Ruth Potopsingh, Guest Writer
Christmas, a season of celebration, also ushers in a period of high energy and resource consumption in Jamaica. Christmas lights are left on for extended periods of time.
There are numerous driving trips to the store for last minute gift shopping. Hours in the kitchen preparing Christmas dishes are prelude to festive get-togethers.
Friends of the Earth, a British environmental campaign group, recently released its Green Guide for Christmas 2006 available at www.greenguide.co.uk.
The 130-page catalogue offers resource-saving tips and an extensive directory of products, services and organisations in the UK that promote and encourage a more "planet and people friendly" Christmas.
The Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica is impressed by the efforts of this British group and believes there is much to glean from the Green Guide.
Christmas has become 'symbolic of our increasing over-consumption and careless regard for the earth's resources'. But moderation in all things is always a safe route. Christmas is the perfect time to make a conscious effort to start reducing over-consumption.
As the Green Guide states, "The difference will come when consumers decide they want to make a change."
Heed PCJ's energy conservation and efficiency campaign slogan: Use Less. Pay Less, and be guided by the following practical, energy-conserving suggestions that can help make Jamaica a little greener this Christmas.
Use light-emitting diode (LED) holiday lights. LED lighting is the hot new item in Christmas technology. Each bulb uses only 0.04 watts. That translates into a saving of up to 90 per cent in lighting costs when compared to using incandescent bulbs. LED bulbs are sturdy, last up to 100,000 hours (about 20 years) and produce little heat, eliminating fire concerns. Search for them at local hardware stores, the savings are worth it.
Use a timer. If there is reluctance for a complete overhaul of holiday lights, consider purchasing a timer. Timers are easily programmable and eliminate the "forgot to turn them off" excuse.
Carpool. Finding a parking space during Christmas shopping season is a challenge. Reduce gasolene consumption, traffic congestion and busy car lots by carpooling. Instead of individual family members taking the car out, schedule a date and time for the entire family to go. Or travel with friends and make a social event out of gift shopping.
Plan your oven usage to maximise oven time. When roasting Christmas ham in the oven, it is easy to fit one or two pans of Christmas pudding on the lower rack. Try not to peek too often while baking. Cooking temperatures drop considerably each time the door is opened, causing the oven to reheat and expend more energy.
Stay cool. We're blessed with a cool Caribbean breeze during the winter months. Take advantage of this natural element by opening east-west windows, and turning off air conditioners and fans.
Reduce waste. We adore shiny wrappings. But every year tons of Christmas waste fill our garbage dumps. Consider utilising gift bags, which people tend to save for future gift giving.
Dr. Ruth Potopsingh is group managing director, Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica.
