Fresh Magazine - Summer 2015

Freshmagja.wordpress.com

Summer, 2015

20 Pages

The GREEN Issue

A breathtaking aerial view of the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park from the island’s south-eastern coastline. Established in 1992, this 194,000-acre global heritage site protects the island’s largest watershed area. Over 40 percent of our domestic water supply is sourced from this area. The world-renowned “Jamaican Blue Mountain” gets it colour from the shroud of mist by which it is almost always surrounded. The highest point in the island – Blue Mountain Peak (2,256 meters or 7,400ft) is located in the southern region of

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Emancipendence You can still collect souvenir mugs commemorating Jamaica’s milestone 50th Anniversary celebrations in 2012., as well as mugs depicting many other cultural symbols.

Craft stores across the island carry these beautifully designed and exquisitely crafted Jamaican dolls in various costumes depicting our ‘out-ofmany-one’ cultural melting pot

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Collectibles Decorative collectible Jamaican Anniversary plates in ceramic and bamboo

1962-2012 Jamaica Ten Dollar Anniversary of Independence Sterling Coin, mounted or unmounted in silver and gold

Post Cards from the Past: these and many other vintage postcards make a fine collectible item. You can display them in your own beautifully designed albums, curating a visual history of Jamaica from your very own, personal perspective.

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“Go Green” is a catch-all phrase that’s used to simplify the complex task of finding solutions for the multifaceted nature of the environmental problems the world’s population faces.

It is meant to signify that the actions needed by individuals and nations to reverse the damage that has been done and continues to be done to the environment, must be geared toward conservation of all the world’s natural resources: land, water, air, and all living things.

In general, behavioral change is difficult to effect. It is easier to convince someone that a change in their personal behaviour will save his/ her life than if they are told that the same change in their behaviour will save planet earth.

Although both things are not mutually exclusive, human beings are naturally selfish creatures so, as difficult as it has proven to be, throughout time, to get some people to act in their own best interest, nevertheless,

the individual is ground zero for the global imperative to “go green”.

In this edition of Fresh! Magazine, we have several exciting features, including our “Go Green” feature which includes some important ‘how to’ information about energy conservation at the micro level; the upcoming annual Emancipendence celebrations; and a preback-to-school look at funding your child’s education.

We also take a look at how to combat this long, hot summer of drought.

In the meantime and as always, remember to shop wisely and well. And tell us about it. We appreciate hearing from you.

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What it means to ‘Go Green’ What does it mean to “go green”? And why should you? How does this affect you in your everyday life?

As you may be aware, based on your own patterns of behaviour, human beings are more apt to change their behaviour when they can see how, when and why such change will affect them in their everyday lives, than if they are told that said change in behaviour will save the planet.

When issues about conservation/going green/saving planet earth arise, many folks suddenly become bored and/or impatient to move on to other, more immediately gratifying topics.

However, the “go green” imperative is a global effort to combat climate change which scientists agree is largely a man-made problem which must be reversed by reducing the pollutants we release in the atmosphere both at the individual and national levels.

As an individual, there are many conservation efforts that you can adopt to help reduce pollutants as well as our overuse of natural resources, in particular, fossil fuels.

Individuals should “go green” because we get to save the earth by preserving natural resources like trees and water sources. We also improve our health by eating more organic food and we save money from reduced home energy costs and other

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“Proud and Free - Jamaica 53” Emancipendence 2015 The 2015 observation of the island’s Independence Day and Emancipation, which is jointly celebrated as “Emancipendence,” is scheduled for the period August 1-6, with many events taking place across the island, leading up to and during the period.

Emancipation Day is observed on August 1, while Independence Day is observed August 6.

According to a release from the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), “This year the island will be engulfed in seven days of celebrations, contemplation and reflection as we commemorate the anniversaries of the nation’s emancipation from slavery and its political independence.”

The activities this year will not only commemorate the country’s historic movement into Emancipation and Independence, but will also spur a sense of belonging to the nation and its successes.

The elements of national identity and national pride impacts all facets of our lives and against that background the celebrations will be diverse and appealing.

The highpoints of the celebrations will culminate in the first week of August, however, activities over the period will highlight and commemorate other significant occurrences throughout the year.

These will include the commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Morant Bay Rebellion, the opening of the Simon Bolivar Centre, the establishment of the Jamaica Museum of Natural History, Exhibitions at the National Gallery, among other activities geared towards the reconstruction of Downtown.

Rural Jamaica will not be left out as the community spirit for which it is known will once again be rekindled and reenergized as rural folk will be engaged in the planning and staging of activities to commemorate and celebrate Emancipation and Independence.

A section of the crowd of thousands who turn out to the National Stadium for the annual

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Rockfort Mineral Bath is one of the oldest public facilities

in Kingston. Situated on the eastern edge of the capital city on the main approach from the airport, the bath is perfect for both individual and group activities. A lush, verdant lawn provides the perfect location for picnics. Visitors from all over the world come to experience its invigorating waters. The therapeutic property of the mineral-rich waters flow from the rockfort hills.

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P WER Refrigerators:

Make sure refrigerator door seals are intact to prevent cool air from escaping. Use an Energy Timer to turn off freezers and refrigerators at nights when they are not in use. Cut down on the number of times you open the refrigerator - constant opening forces the fridge to work harder to keep things cool.

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By now, everyone knows that energy conservation activities are not enough to control your monthly electricity bill. Despite shutting down and turning off, many people still complain that these efforts are not reflected in their bill.

