Government is encouraging people to recycle ahead of this year's Heritage Month.

The theme of the 2010 series of events and Bermuda Day Parade will be 'Green: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow'.

Culture Minister Neletha Butterfield told MPs in the House of Assembly: "Our Heritage Month theme challenges us to revisit some of our traditional ways that will help protect our future.

"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. 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."

She said: ""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.

"I encourage the entire community and especially young people to embrace the green theme and fully participate in the Bermuda Day celebrations."