Tag: environment

Environmental sustainability begins with you

Beach clean-ups are one of the ways we can positively impact the environment.

Dear Editor,

Our natural environment is facing unprecedented threats. Phenomena such as climate change, deforestation, and pollution threaten the delicate balance of our planet’s ecosystems.

More than ever the importance of environmental sustainability cannot be overstated. It is our moral responsibility to protect and preserve our fragile ecosystems. While large-scale initiatives and policy changes are vital, it’s essential to recognise that everyday actions can collectively create significant change.

Here are a few ways we can each play our part in ending environmental neglect:

*Reduce, reuse, recycle: Reducing, reusing, and recycling can be one of the most effective ways we can save natural resources, protect the environment, and save money. One way to reduce is to reuse. Instead of using plastic bags, bring reusable bags when shopping or packing food. Recently, the Digicel Foundation, under its environmental campaign called Good Energy, Clean Environment, revamped its staff initiative to collect and recycle plastic bottles. You too can reduce plastic and waste by improving recycling habits at home, school, and work.

*Conserve energy: There are small habits in our daily lives that can help to conserve energy. These acts include turning off lights, appliances, and electronics when not in use.

Earlier this year, the Government began the phasing out of the importation, export, manufacture, distribution, and sale or purchase of incandescent light bulbs. Jamaicans will soon have to switch to light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs. The switch to more energy-efficient bulbs can significantly lower electricity consumption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

*Beach clean-ups: Digicel Foundation’s annual beach clean-ups on International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) Day, which will be celebrated on September 16 this year, are not just about removing debris from shorelines, they are symbolic acts of care for our oceans and a reminder of the urgent need to reduce our plastic consumption. These clean-ups educate volunteers to reduce single-use plastics, promote responsible waste disposal, and raise awareness about the devastating impacts of pollution on marine ecosystems. Persons can visit the Jamaica Environment Trust’s (JET) website to learn how they can participate in ICC Day.

*Educate yourself and others: I cannot stress enough the importance of staying informed about environmental issues, sharing your knowledge with friends and family, encouraging conversations about sustainability, and advocating for informed decisions.

Simple, everyday actions can create a more sustainable world. Ultimately, these actions will not only improve the environment but also inspire others to join in the effort, leading to a brighter and greener future for all.

Miguel “Steppa” Williams

Director of strategic planning and community development

Digicel Jamaica Foundation

Source: The Jamaica Observer https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/letters/environmental-sustainability-begins-with-you/

GraceKennedy 94th Anniversary Week of Celebrations Ends on a High Note

Sister Sledge’s ‘We Are Family’ was the closing number for the Crowning of GK’s Karaoke Kings and Queens held at GK’s head office on Friday February 19.  The song, delivered in energetic karaoke style, was delivered by a group of GK employees in a spirit of true camaraderie and fun, closing out a week of activities commemorating GraceKennedy’s 94th Anniversary on February 14.

The highly-entertaining karaoke competition saw many hopefuls with talent, bravado and confidence, vying for the grand prize of $9,400.00 each.   At the end of the day, Randy Anderson and Kelly McIntosh, both of GK Foods Supply Chain Unit, were crowned the winners.

In mid karaoke session, GraceKennedy Group CEO Don Wehby cut the company’s Anniversary cake with Anicee Gray-Brown of GK Foods Central, who joined GK in 1994.

The week started on Monday, February 15, with an outside broadcast of RJR 94FM’s Jamaican Morning with hosts Allan Magnus and Paula-Ann Porter Jones.  In his interview, Mr Wehby spoke to the growth of GraceKennedy over the years, the Group’s global expansion while continually supporting Jamaica’s development, and the continued commitment to downtown Kingston including the construction of a new Corporate HQ, which coincidentally started that same day.

 

DW and RJR OB
GraceKennedy Group CEO Don Wehby (right) discusses his company’s 94th anniversary with Allan Magnus (left) and Paula-Ann Porter Jones, hosts of RJR 94FM’s Jamaican Morning during an outside broadcast on February 15, 2016

 

On Wednesday February 17, approximately 60 GK employees took to the waterfront in downtown Kingston for the ‘Harbour Haul’, a voluntary effort aimed at cleaning up a section of the coastline.  In less than three hours, they removed over 1,000 lbs of garbage and plastics from the Kingston Harbour’s coastline.

Cleaning Up

Throughout the week, there were daily giveaways for the company’s employees.

“It’s been a great week. We celebrated as a family, knowing that that is what got us to 94 years, and will take us to 94 more,” said Mr Wehby. “We thank all of our customers for their support of GraceKennedy.”