Dennie Quill, Contributor

LAST WEEK, I decided to change out some of my incandescent light bulbs. It's something I had planned to do a long time ago, but not being a beneficiary of the Cuban light bulb programme, I soon realised that I would have to take care of my own needs so I went out and bought some energy-saving fluorescent bulbs at a hardware store. It's not just because my light bill has been steadily climbing, but lately I have become very concerned about the amount of energy I use on a daily basis. Carbon emissions is one of the topics that is now commanding worldwide attention as people become focused on preserving the planet's natural resources for generations to come. Nations that continue to ignore the call to action are likely to face sanctions in the future.

My one New Year's wish is that individually and collectively, Jamaicans will take to heart the whole matter of energy conservation. This does not include by-passing the Jamaica Public Service Company's system. Bridging one's meter has nothing to do with conservation - that is plain thievery.

Every Jamaican must help

Thousands of householders were handed fluorescent light bulbs courtesy of the Cuban Government earlier this year, so far we have not been presented with any data to indicate the long-term financial and environmental gains of this programme. It is estimated that fluorescent bulbs are four times more efficient. So, even as we attempt to find out whether there was any impropriety in the administration of that programme, let's not forget the message that Jamaicans must do everything to lower the country's overall consumption of energy. It is something we grappled with during the 1970's oil crisis. Then we relaxed and let down our guard; now, 30 years later, we are jolted into reality by the effects of another cycle of spiralling oil prices. So, what are we to do? The experts say fluorescent bulbs are better for the environment and the pocket. This is an easy and effective measure every householder can implement.

Other energy-saving measures include adding dimmers to light fixtures and installing photo cell systems and sensors for outdoor lighting. I have learnt that 75 per cent of the electricity used to power home electronics like television sets, DVDs and cable boxes is used up while the products are turned off. I have started to unplug the microwave, kettle, etc., when they are not being used. Try to assess the greatest users of energy in your home. The iron, water heater, washer/dryer are among the guzzlers.

Parking, using public transport

Transportation accounts for a great deal of oil consumption in this country. Recently, I had to do business in Montego Bay and decided to go by public transport. Before you turn up your nose, let me testify, I had a comfortable and pleasant experience on the Knutsford Express. We left Kingston at 6:00 a.m., provided with water and newspapers and our driver gave us a little spiel (the kind tour operators give to tourists) before we started the journey. The only sore point was the music. It is bad enough to have a dancehall artiste bellowing in one's ear; when the radio is not properly tuned, it becomes an abuse of the senses. That aside, we got into Montego Bay shortly after 9:00 a.m. and completed our business in time to return to the bus by 4:30 p.m.

A few of my friends who live in the hilly parts of St. Andrew have begun experimenting with wind energy. In one case, a bragging householder said her electricity bill had been slashed by 65 per cent. So Ministers Mullings and Spencer who are responsible for the energy and environment portfolios, need to present a comprehensive energy-conservation plan - including education, incentives, penalties - to inform and empower Jamaicans to act locally and live responsibly in an effort to protect the nation's resources. We need a proactive solution to energy conservation now.