Going Green in Jamaica
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Jamaica is such a green and fertile land that many of us think that going green in Jamaican construction and home ideas is a joke, it’s not. We need to start thinking about being green and start the process now! In the USA and Europe going green is maybe the biggest factor in construction, food waste, water usage and many other areas of life. Recycling is still one of the best-known words in going green.
THE BENEFITS OF A GREEN HOME
How are we going to achieve our green home and what can the construction industry do about it? A home can be built green, or you can make it green later. A green makeover can happen all at once, or it can be a gradual process. But what it all comes down to is a new way of thinking – and a new way of living. The benefits of a green home becomes more apparent when you think about it and often far more cost-effective than the normal home.
SOLAR ENERGY
Remember solar energy that provides hot water for your home, an idea that we take for granted here in Jamaica. I have a friend that gets is hot water from the solar panels located on his roof in St Ann, Jamaica, for the last 8 years he has FREE hot water and the cost of fitting the system was paid for years ago, yet how many of us are using this system!
An idea that could be used here in Jamaica is the Solar Oven. Have you seen them yet? We have all this sunshine and yet we are not using it.
SOLAR COOKING
A solar panel cooker can be built in less than an hour from a single cardboard box and some aluminum foil. This very powerful cooker is a true breakthrough. Here in Jamaica a cooker/oven such as this is a true greener solution and is aimed at all Jamaicans and not only the poor. Chopping down trees or burning gas and electric to cook your meals could be a thing of the past if we could all develop these simple ways of going green in our community.

Get the FREE blue-print for this Solar Cooker click folder ![]()
WHAT IS GOING GREEN?
A green home uses less energy, water and natural resources, creates less waste and is healthier for the people living inside compared to a standard home. It’s as simple as that! Making your home a greener place is a commitment – to yourself, your family, your community and Jamaica. But more than that, it is a learning process. As exciting new technologies, products and scientific breakthroughs constantly emerge, maintaining a green home is the best way to ensure your efforts are as effective and beneficial as possible.
We should consider using wood instead of concrete where possible in our construction. One of the problems we have here in Jamaica is the lack of resources to help us such as Recycling Plants and Governing Bodies that offers incentives for adding eco-friendly elements to your homes. Jamaicans are known for their ideas and positive vibes when it comes to the local environment so a little knowledge and encouragement from the government would be a great help to move us forward.
USEFUL TIPS
- Use compact fluorescent lamps in your lights.
- Wash your clothes in cool rather than hot water.
- Unplug the “secret energy addicts” in your home: TVs, VCRs, DVD players, cable TV boxes, computers and printers, video game consoles, microwave ovens and AC adapters for cell phones, digital cameras and other electronics. Most electronic equipment, including anything that uses a remote control, is designed to consume energy when it is turned off. That “off” setting is actually a “standby” or “idling” mode.
- Use non-toxic, environmentally safe, biodegradable cleaning products, including laundry products, which you can find at any natural grocery and even many mainstream stores. Just read the labels carefully.
- Buy locally produced items, including produce and other goods. It reduces the amount of fossil fuels required to transport the things you buy from other parts of the country. It also reduces the amount of plastic and paper products consumed in the packaging of such far-traveling products. Buying local reduces the consumption of valuable natural resources and encourages local farming and business in the area.
- Instead of using grocery stores’ disposable plastic or paper bags, bring your own reusable shopping bags, which are available for sale at many grocers and other retailers. The bags are sturdier than disposable bags, making the trip home easier, and they don’t waste resources or end up in landfills.
USEFUL GOING GREEN WEBSITES
A 14-point Plan for Healthy House Construction
Val Barclay
JA Projects – Keeping an eye on your Construction in Jamaica.















