Guest blogger Shelly-Ann Dunkley, founder of ECCO Magazine speaks on why she started ECCO.
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When I was first asked to write an account on why I decided to publish a magazine on environmental awareness in Jamaica, I wasn’t sure what to write. I have always loved the outdoors. Growing up in Jamaica causes one to appreciate nature a bit more I believe. With over 300 days of beautiful beach weather what is there not to love? As little children we were allowed to play with friends outside for hours. I remember rolling down the hillside with my cousins when I visited them in Frankfield, Clarendon, playing ‘dung by the riva’, running after ducks and at times being chased by ducks. In high school we would sit on the ground eating our lunches in our immaculate white uniforms that never seemed to get dirty. As a young girl every plum season I would religiously climb “MY” plum tree. I would sit for a bit in the tree eating plums, not because I didn’t want to share (of course not), but to enjoy nature. On trips to Ochi there was nothing more majestic and beautiful than Fern Gully.

This long held appreciation plus my experiences living in the US led to a growing awareness of just how important our natural resources are to a sustainable future for our island. There have been numerous studies done that have shown the impact humans have on the environment. From my perspective it is useless to debate whether Global Warming or Climate Change is in fact happening when there’s clear evidence that humankind is polluting the planet.  In Jamaica every day we see garbage thrown in fordings; plastic bottles, plastic bags and other types of refuse line roadways. Some get there with the help of the wind. Some get there by being deliberately thrown. Yet, regardless of how the rubbish gets there, it’s there and something has to be done. We need to educate ourselves and others on the effect this behaviour is having and will continue to have on us and our natural environment for years to come. Our behaviour impacts and pollutes the water, air, ecosystems, marine life and our natural environment. We have to begin to preserve the natural beauty of our ‘land of wood and water’ for our children and our children’s children.
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Shelly-Ann Dunkley
So, I started ECCO (Environmentally Conscious Consumer Operations). ECCO Magazine aims to provide you with the information necessary to help you green your routine, but we also give others a voice. We are a resource guide - where can you recycle in Jamaica? What is composting? What eco-friendly projects, products and services are being offered in Jamaica? We are here to guide Jamaicans to make environmentally friendly choices. With any change there are costs, but by greening your routine the benefits far outweigh the costs. The results are a healthy lifestyle, a greener, cleaner environment, and sustainability for our nation.

For 2010 we have put together a few resolutions in a feature we call our 2010 Green Challenge to help Jamaicans on their journey to a greener, healthier lifestyle. So far this year we have looked at:
  1. Recycling in Jamaica: where to go, who to call and what to recycle
  2. Green Cleaning: what is it and what can you do in your homes to clean your home safely
  3. Composting: why throw out your food scraps when you can make compost and help fertilize your garden?
  4. Energy efficiency: energy saving tips and why you need to conserve
  5. Organic and local produce: why you should consider organic foods and why supporting brand Jamaica is so important
It is my hope that the Magazine will make a positive difference and raise the awareness of Jamaicans regarding green issues locally. The feedback thus far has been very positive and this is encouraging. It speaks to the desire of Jamaicans for change and their concern for their island home. Although there have been significant challenges, I am happy with the path I have taken and to be truthful, although the question “Why ECCO Magazine?” is a valid one, to me the answer is so simple: “Why not?”

Join us in our 2010 Green Challenge for tips and green resources on changes you can make to your routine. Become a member of ECCO Magazine’s Green Army; visit our website and sign up for our monthly e-newsletter and more www.eccomagazine.com. You can also follow us on Twitter (@eccomagazine), friend us on Facebook, email us at info@eccomagazine.com, or phone us at .

Happy reading!

Green Tip
Ways to cut your heating bill and get green:
1. Fix leaks
2. Buy a water-efficient showerhead
3. Substitute long showers for long baths
 


Comments

Sandra Passmore-Rowe
08/25/2010 07:43

good article. thoroughly enjoyed finding out what led to the publication of the magazine. keep up the "green conscious" work.

Reply
Karen @ JaCulture.com link
08/25/2010 17:28

Thanks Sandra, appreciate your comments.

Reply
Shelly-Ann Dunkley link
08/25/2010 18:29

Sandra,

Thank you so very much for the kind words. With your continued support ECCO Magazine will grow and continue to bring you information to help you and all Jamaicans green their routine. Go Green Army!!

Keep reading! :-)

Shelly

Reply
red bull hats link
03/28/2011 20:05

The article is worth reading, I like it very much. I will keep your new articles.

Reply



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