Environment groups team up to tackle plastic waste
An environmental campaign group has backed Government’s drive to rid the island of single-use plastics – but has acknowledged that the initiative “may be challenging”.
In a statement released yesterday the Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce (BEST) said that it had teamed up with other groups to eradicate plastic waste on the island in a ‘Beyond Plastic Bermuda’ campaign.
A BEST spokesperson said: “The new coalition includes Keep Bermuda Beautiful and Greenrock, along with several advocates, and was formed to address the growing severity of our local problem within the global crisis of plastic pollution.
“The campaign’s goal is to “target specific ways to support Government’s intended ban on single-use plastics while urging the whole community, individuals and businesses alike, to find ways to do the same”.“
The spokesperson added: “BEST recognises that the changes the community is being asked to make may be challenging, but making changes is critical for the protection of Bermuda’s environment, the global environment and the health and wellbeing of Bermuda’s future generations.”
Kim Smith, executive director of BEST, said the organisation was also working on other conservation areas, including marine conservation, education, and managing the preservation of open spaces and other protected zonings.
Ms Smith said: “Of significant concern to BEST is climate change. We join others who fear the effects of climate change are already at a tipping point.
“There can be no denying the threat. BEST urges the Bermuda Government to expedite the finalisation, formalisation and sharing of the National plan with the community, so that those in position to make a contribution can do so. We must all come together as swiftly as we can, to mitigate and adapt to the effects of this new reality.
“Increased demand for BEST’s assistance and experience has taught us that while we work very efficiently, we simply cannot address all of Bermuda’s environmental issues without your help.
“There are so many environmental issues competing for our time and attention that BEST and indeed, Bermuda, needs us all now more than ever to get involved and be a part of the solutions needed to preserve and enhance the quality of life we all enjoy.“
Anyone interested in joining one of BEST’s action teams, or who can provide support on a particular project can e-mail office@best.org.bm. Include details of your areas of interest or your unique skills and we will work to match you to a project.
More information on Beyond Plastic Bermuda can be found at facebook.com/beyondplasticbermuda or instagram.com/beyondplasticbermuda.
To learn more about BEST, please visit www.best.org.bm
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