GOING GREEN
ANTIGUA & BARBUDA STYLE Photography by Jonathan Murphy on location at Wallings Dam, Antigua.
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e hear the terms “going green” and “eco-friendly options”... but what do these phrases really mean to us in Antigua & Barbuda? We are familiar with the effects of climate change and the impact it can have on our daily lives: increased numbers of hurricanes, coastal erosion and the invasion of foreign species, to name a few. The question we must ask ourselves as we begin to understand the implications of these changes is ‘What can I do to make a difference?’ The answer is surprisingly simple... ranging from taking the first small steps to help reverse these effects on a personal level, to involvement in major national and international projects that will noticeably reduce our carbon footprint in the world. We are blessed, in Antigua & Barbuda, with year round sunshine, constant trade winds and resourceful,resilient people...all components for making ‘going green’ a reality. Our government is currently updating legislation to exempt certain materials and equipment from various duties and taxes if they are imported for alternative
and renewable energy projects. The general public and businesses involved in such projects will be able to apply for these tax and duty concessions on a list of 28 specific materials and items of equipment by the end of 2011. These concessions will add much needed new incentives to the development of renewable technologies, ultimately making them more attractive to the consumer. Individuals can make a difference also, can alter their personal carbon footprint, by adhering to the concept of the “3 Rs”: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Here are a few examples of the vast array of options to choose from in pursuing this concept. Reduce: Limit importation of produce by buying local greens, vegetables and fruits in season at your grocery or supermarket, from local farmers, or even from the numerous ‘back yard’ mini-farms. Avoid purchasing exotic and possibly bio-engineered imported produce. Not only would you reduce the amount of energy needed to transport these items to your home or restaurant in Antigua