Dennie Quill, Contributor

Enormous efforts are being made by people of conscience from the Vatican to Australia to preserve the environment and make the world a better place.

And while we in Jamaica are familiar with the talk surrounding concepts like sustainable development, organic products, recycling and energy efficiency, the evidence suggests that the majority of Jamaicans are not turned on to the idea of saving our little piece of the earth.

For example, what are we doing to advance the goals of the Kyoto Protocol which seeks to reduce carbon dioxide emissions? How many people are even aware of the protocol?

While I would not advocate the introduction of energy police as exists in China whose job include patrolling buildings to ensure the thermostat is set at 79 degrees, it is imperative we do more than substitute energy-saving fluorescent light bulbs for the incandescent version.

Successive Jamaican governments have not found it necessary to establish a full ministry of environment; instead the environment portfolio is usually tacked on to something else, like an afterthought.

The trend has continued with this new Jamaica Labour Party Government naming a Ministry of Health and Environment. We are yet to see any environment-friendly initiatives from Minister Rudyard Spencer.

Ignorance

The average Jamaican does not see the degradation of the environment as a major problem, and this can be blamed on ignorance. But more importantly, the people take their cue from their government.

Take the matter of energy usage, if the Government were to establish a vehicle fuel efficiency policy among its officers in the face of rising fuel costs and an enormous energy bill, citizens may start making personal choices to reduce their own fuel consumption. All government vehicles should use diesel fuel.

Incentives

Why isn't government offering incentives for citizens to buy the Toyota Prius with its hybrid engine which gives its driver some 60 miles per gallon? What about incentives for energy-saving toilets? Should the gas-guzzling SUVs be charged a cess? Why are government buildings not fitted with solar energy where practical?

Because government has not been serious about encouraging people to reduce their impact on the environment, environmental activists have been forced to step up and fill the void. Often misunderstood, this special interest group is largely seen as interfering middle class folks who want to stop progress. However, thanks to the activism of these NGO's matters about the environment are being brought to the fore and discussed as part of a national debate.

Saving the earth is a noble ideal but it won't happen by simply talking about it. Having a sustainable society depends on a vast shift in thinking and attitudes. Our island nation is blessed with some of the finest beaches.

Environmental levy

An they exist for generations of Jamaicans to enjoy it is the hotel and villa owners who reap the greatest benefits from this natural resource. Why shouldn't hoteliers be asked to pay an environmental levy so that the funds could be used to clean up other beaches and arrest erosion and return our beaches to their once pristine condition?

Recycling has to play a big role in our immediate future. Take a soda can, this can be recycled over and over. Does it surprise you that the energy saved by recycling one soda can equals the amount of energy it takes to run your television for three hours?

Going green expensive

Environmentalists need to engage politicians and business leaders to show them why treating the environment with care will affect the bottom line. Going green is extremely expensive, people are quick to point out, but counter to that argument is the fact that the payback makes it worth the effort.

Professionals, householders, educational institutions, parish councils, and the churches all need to be part of this national conversation about our future. But first it has to begin with the individual, each of us has to take a reality check to see how we can adjust our lives to leave as little damage as possible so that future generations may enjoy this country.