So sorry for the delay in posts, but I have been busy making preparations for our first Halloween in the tropics (more on that to come later). Today I want to talk about something as equally exciting - trash.

When we first arrived on the island, I was shocked to discover that a recycling program did not exist here. In our hometown in New England, we recycle just about everything – plastics, paper, cans, textiles, and electronic. We also have a great compost program that comes right to your house and picks up your food scraps. The biggest challenge with recycling back home was trying to find enough room to fit everything in the giant bin that the city provided us Because recycling had become second nature to us, when we moved to the Caribbean, it was really hard to get in the habit of just throwing things in the trash I felt guilty each time I drank a can of soda or opened a package of yogurt. The island already had a lot of issues with trash and I didn’t want to contribute toward it.

Apparently, I am not the only one who feels this way, because in the last few months, several members of the community and local businesses have come together and have managed to collect some of the waste and ship it off island to be recycled. It has been really amazing to see this effort come together!

Besides taking part in the recycling program, my family and I are on the path to discovering other things that we can do to help minimize our garbage. Here are a few things that we are doing so far:

Reusing containers for storage - Plastic and glass containers can be used for a variety of purposes including food storage and small object storage (coins, nails, paperclips). We also use jelly jars and sauce jars to display our extensive collection of shells and sea glass.

Buying in bulk- This one is a little tricky because sometimes bulk items contain even more packaging. Nevertheless, we have found some items that have minimal waste.

Donating items – There are some great thrift stores on the island that have taken our clothes, toys, and household donations. There is also an animal shelter that will accept newspapers, sheets and towels, and yogurt containers (for puppy popsicles). We have also been able to pass on some of our used clothing and toys to friends.

Reusing items for art activities-This is a great way to get a second use out of an item as well as to save money on art supplies. The kids and I have made some amazing creations out of objects that would have otherwise been thrown away. Here are my favorite items to save and use as art projects:

Applesauce, yogurt, or small sauce containers (great for holding paint or beads)
Toilet paper and paper towel rolls
Egg cartons
Boxes
Tissue paper
Plastic bottle lids
Fruit/Veggie pouch lids
Baby food jars

What are some ways that you and your family are helping reduce garbage in your community?

From Trash to Treasure Container

Kimberly Falchek

Our First Tropical Halloween

When Life Gives You Buttermilk

Make Way for Peacocks

Keeping Busy

Our New Friends

The Big Decision

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