Do It Best reports project’s success

The “No Plastic” initiative was started by The Future Centre Trust in partnership with a group of retailers to address the growing plastic problem that exists in Barbados.

In 2016 alone Barbados imported over 100 million individual plastic bags which is enough plastic to wrap around the island 368 times. Plastic pollutes our oceans, threatens our livelihoods, and also directly affects our health. On June 1 a deterrent fee of $0.15 for all plastic bags was introduced with the assurance to Do it Best customers that 100 per cent of the proceeds would be donated to a designated environmental charity. Since the introduction of the fee, plastic bag usage has gone down on average 90 per cent per month. The Barbados Sea Turtle Project is involved in conservation of the endangered marine turtle species that forage around and nest on Barbados. To date they have rescued thousands of hatchlings and have saved turtles through the BSTP 24 hour “Sea Turtle Hotline”. The proceeds raised by Do it Best will go to the BSTP to purchase video technology to create awareness about the threats on our turtles.

Be part of the wave of change happening on our island. Say no to single use plastic and be aware of just how much plastic we use everyday. Bring your reusable bag to Do it Best on Thursday to enjoy 20 per cent off storewide and help save Barbados one bag at a time. Learn more about the No Plastic Initiative by visiting their Facebook page at 'No to plastic bags Barbados'. The Barbados Sea Turtle Project can be contacted at 246-230-0142.