The Power of Small Citizen Gestures

The power of small citizen gestures

They refuse to be passive spectators in the energy crisis. More and more citizens are choosing to act by adopting simple gestures to consume less, better, and more intelligently.

Mehendi Leelah, Quality Assurance Officer: "Every gesture counts for a more resilient Mauritius."

Mehendi Leelah insists that every small gesture can contribute to a collective effort. Energy goes beyond the mere notion of a resource, she explains, as it is the invisible thread connecting our homes, factories, and daily lives. "We only realize its importance when the lights go out or machines stop," she emphasizes.

In recent weeks, energy has become a central topic in Mauritius, facing growing demand and strained infrastructure. In the face of this challenge, she advocates for shared responsibility. "Reducing consumption, especially during peak hours, is not just about saving electricity; it’s about acting for the energy security of the country," she reminds us.

In her work environment, she sees how every resource can be optimized. "During the sugarcane season, bagasse, often considered waste, is transformed into steam and electricity; part of it even feeds the national grid," she explains. This logic of recovery can inspire every citizen to better use what they already have.

"Talking about energy efficiency at home, at work, and in the community is part of the change."

At home, Mehendi applies this philosophy daily: turning off lights, fans, and unused appliances, opting for energy-efficient bulbs, and scheduling the washing machine for off-peak hours. "These small gestures may seem trivial, but multiplied by thousands of households, they significantly lighten the load on the national grid," she points out.

Aware of the limits of the Mauritian system, she highlights the country’s heavy dependence on fuel imports. "This makes us vulnerable to market fluctuations and supply disruptions," she observes while praising the progress of renewable energies. Solar, wind, and bagasse are gradually reshaping the energy landscape.

For Mehendi, the transition will take time. In the meantime, "the most effective contribution remains monitoring our consumption." This vigilance must become a collective habit. Beyond the technical aspect, energy efficiency is also a social issue. "Talking about energy efficiency at home, at work, and in the community is part of the change," she clarifies.

Her message is clear: saving energy is a form of respect—for resources, for the environment, and for others. "Mauritius’s energy future depends on the sum of our small actions," she concludes, adding, "Together, we can build a more sustainable country, one conscious choice at a time."

Mohammad Yaaseen Noorbuccus, Director of Empire Foods Ltd: "Our energy future depends on the choices we make today."

"We don’t realize it, but behind every light bulb lit or every air conditioner running, there’s a whole system under strain, sometimes on the brink of collapse." At 29, Mohammad Yaaseen Noorbuccus, director of a Mauritian company specializing in frozen fruits and vegetables, experiences daily the reality of a country where electricity is precious. He wants to convey that energy is not an infinite resource.

His business directly relies on stable electricity supply to maintain its cold storage and ensure product quality. Early on, he had to deal with outages and risks related to cyclones. "To avoid interruptions in our operations, we invested in a generator. This made me aware of the fragility of the grid and our energy dependence," he recounts.

It was then that he realized the solution would not come solely from authorities or large infrastructures but from each individual. "I understood that energy savings start on a small scale, at home or in one’s business. Turning off unnecessary lights, using LED bulbs, delaying the use of large appliances during off-peak hours... These simple gestures may seem insignificant, but cumulatively, they have a real impact."

For him, saving electricity goes far beyond the bill; it’s a form of national solidarity. "If each household reduces its consumption a little, we all contribute to stabilizing an already stressed system. It’s a win-win: we reduce costs while protecting our resources," he believes.

The entrepreneur is also closely monitoring the evolution of the country’s energy mix. With rising demand, aging power plants, and a slow transition to renewable energies, he knows Mauritius must act quickly. "What we are experiencing today is not a sudden crisis. It’s the result of years of growing consumption without sufficient diversification," he emphasizes.

His message: everyone can be a change agent. "Energy conservation doesn’t require grand speeches but daily habits. It’s the small repeated efforts that, in the long run, make a difference," he asserts with conviction.

For Mohammad Yaaseen Noorbuccus, Mauritius is at a pivotal moment. With realistic optimism, he states: "We have two options: endure outages or build a brighter future. It all depends on how we choose to use the electricity we have today."

Akshee Cheekoory, Human Resources Professional: "Every small effort can make a big difference."

