ROAD TOWN, Tortola, Virgin Islands — The Department of Waste Management, in partnership with Green VI, is calling on residents, businesses and community organisations across the Virgin Islands to take meaningful action during Plastic Free July by reducing single-use plastics and increasing recycling efforts.
The month-long campaign aims to divert more plastic from the Territory’s waste stream while encouraging the public to adopt more sustainable everyday habits that help combat plastic pollution.
Director of Waste Management, Mr. Brian Davis, said the department has been working closely with Green VI throughout July to promote reusable alternatives and inspire greater community participation in recycling initiatives.
“We are encouraging the community to choose reusable alternatives and participate in recycling activities consistently,” Mr. Davis said.
As part of the campaign, the department has set an ambitious target of collecting 15,000 pounds of plastic during July—more than double the Territory’s average monthly plastic collection.
“We are challenging the community to recycle 15,000 pounds of plastic during the month of July,” Mr. Davis said.
The initiative is already making an impact. Green VI reports that approximately 5,500 pounds of plastic have been diverted from the waste stream so far this month, demonstrating growing public participation in recycling efforts.
“The increase demonstrates what can be achieved when residents actively participate in recycling and waste reduction efforts,” Mr. Davis noted.
He added that the Territory already has the infrastructure needed to support increased recycling and that the partnership with Green VI continues to expand opportunities to recover plastics, including materials collected during roadside clean-up campaigns.
“The progress made so far is encouraging, but we need the collective effort of the entire community to help us reach this ambitious target and maintain these practices beyond July,” Mr. Davis said.
Residents are encouraged to reduce their reliance on single-use plastics by carrying reusable water bottles, shopping bags, food containers, cups and utensils, while refusing disposable plastic items whenever practical alternatives are available.
Green VI Director of Operations, Mr. Dylan Penn, said protecting the Virgin Islands goes beyond keeping beaches clean.
“Keeping the Virgin Islands beautiful is all-encompassing. It means protecting our health, our livelihoods, our culture, and the islands we call home,” Mr. Penn said.
He encouraged the public to continue supporting the initiative and help make July a record-breaking month for plastic recycling.
“Small actions create big waves. Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. Let us work together to Keep the BVI Beautiful,” Mr. Penn urged.
The Department of Waste Management and Green VI are encouraging the entire community to build on the momentum already achieved and play an active role in creating a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable Virgin Islands.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development said it remains committed to protecting public health while ensuring the safe and efficient operation of waste management services throughout the Territory.