Editor,

Many of us grew up in the Caribbean in the last century believing that bushes and weeds were awful sights that needed to be gotten rid of whether on land or water. Similarly, we never gave much thought to land, water, or air because we assumed that they would always be there in more or less the same manner in which they then existed. We never wondered about noise, the stuff that industries emitted in the air or poured into the earth and the water, or how animals and plants are affected by all of this.

Today, we know differently, don't we? Yet, are we really using that different knowledge to ensure that we protect and sustain the environment for our health and the future of life on Earth? Perhaps it's time to be reminded that one person of passion and perseverance can make a difference and that all it takes is one person to start a movement. So, what can we as individuals do?

For starters, there's no question that cutting back on meat consumption could have real and lasting effects. And, in the Caribbean, perhaps there is a need to revert to the traditional practice of kitchen gardens that will enable a supply of organic vegetables, herbs, peas and beans, and even fruits while greening the environment and playing a part in carbon reduction. In fact, today so much can be planted in small spaces or even in hanging pots or elevated wooden trays. As well, we should join with teachers and students to green the schoolyards and create eco environments for our children at school and agitate for agriculture to be brought back to school curricula.

We also need to change our views about bushes and weeds. Instead of getting rid of them, we need to recognize their values and nurture them without allowing any one type to overwhelm the others. Where necessary, let's rewild patches of bare land while fostering wetlands. Their presence will bring back birds, insects, and even animals, all of which play significant roles in so many ways.

Let us eliminate the use of herbicides and pesticides in our farms and gardens when possible, use the least dangerous ones only if needed, or revert to organic plant nurturing. If possible, we should even try various types of agriculture, such as organic, aquaponics, and shade agriculture.

Let us not wantonly cut down trees, not even in our yards. Instead, plant, plant, and plant some more, including fruit and flowering trees. The former increases our access to fresh fruits; the latter beautifies the environment, and both contribute to reducing our carbon footprints.      

Our attitudes to wildlife must also be re-engineered so that we don't instinctively kill them. In fact, if we find them outside of their environment, we should return them to the wild.

We must stop littering, especially since all our garbage that's not biodegradable pollutes the earth and often ends up in the streams, rivers, and oceans, not only polluting but destroying aquatic life.

We must also develop a recycling habit and a conservation attitude. Avoid using plastic as much as possible. If you must use it, ensure it's not single-use plastic but plastic that can be reused. And let us be very careful about introducing plants and animals to environments in which they do not belong. They could easily become invasive and create havoc in their new environments.

Finally, let us become cleaning brigades, regularly cleaning our surroundings and communities, our waterways, and our beaches. After all we're not only doing this for ourselves but as a legacy for our children, their children and posterity. What greater bequest can we offer them than a clean and safe environment?

Written by: Annan Boodram

Click here to read more on the Eye Witness News website