees in support of this initiative, plus this is a fun and easy way to remind our colleagues and all Canadians how simple changes in behaviour can have a direct positive impact on climate change.”

For more information about National Sweater Day and how to get involved, please visit www.sweaterday.ca or www.facebook.com/wwfcanada.

Resources:
To download the National Sweater Day 2014 Energy Conservation Infographic, please visit:
http://awsassets.wwf.ca/downloads/nsdinfo.pdf

About WWF
WWF is creating solutions to the most serious conservation challenges facing our planet, helping people and nature thrive. www.wwf.ca.

About Loblaw Companies Limited
Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada’s largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. www.loblaw.ca.

For more information or to request an interview, please contact:
Joanna Leong
Zeno Group Canada
[email protected]
416-849-8950

Gabrielle Totesau
Zeno Group Canada
[email protected]
416-849-2841

Loblaw Public Relations Department
905-459-2500
[email protected]