Bio-diversity

Rotary Club of Antigua-Sundown will implement a recycling program in Antigua for used beverage containers (plastics and aluminium). These containers form a huge percentage of the waste stream in Antigua & Barbuda and enter the environment with adverse impacts on the coastal and marine environment. These containers are also capable of creating trans-boundary waste in the Wider Caribbean Area. Materials collected island-wide, from communities, businesses and schools, will be processed and exported to recycling centres in North America and Trinidad. Revenues earned from the sale of the materials will be used to cover the operating costs of the program and keep it sustainable. The goal of the project is to develop a national self-sustaining recycling system which will help to develop a culture of recycling in the island and ultimately improve the environmental quality in Antigua & Barbuda. The objectives are to: reduce the amount of plastic and aluminium beverage containers entering the environment by at least 40% of 2003 estimates after 18 months (the project completion date); inform and educate the public on the benefits of recycling and encourage participation in the national recycling programme; create sustainable employment for less privileged citizens, such as the handicapped, and recovering alcoholics and drug addicts in managing a viable recycling business enterprise; and improve the enabling environment for recycling in Antigua and Barbuda by advocating for changes to the Environmental Levy Act. The project will employ marginalised people and through policy changes it is hoped that recycling will become part of the sustainable development agenda of the country. In addition to the establishment of the recycling centre, the project proponents will embark on an educational programme to encourage community recycling in Antigua and Barbuda.

Barbados