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I Promise…
1. To change my bulbs to fluorescent. If every American replaced just one regular lightbulb with an EnergyStar qualified bulb or fluorescent bulb, it would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes for one year. Think then what could be done in Jamaica, where our entire population is less than 3 million. Fluorescent bulbs use about 75 percent less energy and last 10 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.
2. To adjust my thermostat. Studies have shown that adjusting the thermostat by one degree can result in a 5 to 6 percent reduction in energy consumption. So, why not switch it off completely, grab a cold drink, and start thinking cool thoughts.
3. To recycle, recycle, recycle. And this means everything! From newspaper, beverage containers and paper, to plastic and glass bottles, and other plastic items. Every ton of recycled paper saves 17 trees. In fact recycling half the world’s paper would free about 20 million acres of forest land. Why not start a recycling project in your community? Contact the Protect the Environment Trust (PET) to find a recycling centre near you, or to start your own. www.petjamaica.org
4. To use water efficiently. Water smart! Water your garden only when necessary, and do so in the cooler morning hours. Turn the water off when you are brushing your teeth or shaving, and even washing the dishes. Fix leaky toilets, because a leaky toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water a day! In fact, switch to a water-saving toilet, as these can save up to 11,000 gallons of water per year.
5. To use alternative energy. We live in Jamaica, where the sun always shines. And with electricity costs and oil prices rising, it’s surprising why more people do not subsidize their power usage by investing in solar power. According to Damian Lyn, president of the Solar Energy Association, and managing director of Alternative Power Services, just 300 people currently use solar power in their homes or commercial buildings. One possible reason for the low numbers, are the startup costs. These can start at the most basic level, at J$100,000. Lyn adds that in a number of cases this figure is recouped within eight years, depending on your energy consumption, in savings. Visit www.apsja.com for more information.
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6. To slow down on the road. Drive slower and smarter. To improve fuel economy and reduce greenhouse gases, drive at a consistent speed, by going easy on your brakes and the gas pedal. Additionally, if you have unnecessary weight in or on your car, remove it. For example, if you have a removable roof rack that you don’t use, removing it could improve fuel economy by as much as 5 percent. Also check your tires. Under-inflation increases tire wear, reduces fuel economy by up to 3 percent, and leads to increased emissions of greenhouse gases.
7. To manage my electronics better.Whether at home or at work, the rule is, “When not in use, switch it off!” A recent report by USA Today, estimated that US organizations wasted US$2.8 billion and 20 tons of carbon dioxide each year by powering idle computers. Similarly at home. It’s estimated that 8 percent of household electricity is wasted by the standby mode on all appliances. So what are your options? Consider using a power strip, and connect electronics through one central plug. This can be turned off when not in use.
8. To turn my kitchen green. It’s where most of us spend our time, and it’s where a number of small adjustments can be made that will have huge benefits for your pocket and the planet. First of all, cut spending and reduce waste, by shelving bottled water, and drink from your tap. You may invest in a filter for added purity. Cut back on packaging by buying in bulk, and in addition, when you go to the supermarket, use reusable shopping bags. According to research by the US-based Environmental Protection Agency, it takes 1000 years for a polyethylene bag (the material used to make plastic bags) to breakdown. And, approximately 100,000 marine mammals die each year from eating plastic bags. When it comes to food, you should support the local economy by buying from local farmers. This also reduces the emission of greenhouses gases usually released during the transportation process.
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9. To take pride in my country. With tourism our biggest export, it’s essential that we protect what keeps millions of tourists coming back each year—our wonderful natural beauty. From the lush green mountain, to the wetlands teeming with wildlife, and stunning beaches, Jamaica’s diversity lends itself not only to much beauty, but much vulnerability. Here are a few local organizations that are doing their part to protect our precious island:
Environmental Foundation of Jamaica—www.efj.org.jm
National Environmental Protection Agency—www.nepa.gov.jm
Jamaica Environment Trust—www.jamentrust.org
10. To take responsibility for my own actions. Living green is a conscious decision, and it’s one that must be made now, in order to protect our planet for future generations. First we must all take responsibility for how our actions may be destroying the planet. Take small steps, first by assessing your lifestyle, your energy consumption, and what you can do to reduce your carbon footprint. Visit www.carbonfootprint.com to calculate your carbon footprint, and more importantly, see how you can offset it. For example, pledging money to reforestation in Kenya, and supporting certified emission reduction projects such as wind energy and hydropower.
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