By Cheri Wood / Bahamas National Trust
Why care? Why should anyone take the time to recycle a can when it is easier the throw it in the trash? Why should anyone be inconvenienced to drive to the local landfill when dumping trash in the bush is so much easier? Why should we suffer through the heat of the summer when we can just turn on our air conditioning? And why would we ever want to pick up a piece of trash on the road that someone else threw there?
It’s not our problem. Let the government, the Port Authority, and Sanitation Services deal with it. Let GB Power figure out how to supply enough electricity so we can sit in our living rooms and watch television in a 75 degree climate versus the 90 degree temperatures outside. And why would we ever want to wash a dish when we can just use Styrofoam and throw it away after our meal is done? And why would we ever want to walk anywhere in the summer heat when we can drive our car? Why care about going “green” on Grand Bahama? Well maybe, just maybe, we should care. The importance of preserving the environment on Grand Bahama has never been greater. The beauty and environmental sustainability of our island is critical for every individual who lives here. Our health is dependant on the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the stress we experience each day in our lives. Most of us don’t need scientific studies to tell us that a healthy environment promotes healthy people, lower crime, less stress, and a more successful economic landscape, but for those who require scientific proof there is plenty out there. And let’s not even get started about how the unsightly trash and pollution can negatively impact our ability to attract tourists.
Many people on this island are passionate about preserving the resources we have been blessed with and many people do not seem to understand the significance of even caring about such things. The truth is we need to care, and not only for our future, but for RIGHT NOW.
Over the next several “Going Green on Grand Bahama” articles we will explore the green initiatives going on right here on Grand Bahama and how every one of us can contribute to the health of our island and ourselves. There are many stories to be told and much information to be shared that will highlight how you as an individual can “go green” by Reducing waste, Reusing products, and Recycling.
We will share information on retailers who carry “green” products and companies who are taking a hard look at their business practices and making informed decisions about the way they do business to promote a healthier environment. And most importantly we will provide valuable information on how every one of us can save money, get healthier, and reduce the stress in our lives by living a more “green” existence.
Until next time, here is your first green challenge to think about. Are you still taking hot showers in this summer heat? Why? If the air temperature in your home is too cool to take a non-heated shower, than rethink the temperature you have your air conditioner set at. If you ARE still taking hot showers, then you are paying to cool the air and heat the water at the same time. Kind of silly when you think about it. Just think about it.
Cheri Wood recently retired from Bank of America and has now permanently relocated to Grand Bahama. Her career of over 20 years in corporate America included serving in various capacities including training, marketing, sales, quality control, risk assessment, communications and operational management. While performing her regular job responsibilities, Cheri also served several years as the president of the Environmental Network for the Bank of America in the State of Rhode Island. Her experience in the environmental arena includes project management and coordination of volunteer events on local and national levels throughout the United States. Over the years she has worked closely with organizations such as the Nature Conservancy, the Audubon Society, the Rhode Island Rivers’ Council, and in 2010 Cheri was elected as secretary of the GB Branch of the Bahamas National Trust. Serving in her voluntary role with the Bahamas National Trust, Cheri is involved with increasing recycling on the island, promoting green practices with local businesses, educating the community on the importance of preserving the environment, and serving as a resource for those who wish to participate in environmental opportunities on local and international levels.
