Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine May 2021 | Page 138

and use our own reusable water bottles , rum cups , metal straws , fabric bags and lunch boxes ? These items are not just a trend , they are pat of a new lifestyle that if all of us partake in , will be so easy to adapt to .
Our eco system is unique but also delicate . It needs to be protected not only by our government but mostly by you , me , all of us . It won ’ t be hurricanes or volcanoes that will be the end of us but our own stubbornness and our own neglect to protect our environment .
You can also keep our islands ’ environment safe by adjusting how you travel here without having to make drastic changes in how you have gotten used to travel . Let ’ s start with the basics :
• Only use reef-safe sunscreen when in the Caribbean ( and everywhere else for that matter )
• Bring and use a reusable water bottle or purchase one here instead of depending solely on plastic water bottles for your daily water intake . Most islands ’ tap water is completely safe to drink and is even deliciously fresh tasting .
• Use your water bottle or purchase a reusable wine cup or rum cup as well as a metal or bamboo straw for happy hour .
• Walk with your own shopping bag and say no to plastic bags at grocery stores . Actually , while you ’ re at it , say no to plastic cups and straws and Styrofoam containers as well .
• Buy locally instead of bringing in products from your home country that will no doubt end up in our garbage and thus add to our overflowing dumps .
And last but certainly not least and definitely as powerful in helping our planet : Stop visiting zoos , dolphinariums or other attractions where you get up close with wild animals . A wild animal forced to entertain you is not a happy animal and much harm has been done in the capture and breaking in of that animal . Dolphins are ripped from their mothers ’ dead carcasses , flamingos are getting their wings clipped , monkeys are held in deplorable conditions just to make their captors money and then be killed when they are no longer of use . You are the only one that can stop the unfair treatment of animals by caring and by not visiting , attending or promoting places that use animals as an attraction . This will only stop when the demand diminishes .
Together we can make a difference . Surely I am not naïve in believing this overused quote , right ? I refuse to think that my little rant here will not affect a single person reading this . If it has , and I was able t open your eyes wide enough for you to at least question how you could be a more responsible human , I have done my part .
Let me know your thoughts , comments and questions by sending me an email to rcelestina @ readmelange . com

Riselle

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