Ban on Single-Use Plastic
As it was becoming apparent that the fires on the Dump were coming under control, Sara decided to turn her attention to maintaining the health of the dump by researching real life alternatives to the single use plastics that added to the pollution on St Maarten.
St Maarten still has major waste problems because there is no waste separation nor management and no recycling. GREEN INITIATIVES is a group comprised of 16 environmentally -friendly businesses and non-profit organizations in St. Maarten/ St. Martin. The group was created in 2018 with the goal to collaborate on tackling environmental and sustainability issues on the island.
On July 31st 2019, Sara was invited to present her research on alternatives to single use plastics to the group and soon after, Breathe Better Air joined their environmental efforts.
Pearl FM Radio Station Interviewed Sara on September 30th 2019 regarding the work Breathe Better Air had done so far. The entire segment is available below.
PEARL FM Radio Appearance
Sara Interviewing on Pearl FM with Nisalyna Bontiff of the ASA Recycling Program
Activities
Sara Presents on Alternatives to Single Use Plastics at the EnviroFair Held On August 31st 2019 at the Lions Civics Centre in Suckergarden
Breathe Better Air was finally becoming a catalyst of change. Sara participated in a number of activities spreading awareness of the need to ban single use plastics and use alternatives such as the EnviroFair (see the video), hosted by the No Kidding With Our Kids Foundation, the Vegan Fest (see event pictures)
and SMILE, the St Maarten Industry Innovations Linkup. This is a Trade Fair hosted by the SHTA (St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association) held at the University of St. Maarten.
Sara presenting at SMILE, The St. Maarten Innovation Initiatives Industries Linkup, held at the University Of St. Martin on May 21st 2019
Sara presenting at the Veganfest held on November 17th 2019 at the BelAir Community Centre
The Green Initiatives met with Minister Wever of VROMI to discuss clean up initiaves and recycling (read the article). They held the Green Steam Radio Day (read the article) with several members on three radio stations simultaneously to talk about a plastic ban. They also promoted a call for action to sign the “Less Plastics More St. Maarten” petition (change.org) which has garnered nearly 7000 signatures so far.
On March 17th 2020, the Green Initiatives presented a collaborative support letter to the members of parliament for the implementation of the ban on single-use plastic bags, plastic straws and Styrofoam initiated by Member of Parliament Sarah Wescot-Williams (read the article) The Plastic ban on St. Maarten is one more step to closer to reality (read the article)
