OUR GOALS
Currently, this includes plastic straws, plastic bags & styrofoam containers.
We are on a mission to phase out single-use plastics in Sint Maarten.
Raise Awareness
Educate the community about the harmful effects of single-use plastics while promoting alternatives.
Facilitate Action
Empower the community through workshops and beach cleanups to drive the movement towards phasing out single-use plastics.
Gather
Insights
Gather insights and data on the current status of single-use plastic usage to tailor our approaches to our community’s needs.
Strengthening Legislation
Collaborate with stakeholders to create legislative reforms and policies that will support the phase-out of single-use plastics.
How plastic impacts your health
There is widespread use of single-use plastics, such as plastic straws, bags, foam boxes, and cups, in Sint Maarten. Many in our community are unaware of how harmful these items are to wildlife and the environment, our visual appeal as a tourist destination, and ultimately our own health.
By creating legislation to prevent importing harmful plastics and encouraging the community to reduce using these products, we will ensure a cleaner and healthier Sint Maarten.
Single Use Plastics Being Phased Out
Plastic Bags
Over 600,000 plastic bags to Sint Maarten every month. (Data from just two of the five largest distributors on Sint Maarten)
Plastic bags can take up to 1,000 years to decompose in landfills, contributing to long-term pollution.
Marine animals often mistake plastic bags for food, leading to ingestion and entanglement, which can be fatal.
Straws/Stirrers
Plastic straws and stirrers can take up to 200 years to decompose, persisting in the environment for centuries.
These items are used for just a few minutes but create long-lasting waste, significantly contributing to plastic pollution.
Plastic straws and stirrers are often too small and lightweight to be effectively processed by recycling machinery, so most to end up in landfills or the ocean.
Styrofoam
Styrofoam, or expanded polystyrene, is essentially non-biodegradable. It can persist in the environment indefinitely, breaking into smaller particles but never completely decomposing.
Styrofoam contains harmful chemicals like styrene and benzene, which can leach into food and drinks, posing health risks to humans.
Over 180,000 polystyrene containers are imported to Sint Maarten every month. (Data from just two of the five largest distributors on Sint Maarten)
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Tips and Resources
As a resident of Sint Maarten, doing your part to reduce single-use plastics is crucial for both the environment and your health. Plastic pollution harms our environment and breaks down into microplastics that contaminate our food and water, posing serious health risks. By taking simple actions to reduce your plastic waste – you can make a big difference!
Learn More
