Toronto, Jun 8 (IANS/EFE): Singer-songwriter Jon Secada said that the Hispanic community is starting to raise its level of awareness about environmental problems.

The two-time Grammy winner and composer of hits for such artists as Gloria Estefan and Ricky Martin said that his interest in the environment comes largely from his concern about the world in which his children will live.

Known for his work on behalf of AIDS patients and disaster victims, Secado launched a campaign several days ago with automaker Toyota to raise environmental awareness among Hispanics.

The singer now drives one of the Japanese manufacturer's hybrid models.

"This is the first time I've driven a hybrid. And I'm amazed by the concept of the hybrid car. Apart from the savings on gasoline, I'm impressed by everything to do with reducing (harmful) emissions," he told EFE.

Secada has had all kinds of vehicles, from Chevys to BMWs to the Lexus he bought "when my career began to take off and I had the means to buy a car".

"But of all the vehicles I've had, this is the first hybrid. And it's on a par with any other car I've ever had," he said.

Secada said he sees it "as a responsibility" to use his fame in the Latino community to do good works because "it's important and necessary that public personalities provide this kind of support and have the most positive effect possible on causes they consider important".