For Akshee Cheekoory, the energy crisis is not abstract. "Between rising prices, high demand, and our dependence on imported oil, everyone feels the effects, both at home and at work," explains this human resources professional. At 28, she is part of a generation aware of energy issues and eager to take concrete action. Akshee focuses on small daily gestures. "There’s no need to invest in expensive equipment. Just be more mindful of how we consume. Every small effort can make a big difference," she says with a smile.

Her first reflex? Taking advantage of natural light. "I open my curtains and windows in the morning to avoid turning on unnecessary lights. This simple gesture saves me several hours of electricity each day."

Another habit ingrained in her routine: turning off and unplugging unused devices. "We often forget that a plugged-in charger or a standby TV still consumes power. Now, I use power strips with switches: with one action, everything is cut off at night."

"We often forget that a plugged-in charger or a standby TV still consumes power."

Air conditioning is also one of her priorities. "In Mauritius, we tend to overuse it, especially in summer. I’ve decided to set the temperature between 24°C and 26°C and prefer the fan at night. I also regularly maintain the filters to keep it more efficient."

The same logic applies to household appliances. "I group laundry to avoid running the machine half-empty, and I use the ‘eco’ mode whenever possible. The water heater is now programmed to work only a few hours in the morning."

Akshee also plans her consumption according to off-peak hours, using energy-intensive devices early in the morning or late at night. "It’s a small adjustment, but when everyone does it, it helps balance demand." She has also started gradually replacing her old bulbs with LEDs and is considering installing a solar water heater in the medium term.

The young woman observes that more and more Mauritians are adopting these simple gestures. "I see colleagues and friends around me being mindful, sometimes without even realizing it. These combined efforts can truly relieve the grid."

For her, the solution to the energy crisis will not come solely from large policies but especially from individual habits. "If everyone does their part, together we can relieve the bills and support a more sustainable Mauritius. Energy is everyone’s business."

Prakash Juddoo, Graduate in Sustainable Energy Engineering: "Every small change matters, especially if it becomes a habit."

Prakash Juddoo, 35, dedicates his professional life to environmental protection and energy transition. A graduate in Sustainable Energy Engineering, he has worked for several years as a Project Manager at the Ministry of Environment, after experiences with the United Nations, UNDP, and various public and private organizations.

But it’s mainly in his daily life that he puts his beliefs into practice. "First and foremost, I avoid waste," he simply confides. At home, the rule is clear: turn off the lights, unplug unused devices, leave nothing on standby. "These are basic reflexes, but that’s where it all begins."

Aware of the constraints of the Mauritian grid, Prakash organizes his domestic activities to avoid peak hours. "Morning and early evening are when demand is highest. It’s during these times that the grid is under stress and transformers heat up. It’s not necessarily a lack of power, but an overload. When the pressure is too high, the system cuts off for safety – this is what causes most outages."

For him, understanding how the grid works allows for smarter action. "When we know how it operates, we adapt our consumption. It’s not just about paying less but reducing overall stress on the system."

Engaged for a long time in the fight against climate change, Prakash sees a direct link between energy savings and a healthier lifestyle. "If I’m less active in the evening, if I do my tasks during the day, I use less light and fewer devices. This naturally reduces my consumption. And it’s also better for my health since I adopt a ‘healthy lifestyle’ at the same time."

His attachment to the environment dates back to childhood. "My parents planted a lot. I grew up observing nature, picking up trash, trying to understand what could be reused or composted. This sensitivity has never left me." This passion led him to pursue studies in the environment and join the ministry in 2012 as an intern.

Over the years, he has participated in projects calculating greenhouse gas emissions, adapting to climate change, and promoting renewable energies. "We often talk about mitigation and adaptation. One involves reducing our impact, like consuming less electricity, while the other is adapting to the inevitable effects like cyclones or floods. Both are essential for a small island state like Mauritius."

Today, Prakash emphasizes the importance of education and awareness. "What’s most lacking is the reflex. If every Mauritian developed the simple habit of turning off lights or choosing more efficient devices, the impact would be enormous. Even a small action, repeated over twenty or thirty years, becomes significant."

For him, the responsibility does not rest solely with the government but with each of us. "It all starts at home. And by setting an example, we create a collective movement."

What eco-hero are you? Take the test!

Discover your energy profile, calculate your impact, and take on personalized challenges. Ready?