When it comes to innovation, the green ones are best!! It not only shows the human creativity, it also shows there are plenty of us out there who care for our environment. Ecotourism and sustainable tourism are the fastest-growing segments of the travel market. Sustainable tourism is travel designed to minimize the impact of humans on the places they visit, encourage protection of both cultural heritage and the environment and provide long-term, socially just economic opportunities for local residents.

The Cayman Islands and many of our Cayman Islands Tourist Association (CITA) members are working hard to keep our tourism product “green”.

Lighthouses Point is Cayman’s first eco-development with solar and wind power, nine new 2-bedroom oceanfront condominiums uniquely constructed with ‘green’ technologies.

The Ritz-Carlton has partnered with Jean-Michel Cousteau to create this world renowned programme of educational and fun activities for both children and adults called Ambassadors of the Environment. Teaching about the natural wonders and cultural traditions of Cayman, participants foster an appreciation and respect for nature as well as an understanding of how to be more environmentally responsible.

After virtually no recycling on the Island in the past there are now numerous places that you can drop off aluminium cans for recycling and The Dart Group has launched an inventive programme of recycling glass at Camana Bay.

Cayman Islands Brewery (producers of Caybrew, Caylight, Ironshore Bock, 345 and White Tip Lager) recycle their glass bottles and encourage individuals and bars to return empties for a CI$2 refund per case. They also reuse the water used in the brewing process – it is treated and then used for washing their vehicles and irrigating their property. Their spent grain is given to farmers for cattle feed. Their new White Tip Lager is a joint venture with the DOEH, Marine International and Save Our Seas, with a portion of the profits being donated to shark conservation work in Cayman’s waters.

The National Trust has established the Cayman Sea Sense programme to help consumers make responsible seafood choices to protect the world’s fragile ocean resources when eating out at restaurants. The project also helps chefs and restaurant owners reduce the number of non-sustainable seafood items on their menus.

Bay Market in Camana Bay has a large selection of fresh organic produce, meats, frozen food and luxury items.

Cartridge Smart will recycle any printer cartridges, from small personal printers to large professional copiers, with a 100% warranty and major cost savings for your business or home office.

Kirk Office Equipment in conjunction with JH Moore Recycling now takes old computers, printers, photocopiers, fax machines and old shipping pallets. The discarded equipment is then taken apart and the various components are compressed into bales and then shipped to Florida for recycling.

With the passing of the Traffic Law 2011 and its accompanying regulations in September 2012, electric vehicles can now be driven on Cayman’s roads. Though there are currently very few electric in Cayman their use is likely to explode over the next five years.

The Department of Environmental Health (DOEH) also now ships several recyclable products overseas including used motor oil, used cooking oil, used batteries and scrap metals such as derelict vehicles, plus electronics and computers.

There are many ways to become involved with keeping Cayman green.

Cayman BECOME

A volunteer group of individuals from various private and public companies and organisations in the Cayman Islands called Cayman BECOME have joined forces to promote environmental responsibility as a corporate and personal value to our community. The group’s efforts include instigating the introduction of reusable bags and a five cent charge for biodegradable bags, plus the Island’s first ever ‘flash mob’ to launch the Agents for Change campaign. For more details visit www.caymanbecome.ky

Cayman Eco

This non-profit group’s mission is to educate and motivate people of all ages to become more environmentally conscious and involved. Visit www.caymaneco.org

Earth Day Clean Up

This annual event organised by the Chamber of Commerce draws hundreds of volunteers each year to collect litter and debris from the roadsides and beaches around the Island. In 2013 the event will be held on the 13th April. For more information contact Leanna Jarvis, events manager for the Cayman Chamber of Commerce, on (345) 949 8090, ext 121.

Cayman Islands Environmental Project of the Tourism Sector (CEPTS)

CEPTS is a project managed by the Departments of Tourism and Environment to help local businesses in Cayman achieve the Green Globe Certification. This is a globally recognised accreditation for the travel and tourism industry, promoting and highlighting destinations with sustainable tourism initiatives. Compass Point Resort, Cobalt Coast Resort, The Queen Elizabeth II Botanical Gardens, Little Cayman Beach Resort and the Southern Cross Club have all achieved the coveted Green Globe certification with the help of CEPTS. For more information about the programme contact the Department of Tourism on (345) 949 0623.

The National Trust

The National Trust’s mission is “to preserve natural environments and places of historic significance in the Cayman Islands for present and future generations”. The organisation runs a number of environmental and educational programmes including the Blue Iguana Recovery Programme, guided walks and mangrove tours. They also run excellent summer camps for kids. Volunteers are always welcome to help in a variety of ways. For further information and membership details visit www.nationaltrust.org.ky

Project Grow

Project Grow helps students and teachers learn the principles of gardening through the development of sustainable schoolyard gardens and provides a link to healthy eating and nutritional choices. The hands on experience provides other health benefits such as exercise and time spent outdoors in the fresh air. Since 2011, Project Grow has launched in 16 schools throughout the Cayman Islands.

While we strive to be green in Cayman, there are many ways you can make a concerted effort to help the environment.

Keep Cayman green!

For more on this story go to:

http://www.cita.ky/green-initiatives-in-the-cayman-islands/whats-going-on