By Foresee Foundation
Over two consecutive Sundays, September 1 and 8, Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC) and nearly 120 volunteers tackled a massive cleanup effort at the Simpson Bay Lagoon. The lagoon cleanup was part of volunteer.sx’s Community Corporate Challenge (Cx3) in which EPIC partnered with Grant Thornton to compete against other non-profit organizations and companies to make the biggest community impact in 2024. The clean-up resulted in the removal of trash from the mangroves. This initiative highlighted the power of community collaboration and the tangible impact these efforts have on the local environment.
What were the main successes and achievements of these cleanup sessions?
These cleanup sessions were very successful, with volunteers collecting a total of 195.1 kg (430 pounds) of garbage. During the first cleanup, larger pieces of garbage were removed, immediately improving the appearance of the mangroves. During the second cleanup, the volunteers focused on smaller pieces, and despite the initial effort, they managed to collect even more garbage, making it even more impressive. These events went beyond the partnership between EPIC and Grant Thornton, with crucial logistical support from stakeholders such as TriSport, IGY Marinas and Nature Foundation, as well as additional support from Heavenly Waters, Zee Best, Island Water World, and Jacky Barry. EPIC is extremely grateful to be able to count on these important partners for our cleanup efforts.
What challenges did you encounter during the cleanup efforts, and how were they addressed?
During our first kayak cleanup, we had a large group of high school students whose energy was fantastic but required extra management. To address this, we spread out the kayaks and directed groups to different areas for better coordination. Skill levels also varied, with some volunteers paddling easily, while others were new to kayaking. During our second event, we faced strong winds and currents from time to time, but we were prepared. Experienced kayakers from our team ensured that no one was left behind, and boats helped bring those who were struggling closer to the mangroves. Trash tangled in the mangroves posed another challenge, but the combination of kayaks and trash pickers proved effective for this.
How did the community and volunteers respond to the cleanup initiative?
Kayak events, whether for cleanup sessions or guided tours, have consistently been our most popular activities. The volunteers were excited to get out on the water, with some experiencing kayaking for the first time, making it a memorable experience. Both cleanup events quickly reached their maximum capacity, and volunteers were very eager to participate. We received invaluable community support from partners who made these cleanup sessions possible, and the results were applauded by the community, underscoring the importance of these cleanup events and protecting our local environment.
What are the plans for similar environmental initiatives by EPIC, and how can the public get involved?
Following the cleanup sessions, EPIC and Grant Thornton will co-organize two more initiatives in the next month. The public can look forward to the International Coastal Cleanup on September 21 and an educational workshop at Perpetual Plastics on October 5. More details will be shared on EPIC’s social media channels and volunteer.sx in the coming weeks. EPIC welcomes the public to visit Perpetual Plastics on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays and to get in touch for collaboration opportunities.
