There are calls for change sweeping across these Virgin Islands encouraging citizens to think long and hard about green initiatives and their impact on our lives. However, there is a lot of work to be done to educate citizens about the new plans to create a greener Virgin Islands. No matter where you go in today’s world, people are always talking about "green" products and ideas.

There are also more and more of these coming onto the market and the goal is to help the planet by using less energy. As a result, products we never thought can be replaced and in some cases modified, are being transformed through new technology. Most supermarkets carry energy-saving bulbs. However, the most prominent idea for a cleaner alternative is recycling.

The Virgin Islands has not been able to fully harness enough energy to make a real dent with ‘green ideas’. Look around and one can find so many areas where the rest of the world and in particular, the Caribbean has moved further along by implementing green projects. Most of these projects have targeted communities and are primarily based on improved waste disposal.

Some islands have adopted recycling measures by setting up colourful receptacles that allow for easier sorting of garbage. Some countries have organised to export scrap metal, which is a multi-billion dollar global industry. At home, we have invested in a larger incinerator to dispose of the growing waste collected around Tortola. In Virgin Gorda, residents have complained bitterly about the pile up of derelict vehicles.

The wanton disregard for proper waste disposal measures across the Territory is also cause for alarm. For too long, law-abiding citizens have passively allowed rouge elements to litter the streets. Members of the House of Assembly have set the groundwork by passing the Litter Abatement Amendment Act.

Enforcement must follow soon with the help of the public. Going green is more than just a term. It entails investments by Governments and citizens in areas of sewerage disposal, renewable energy and most importantly, in proper education programmes. It is heartening to know that two non-governmental organizations – Green Technology and Ideas BVI are spearheading plans to stage the first BVI Go Green Festival which is expected to bring the Territory up to speed between June 24 and 26.

The festival organisers have set ambitious goals to educate the VI and the Caribbean Region about taking care of the planet, positioning the Territory as a regional leader in environmental issues and expanding the global awareness of the VI. Most importantly, organisers believe that the festival is a call to action. We need more NGOs to get involved and force change in this regard. This should whip up consciousness at the grass root levels.

On the macro-level, recent moves to finalise the adaptation of the Natural Step Framework as an approach to the Territory’s adoption of an Environmental Education Strategy, is encouraging. The size of the VI will always pose challenges in striking a balance between development and the environment.US President Barack Obama during the delivery of the State of the Union Address last month pointed to the need for America to position as a world leader on renewable initiatives.

President Obama has realised that many nations are making large scale investments in renewable energy and other related areas. He is urging support for his plans because the next generation is likely to pursue greener avenues to protect the planet from further degradation.

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