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A wake up call for the Caribbean ( and the world )
I
recently visited Aruba and was amazed by the big steps the island has made towards protecting its unique and interesting ecosystem and marine life . Aruba seems to be on the fast track to becoming one of the greenest and most eco-fabulous destinations in the Caribbean even though according to many locals there the island has yet a long way to go .
But for me , coming from the former sister island to Aruba and fellow ex-colony of the Netherlands , St . Maarten , where single use plastic still reigns as king , I stand in awe of the advancements that Aruba has made .
This One Happy Island , as it is referred to in its marketing campaigns , has recently banned all use , sale and production of single-use plastic items on the island , from single use plastic bags , cups , utensils , straws to Styrofoam containers . One can now order a meal for take out and walk away completely guilt free with your food in containers made of much less hazardous material to the environment like cardboard . Plastic straws at bars and restaurants have been replaced with straws made out of paper , wheat , bamboo and even pasta .
Along with the ban on single use plastic also came the ban on sunscreen containing Oxybenzone , which is the lead toxin responsible for the irreparable damages caused to coral everywhere , the diminishing marine life and also certain human skin conditions .
I was amazed by the Aruban government ’ s determination to make the island nation into a green super power and in so doing , set an example of good behavior for the rest of the Caribbean .
It left me wondering : “ If they can do it , why can ’ t the rest of us ?” It made me think of my own personal practices and attempts on my island home St . Maarten , no matter how feeble and little . I only use reusable water bottles instead of plastic , I say no to plastic bags , cups and straws . In my bag along with my wallet are my other must-have items : a reusable water bottle , reusable rum cup ( because you never know when you ’ ll get a last minute invitation to happy hour ), bamboo straw , metal straw and a pouch of silver utensils in case I find myself unexpectedly getting takeout . Sometimes