In recognition of World Consumer Rights Day on March 15, and its theme The Sustainable Consumer, the Barbados National Standards Institution (BNSI) has offered a number of tips to consumers.
Among these is the need to reduce greenhouse gases. BNSI’s Acting Director, Hadyn Rhynd, in explaining further said: “The way we drive can reduce emissions from our vehicles … When shopping for a new car, look for fuel-efficient vehicles with low greenhouse gas emissions.”
He also advised that consumers should observe standard BNS 258: 2011 – Motor Vehicles – Exhaust Emissions — Specification.
This standard is applicable to the exhaust emissions from all motor vehicles sold or offered for sale in Barbados, both on-the-road and off-the-road, fuelled by gasoline, diesel, compressed natural gas (CNG), and mixtures of other types of fuels.
The BNSI has urged Barbadians to take steps to reduce non-communicable diseases by reading the food labels.
“Reading food labels can help you limit the amount of fat, sugar and cholesterol in your diet by making it easy for you to compare one food item with another and choose the one with lower amounts,” Mr. Rhynd said, and advised consumers to pay attention to BNS 5: Part 2: 2004 – Labelling of prepackaged foods.
This standard, he stated, applies to the labelling of all prepackaged foods to be offered as such to the consumer, or for catering purposes, and to certain aspects relating to the presentation thereof.
For those constructing homes or other facilities, the Acting Director said: “Complying with the Barbados National Building Code can protect public health, safety and general welfare, as they relate to the construction and occupancy of buildings and structures.”
And, with interest in solar energy, the BNSI has reminded that standards exist for solar energy systems, and persons should ask suppliers whether the system or their components comply with these standards.
The BNSI is a department under the Ministry of Small Business, Entrepreneurship and Commerce, which has as its mission: “to facilitate, through standardization and its related activities the international competitiveness of Barbadian goods and services, the protection of consumers and the harmonious development of the sectors of the economies”.
For further information on standards, persons should call the department at 426-3870.