Sustainable Waste Management 

We must be more conscious consumers making responsible choices surrounding our daily actions. From the toothbrush and toothpaste that we use first thing on a morning to the food that we consume, the transportation used, items flushed down the toilets and washed down the sinks, I would like Bajans to adopt sustainable lifestyles. It would also be great if more individuals can practice what many call the 5R'S - refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle, rot (compost). 

This includes sorting of waste at source. Go and look through your garbage right now. Are there are any vegetable scraps, peels or garden clippings?  If yes, these can be composted. What about any cans or containers? These most probably can be recycled. Already, you can reduce your 'waste' significantly. 

There is an overall greater need for understanding surrounding where waste goes when it is picked up. How many of you reading this wonder about the journey of your garbage once collected? Where does it truly go? Does it go to SBRC to be sorted and then some on to the landfill? What about when it ends up in the landfill, potentially leaches into our soil and water sources or makes its' way into the sea? 

I would like to see:

• implementation and support for more community curbside programmes.
• school recycling, back yard gardening and growing, compost programmes, permaculture, public planting of fruit trees coupled with sustainable development of green spaces
• integration of environmental initiatives into the curriculum including garden programmes to supply school meals
• Promotion of and support to sustainable fisheries and organic agriculture as we work towards a sustainable food system in our island

There is a greater need for understanding on the importance of our environment and oceans. If people understand they may be more willing to care, conserve and protect.  This could be partially done through increased educational campaigns surrounding the importance of our environment and oceans including more focus on these in the curriculum. We need to continue to find ways to transfer the message to the average individual - whether it be through videos on social media, newspaper articles or radio. 

Any individuals, businesses or radio stations willing to sponsor 15 second 'Did You Know' facts on their station? 

Expand Re-cycling. The lowest hanging fruit is aluminum can.We need to offer 10 cents for them just like the bottles.Very easy to take them out of the landfill stream. That is just the start.

Submitted by Douglas Ashby

Dear Leader
Barbados faces significant challenges around plastics, recycling and the management of garbage, which severely threatens and damages marine and coastal biodiversity while getting into our food, via our food chain. The island produces 500–1500 tonnes of garbage daily! Shockingly – up to 70% of the garbage produced is recyclable. We have developed a solution to help address this challenge and would like to offer your company the opportunity to be a part of it.

"When private sector, government, social and philanthropic leaders apply innovative partnerships and technologies to address social challenges and build sustainable communities, the impact is multiplied."
~ Tae Yoo

Our Solution uses technology to turn trash into cash for all locals, visitors and organizations; and makes it easy for businesses like yours to purchase, market, launch and sell more products and services using recycling as a catalyst.

This solution to the waste management challenge is to incentivize wider participation in recycling, tackle issues of sorting garbage at the source, and develop a reliable disposal and collection network for recyclables.

Our vision, is to facilitate the 100% capture and distribution of recyclable material working with companies and individuals each playing a part in a manner that incentives all.

If you are interested in making our solution part of your business, kindly send a request to learn more.

The Caribbean Environmental Management Bureau - CEMBI

Our mailing address is:
[email protected]
 [email protected]
"Simbar," Lodge Hill, St. Michael, Barbados BB12001
Contact a Representative:
1-(246)-235-0564