Through World Environment Day, the UN Environment Programme is able to personalize environmental issues and enable everyone to realize not only their responsibility, but also their power to become agents for change in support of sustainable and equitable development.
The UN Environment Programme defines the Green Economy as one that results in improved human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities. In its simplest expression, a green economy can be thought of as one which is low carbon, resource efficient and socially inclusive.
What can we do individually and collectively here on Nevis to make a difference in this global effort? Here are a few suggestions along the thematic areas outlined above.
*low carbon:
o    limit or reduce the amount of time spent using your vehicle;
o    ensure that your vehicle is in good operating condition;
o    refrain from burning garbage and refuse;
o    use cut shrubs, leaves and fallen trees as compost, mulch and fertilizer;
o    plant a tree;
o    grow a garden around your home;
*resource efficient:
o    desist from littering and do not throw appliances and furniture in water ways, instead contact the Solid Waste Department for proper removal;
o    find ways of reducing your demand and try reusing or give to someone in need;
o    use energy on a needs basis: turn off tap and light switches when not in direct use;
o    talk to your utilities provider to find and fix leaks immediately;
*socially inclusive:
o    you can make the difference, do what you can and it will contribute to the global effort;
o    take a stand against waste and misuse of the environment and our natural resources;
o    it is your social responsibility accept it and do something positive about it;
o    the money you save from engaging in these environmentally friendly activities can be invested in your local bank for future energy saving inventions.
This year’s focus is on individual understanding of what the green economy is and how included or involved each citizen is in making this a reality. Ultimately it asks us to personally examine our surroundings and make a conscious decision to know more and do more about the health and wealth of our environment. Therefore, the ‘business as usual’ attitude will have to be changed. Happy World Environment Day 2012. (For more information: http://www.unep.org/wed/ 

Submitted by
Ms. Claudia Walwyn, MSc.,
Environmental Officer
Department of Physical Planning, Natural Resources and Environment