IN A flash, the year 2013 has come to an end. As the New Year approaches, it is customary for us to begin thinking about ways in which we can become better individuals. To be successful in 2014, endeavour to keep things simple instead of making huge, unrealistic resolutions. Here are some simple actions we can adopt that will make us better individuals, while protecting the environment. 1. Reduce and Reuse
• Make a list before you go shopping so that you will always buy exactly what you need and nothing more. This helps to reduce waste.
• Virtually every week we all have items that we get rid of that can be used again for a different purpose. Seeing that solid waste management is a critical issue, seek out ways and means by which you can reuse some of your trash, especially items such as plastic bottles, plastic bags and cardboard boxes. The internet is a wonderful resource that can be used to generate ideas on how to reuse items that are thrown away every day.
• Every time you go shopping, whether it’s to the neighbourhood grocery shop, the market or supermarket, carry your own bag. Plastics take a very long to break down in the environment, and when disposed of in an improper way, causes a lot of damage, especially to animals, so the less of these that we use, the better it is for the environment.
• Take your own lunch to work/school in a reusable container.

2. Adopt an active lifestyle
Instead of using the minibus or driving, ride or walk to travel short distances. Not only are you keeping fit, but you contribute to less carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere.

3. Buy Local
When going to the market or supermarket, look for products that were produced right here in Guyana. While this is easy for vegetables, there are also other products such as peanut butter, jams and jellies, seasonings and beverages that are produced locally. Buying local helps to reduce the carbon dioxide that is released into the atmosphere since foreign products have to be shipped from across the world to get here. Also, local produce is usually fresher, having fewer chemicals meaning that they are healthier to use.
We at the EPA extend best wishes to all our readers for a productive and rewarding 2014 as we all strive together for a clean and healthy Guyana.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O EIT Division, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com