AS WE begin a New Year, the Management and Staff of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) wish all of our readers a prosperous 2018. Traditionally, the beginning of a new year is dubbed the ideal time to start a new chapter in our lives, hence we set our resolutions for the year ahead. We hope you have set goals to enhance your personal and professional development and wish you well in achieving your desired goals.

The EPA hopes the last 12 months of learning and reinforcing how fascinating nature is, were rewarding; moreover we hope you better understand your role in protecting and managing our environment. It is our desire that some of your new year’s resolutions involve becoming good stewards of the environment. Let’s call them our “Green resolutions” for 2018 onwards!

Greening your resolutions will not only go a far way for the environment but will also help to make your surroundings a safe space for yourself and family. It will also save you some needed cash. Here are some small changes you can make to see big results:

Resolution 1. Choose reusable over disposable
During the past year we talked a lot about the importance of choosing reusable items over disposal ones, here is another chance to put it into practice. Choosing reusable products like bottles, cups, batteries, shopping bags, hand towels, cloth napkins etc., can significantly reduce the amount of waste you generate on a daily basis and save you needed cash.

Resolution 2. Use less save more (energy and water)
A great way to start conserving on your electricity and cashing back big on your electricity is by simply designing your space to be energy efficient. Use more natural light during the day, plan well and ensure you turn off and unplug all appliances. Be smarter when you shop: looking for those appliances with the energy saving star is another great idea on how you and your household can become more energy efficient for 2018.

It’s a new year, so it’s time to fix those old leaking faucets and broken pipes around the home. Ever heard the saying, “a small leak can sink a big ship?” Not only is having leaks around the house a wasteful and careless practice, it can cause a significant spike in your water bill. It’s also time for you to stop doing the dishes, laundry and brushing your teeth while leaving the tap running. Did you know that brushing your teeth and leaving the tap running causes you to waste at least five gallons of water? Water is life so save it!

Resolution 3. Embark on a community enhancement project
Are you wondering about a meaningful activity for your community? Embarking on a community enhancement project such as planting trees, clean-ups, parks and green space restoration are great ideas for making your resolution a bit greener and helping to restore the neighbourhood to its former glory. This will also give you a chance to connect and even reconnect with members of your community. A cleaner community means cleaner air and water for biodiversity to flourish, and people to be productive.

Resolution 4. Join or start an Environment Club
This is the perfect “do good, feel good” opportunity to make a fresh start for 2018. Joining or starting an environmental club will help you learn and teach others about the amazing services our environment provides to us free of cost, and what we can do to help take care of it. What better way to learn about your environment through a fun and interactive way by using the environment as your classroom. You will also help to build your

communication and other social skills. If you’re wondering how to locate or start an environment club in your community give us a call at the EPA or visit our Facebook or Instagram page and leave us a message for more information.

Finally: Stop littering and encourage others to do the same
By now you all should know that litter is bad for our health, the economy and the environment. It costs the government unnecessary spending to clean up when that same money can be used to build road, schools and health centers, etc. in communities across Guyana.

Apply these simple but practical resolutions and you’re sure to have a refreshing year ahead!

You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O ECEA Programme, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, Georgetown, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.