The Bermuda Day parade is always a vivid spectacle of colour, but this year it is going 'green'.

The theme of this year's Heritage Month is 'Green: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow'.

It is hoped the environmental theme will also take root in people's lives as they adopt green habits in their homes and businesses.

Culture Minister Neletha Butterfield said: "I urge the entire community to embrace 'green habits' which may mean upholding traditional ways of the past that enabled our forefathers to thrive.

"Furthermore, I believe that such habits if fostered will help to secure the future of our Island home."

Ms Butterfield said this included recycling waste items and encouraging home gardening.

She said: "Over a century ago life was far simpler in many ways than the very busy and hectic pace of this 21st century living. During that era our forefathers and mothers did not waste anything.

"There is a lesson in that for us today. We must appreciate what we have and not waste things, in order to minimise the potential negative impact on our environment and the delicate balance of the ecosystems of our lands and in our surrounding oceans.

"Our Heritage Month theme therefore challenges us to revisit some of our traditional ways that will help protect our future."

This year's parade takes place on May 24. Tom Wadson, Richard Bascome, Dolly Pitcher and Joy Wilson Tucker have been invited to be Grand Marshals.

Ms Butterfield said: "Bermuda Day has a special meaning for all of us. It is a day that we have traditionally come together in the past as Bermudians residents and visitors alike to celebrate our diversity and our uniqueness.

"For many it is the first day to enjoy the thrills and spills of our 'dip' in the ocean. For others we recall with glee family gatherings; whilst others think about the rhythmic sounds of the gombeys in the parade.

"Whatever images are conjured up in your minds when you hear the phrase 'Bermuda Day' we hope this month of celebration will not only be enjoyable but will also serve to educate us and build appreciation for the values, traditions and discipline that kept our forefathers focused and strong."

She said: "The community can help preserve a green Bermuda by looking at how we consume energy at home, at school, in the workplace, and as we move around the Island. And we must ask whether our lifestyles contribute to a sustainable future.

"We also expect the Green Heritage Month theme to reflect the present and how we as a people are tied to our environment in a very real and tangible way."

Ms Butterfield, a former Environment Minister, said: "Many in our community are taking small but important steps such as recycling, growing our own vegetables, installing solar panels, using natural beauty products, buying natural foods and organic produce where possible, using non-toxic cleaning supplies, and engaging in backyard composting.

"These are some of the current practices that should provide creative inspiration for floats in the Bermuda Day parade."

She added: "Perhaps we will be inspired by floats that make us think deeply about the role we as individuals can play in preserving our environment for future generations.

"Whatever the focus past, present or future we encourage float makers and participants in the Bermuda Day parade to be creative in their float designs in order to illuminate the theme 'Green: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow' and have fun while doing it."

Ms Butterfield said floats would be encouraged to use bio-fuels or biodiesel. Recycling containers for garbage are also likely to be in place.