A GROUP has been established on social networking site Facebook encouraging us all to ‘Reward Energy Savers!’
The group, already attracting several hundred followers, aims to encourage members to patronise only those shops and businesses which have demonstrated a responsible attitude towards calls for energy use to be minimised. The page states, “We are here to promote businesses that after the accident have responded to the dire need to save energy by any means possible.” “It is the least we can do to reward those that have realised that business is not as usual.”
Speaking to the Cyprus Mail, founder Constantinos Psillides called for a boycott of all energy wasters. “They are not doing what they are supposed to do. This is not optional, we have to conserve energy.” The 31 year old journalist for daily Greek language newspaper Haravgi expressed his wish for members of the public and business owners to join his campaign and publicise any establishments joining efforts to be frugal, and to “name and shame” those guilty of waste. Psillides’s hope is that other businesses will be persuaded to ‘go green’ by the movement. “I want to make being green the new trend. Cyprus is getting a crash course in energy conservation.”
The group has already sought to praise the Bank of Cyprus for instructing its staff to be aware of conservation, turning off lights and air conditioning units in its Aglandjia branch. Similarly, Psillides praised McDonalds for taking measures to cut back, having originally criticised it online for using external lights unnecessarily. The group does not only target large chains however, as founder Psillides told the Sunday Mail, “even if you run a coffee shop or a grocery store, you deserve to be praised,” beseeching owners and the public to include all examples on the group. A statement on the Facebook page said “The Puzzle Cafe in Nicosia had its light off before and fans working. So, go there, if you want a cup of coffee.”
The founder expressed his delight at the “great response” he has received thus far. “We are getting new members all the time, there’s a strong appetite for this – people want to know who to support.” Psillides conveyed his belief that “the accident has made people community conscious, and it satisfies the need to help people and actually do something positive.” “You can either whine and complain or you can do something helpful,” he added.
The inspiration to begin the movement came on the night of the accident. “I was sat in complete darkness watching my street – nobody was using lights. I was fascinated by the public reaction to the pleas of the government and I wanted to do more.” When first starting the campaign I thought “if it only saves one kilowatt of electricity it will be worth it.” Delighted with the effect the page has had so far, he highlighted his intention to keep going and achieve as much as possible.
Emphasising the severity of the current situation, Psillides likened Cyprus to “a car with three flat tyres, desperately hoping not to get another.” He wished to tell the public, “save energy, whatever it costs.” The Facebook group, entitled ‘Reward Energy Savers!’ is free to join and can be accessed online at ‘http://www.facebook.com/groups/204142486303078’.
