Officer Mr.

David Wingate and Bermuda's "Ambassador'', Mr. Johnny Barnes, at Number One Shed in Hamilton yesterday.

Mr. Barnes, who greets rush-hour commuters each morning at the Crow Lane roundabout, said that one of the greatest things in the world is love, and people should take time to make each other happy in order to create a better human environment.

Mr. Wingate expanded on the loss of animal and plant life and its potentially catastrophic effects.

"We are ruining the earth for our children,'' he said. "More and more peole are getting involved in the environment, but environmental issues should pervade everything in our lives''.

The event, which celebrates the 25th anniversary of Earth Day, features local businesses and charitable societies. Its aim is to promote local interest in the environment.

Local businesses have set up booths supplying information on how to better protect the environment.

Mr. Bernard Davies, owner operator of Pied Piper Pest Control, explained that every chemical used by his company is environmentally safe and approved by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Health.

Mr. David Rose and Mr. Ricky Osborne of the Shell Company of Bermuda are showing equipment the company uses to monitor its underground installations.

Bermuda Paint Company Technical Manager Mr. Bob Brums is displaying Decratone 2000, a solvent-free, petroleum-free, low-odour paint that does not deplete the ozone layer.

Other stalls are staffed by the Audubon Society, The Keep Bermuda Beautiful Campaign, the Society For the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and other local businesses.

Today is the last day of the Expo, which runs from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Admission is free.

A play for children by Black Box Productions, called Mystical Island, will also be showing at the Expo at 1 p.m.