Government Partners With BVICCHA  to Promote Reusable Bags

ROADTOWN, Tortola-The Solid Waste Department has partnered with the BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association (BVICCHA) to promote the use of reusable shopping bags in an effort to reduce the amount of plastic bags in the local waste stream.

Under the slogan “Let’s Go Green Together. It’s as simple as ABC”, the Department has launched new radio and television public service announcements designed to familiarise the public with the practice of utilising reusable shopping bags. 

Waste Education Officer, Nadia James-Lord explained that the objective of the campaign is to encourage and consistently remind shoppers to practice bringing their own reusable bags when shopping. 

She further explained that the ABC concept means that shoppers should always keep their reusable bags handy, bring them when they go shopping and when checking out, inform cashiers that the reusable bags should be used.  

The BVICCHA has agreed to provide durable shopping bags to the public at a significantly reduced cost and hopes to have the bags available by mid-August. 

Executive Director of the BVICCHA Mrs. Carol Kaufman affirmed that the association is dedicated to promoting the use of “green” practises and assured the public that the bags will be quite strong and multi-functional.

A number of private sector companies including Bolo’s Department Store, One Mart Superstore and Clarence Thomas Limited have expressed their support for the campaign. Director of Clarence Thomas Limited Mr. David Thomas indicated that his company will soon be introducing a line of reusable bags for distribution to their customers.    ~~Adz:Right~~

Manager of the Solid Waste Department Mr. Anslem Myers stated that he was pleased with the number of private/public sector partnerships supporting the “green” campaign and hopes that the public would actively participate in the programme. Approximately 7% of the Territory’s waste stream comprises of plastic which is not biodegradable.  Several members of the public have already approached the department about their interest in using green bags instead of plastic bags, and are eager to acquire their own set of reusable shopping bags.

In a further “greening” effort, the department also encourages regular patrons of coffee shops, such as the HLSCC Road Town Bakery, to invest in travel mugs and have them filled with their favourite hot or cold beverage instead of accepting plastic, styrofoam or paper cups.

The Solid Waste Department functions directly under the Ministry of Health and Social Development and is responsible for the collection and disposal of community solid waste in the Territory.