Think Green Live Clean

Our current climate crisis is without borders. All nations, developed and developing, are in the same boat when dealing with the possible effects. Most leaders around the world have come to the realization that both ground work and international legislation are necessary to preserve our environment for the future.  Things are no different in Jamaica. Wendy A. Lee of the Northern Jamaica Conservation Association stresses that even small nations like Jamaica can have an impact, even if it is just to serve as an example. Jamaica has, in the past and currently, dealt with problems of deforestation. There are many non-governmental organizations and governmental organization working with both community based and faith based organizations in Jamaica to try and conserve the natural forests while also continuing sustainable economic growth. Some amazing work has been done, but much more will be needed in the future if Jamaica’s natural resources are going to be preserved. Jamaica will have a representative at the Climate Summit in Copenhagen this month.

This issue is personal to me because in the spring I will start my service in the Peace Corps in Jamaica. I will be helping to implement as well as continue community-based reforestation projects. I hope to do my part in mitigating the effects deforestation has had in Jamaica and as they say in the Peace Corps, “work myself out of a job,” meaning that when I leave, the community will have the attitude and means to continue preserving the natural resources of Jamaica. I urge everyone to do their part in preserving our natural world. If that means volunteering your time or investing your money in sustainable companies and causes, then by all means do it. We all need to do our part no matter where we live.

check out an article written in the Jamaica Observer…