As the year 2016 quickly comes to a close and as we reflect on the year gone by, while setting personal goals or family/business/community/organization goals for 2017, let us not forget to include and prioritize our social and cultural responsibility as citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, Global Citizens and very importantly, as devoted Hindus to be the Pioneers of the Environmental Revolution through our actions.
Be more mindful of how precious resources such as energy and water are being utilized in your daily lives by following the tips mentioned in the previous articles and through continuous research which is luckily now easier more than ever.
Start recycling your waste if you haven’t been doing so already – You may have heard several announcements being made in your communities asking you to recycle your tetra packs, plastic bottles, aluminum cans and glass bottles, placing them at certain approved collection points. This is definitely a great initiative and has made it easy for anyone to recycle. It is about time we get more serious about the level of waste being produced by such a small island. A WORLD Bank report has placed tiny Trinidad and Tobago on top of the world in terms of generating garbage per capita. World Bank statistics show that the twin-island nation generates 14.4 kilogrammes of municipal solid waste per capita per day – 12 times the world average of 1.2 kg. While foil paper, plastic bags and other items may be difficult to recycle, most of them can definitely be REDUCED,REUSED or even RELINQUISHED.
Share the awareness with your family and friends, at your temples, community centers, schools and workplace through engaging conversations and fun group activities.
Become an inventor!
We are in the age of invention. Globally there has been an increase in innovation, creativity and inventions from simple at home creations such as the Solar Bottle Bulb which was invited by Alfredo Moser, a Brazilian. He invented a light bulb that works without electricity. Just a two-liter plastic bottle filled with water and bleach and each may have his/her light free.The Solar Bottle Bulb is attached via a hole in the roof and uses the refraction of sunlight through the water and is equivalent to a 40-60 watt lamp! The bleach is used to clean and maintain the transparent bottle. It is an entirely ecological invention – says the BBC – and is illuminating the world. It is already in use nearly in a million homes, mostly cabins and homes in the suburbs of poor people.
CARIRI is one institute that comes to mind when it comes to innovation and invention. You can check out the Idea Advisory Service (IAS) Program. Who knows, your simple invention can improve the lives of many in our country and even the world.
And remember ….
Do enjoy the creativity which the New Year brings and together, hand in hand, let’s create a healthier, happier place for all! Change begins with you.
Lydia Singh
SWAHA – Vice President
BSc. Eng, PMP
Ambassador for the International Living Future Institute
http://collaboratives.living-future.org/trinidad-tobago/