The island’s sole domestic energy provider, the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS), is aware of public disgust about the high cost of electricity and has engaged in many public education activities to help householders take greater control of their energy usage and cost.

While fuel charges and the devaluation of the dollar are outside of the control of consumers, there are a few things you can do to reduce your energy bill.

One of the most effective first steps is: invest in energy efficient appliances, equipment, etc.

The JPS has supplied the following information detailing some of the everyday things you can do to monitor your daily energy usage:

Stoves:

Turn off the electric burners several minutes before completing the allotted cooking time. Don’t boil water in an open pan - it takes much longer and uses more energy. Use a pressure cooker to reduce cooking times whenever appropriate.

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Air-Conditioning:

Stay cool - not cold. Try operating your airconditioning at 24 degrees Fahrenheit, as against 16 degrees Fahrenheit. Use fans instead of the A/C whenever possible. Use natural ventilation by opening windows on cooler days

Entertainment Units:

Place your TV, DVD players, audio systems and game consoles on a power strip so you can turn them all off with one flick of a switch when not in use. Use the radio instead of the TV if it’s just music you want to hear. Turn off or unplug idle cable boxes - they’re burning energy when you’re not looking.

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Bulbs:

Refrigeration and lighting are the two areas that account for most of our energy use.

Look for opportunities to save in these areas by replacing incandescent or fluorescent bulbs with LED bulbs, which can save you thousands in

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YOUR ScotiaMINT

$

The

perfect plan

for your child’s

Education

Make regular contributions

Your plan will recommend a specific amount of periodic savings in order to attain your target, but don’t be discouraged if your budget doesn’t allow you to contribute that much. Get started with whatever amount you can afford; you can always increase your regular premiums in the future.

Maximise on lump sums Achieving your long-term goals

There is an old saying, “If you fail to plan, then plan to fail.” These wise words are very relevant if you have financial dreams that you would like to realise.

Wishful thinking will not allow you to accomplish what you want out of life; you have to make and carry out a specific plan of action.

Goals that are far ahead in the future such as saving for a home deposit or your children’s education will require careful planning. Let’s look at some simple strategies for long-term goal achievement, and how Scotia Insurance can help you to realise your financial dreams.

Seek expert advice

One of the challenges with working on long-term objectives is that you may not know exactly how much, or how best to save towards these goals.

When you’re planning for periods in excess of five years, it’s best to get expert guidance from your Scotia Insurance agent.

Get a customised plan

For long-term goals, a ScotiaMINT policy is an ideal solution as it gives you a financial plan that’s tailored to your needs. Your Scotia Insurance agent will discuss where you are now and what you want to achieve, and then generate a unique plan that outlines your required steps.

Fresh Magazine

If you have some funds that you would like to utilise for your long-term goal, then you can put this money on your ScotiaMINT policy as a lump sum premium.

You have the ability to get higher rates of interest than on regular savings accounts and even many term deposits.

Stay ahead of inflation

When saving long term, you need to consider how inflation will affect the future spending power of your money. ScotiaMINT offers an automatic increase in premium amount annually on your policy anniversary, in line with the Jamaican inflation rate, so that your savings don’t lose value.

Benefit from life insurance

In addition to a targeted savings plan, your ScotiaMINT policy provides a special life insurance package which requires no medical tests. The ScotiaMINT Gold policy also allows you to buy an additional $4 million in life coverage to increase your level of protection.

Have long-term flexibility

Sometimes, people find it difficult to maintain longterm savings as urgent short-term needs or emergency situations may crop up. Instead of cashing in your ScotiaMINT savings and derailing your goals, you have the option of using your policy as collateral to get a loan. So when you are thinking long-term for your goals, the ScotiaMINT policy offers a complete package to help you accomplish your objectives.

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Healt &Wellness Carrots: Highest price per kilogram: $264 Lowest: $110

Plummy Tomatoes: Highest price per kilogram: $440 Lowest: $264

Watermelon: Highest price per kilogram: $264 Lowest: $110

Yellow Yam: Highest price per kilogram: $176.

Lowest: $88

Irish Potatoes: Highest price per kilogram: $264 Lowest: $154 Fresh Magazine

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‘Backyard gardens’ don’t need backyards Many people think they cannot plant anything because they do not have plenty of land. This is not true. You can improve the family pot by planting vegetables in a little space near your house.

You do not need more than 8’ by 5’ space with 10-12 inches of soil to grow lettuce, callaloo, hot pepper, green pepper, tomatoes, a few okra plants and garden egg plants, cucumbers, parsley and escallion.

Thyme is also a good candidate for container gardening, but it is difficult to grow on the hot lowlands in Jamaica; in the hills it can grow well.

The important thing is to make sure your small space has very rich soil. This could be a good mixture of soil, sand and of rotted vegetables, leaves and grass cuttings for example.

Remember that you can make good compost if you save all the fruit and vegetable peels from your cooking, and place them deep into the soil so that they rot quickly and provide nutrition for the soil.

A 40 gallon drum cut in half can provide a space in which to grow vegetables. These are the ones in which many persons prepare jerked chicken on the sidewalk in the towns in Jamaica.

It is a good idea to start lettuce, tomatoes and parsley seeds in an appropriate box - such as an egg container. You can subsequently transfer them into a small bed or another container. Okras can be sown straight into the soil. These are more appropriately placed toward the back since they tend to grow tall.

Organize tomatoes in a row, string beans in another row, lettuce in a separate row and escallion and thyme in the front of the bed.

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