GREEN MY LIFE

Simple things you can do to make a big difference in the struggle to address climate change, pollution and shrinking resources.

GREEN MY LIFE

As we journey toward a greener, cleaner, healthier BVI, we must bring home the critical concept that going green is all about helping the environment. Simple actions we take in our everyday life make a big difference in the struggle to address climate change, pollution and shrinking resources. How we manage our waste, how we use our water, how we conserve energy and the choices we make as consumers will decide the kind of world our children inherit. We must “care more and use less.” It’s easier than you think.

GREEN TIPS

RECYCLE

Download our app to learn what to recycle and where to recycle it. See our education section on how to reduce, reuse and recycle in the BVI.

ENERGY

We can all help save energy and money if we turn it off, unplug it and change to using energy efficient lights and appliances. Moving toward renewable energy sources will secure our energy security for the future.

WATER

We can learn how to conserve, store and generate our own water. We can also reduce water pollution by decreasing litter and chemical loads. See below for more tips!

GREEN MY….

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HOME

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TRAVEL

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SCHOOL

GREEN MY HOME

For your, and your family’s, health, and to protect the fragile BVI environment, here are some green options. These local businesses offer green options to include in your home – cleaners, recycling, composting, reduce, reuse and recycle, green tips

Reduce, Reuse & Recycling
EC Soap Company: Very good range of locally-made eco products.
Greencrete: Concrete products incorporating recycled glass.
Sageroots: Locally-made natural body and home products.
Make your own Cleaners
Compost
Radio Doctor will repair items they sell
VI Plastics: Green Champion Upcycler, creates outdoor furniture and recycling bins from recycled plastics

GREEN MY TRAVEL

Interested in greener travel options when visiting our beautiful Islands? These BVI businesses each incorporate environmentally responsible practices.

Cooper Island: Runs off solar power, manages sewage well, actively reduces glass and other waste . . . and more
Voyage Charters: Built & operate the first eco-friendly electric sailing yachts in the BVI. Green VI Green Certification Pioneer
Nanny Cay: Hosts Tortola’s first public recycling drop off point, makes eco-choices at their restaurants and incorporates many “green” practices into daily operations
Necker Island: Works with UniteBVI to use alternative energy and upcycled materials, recycle, and protect wildlife
Tradewinds Cruise Club: Uses only eco-friendly cleaning products and no single use plastic. A Green VI Green Certification Pioneer

GREEN MY SCHOOL

Children are our future. Are you interested in finding out how you can “green” your school?

Reduce, Reuse & Recycle
Grow a School Garden
Consider using solar energy
Implement a drinking water system
Make use of our school resources
Valley Day School: Creates gift bags from old newspapers and T-shirts.
Ivan Dawson

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BUSINESS

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EVENT

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COMMUNITY

GREEN MY BUSINESS

Green Certification incentivizes, guides and educates businesses in best “green” practices, and collaborates to develop the Accreditation Level they choose:

Pledge . Bronze . Silver . Gold . Leader

We use a number of support tools as part of the programme, such as Policy Templates, Accreditation Guides, the Green VI App, and experienced Trainers for hands-on collaboration. Green Certification offers practical, common-sense ways for organizations to help the environment and enhance their operations, such as:

Sign “The Pledge”
Contribute to the Green Fund
Create Checklists
Train Your Staff
Set Up a Recycling System
Become A Green Leader

LEARN MORE

GREEN MY EVENT

Whether you are hosting a backyard party or a large festival, there are lots of ways you can green it!

Assemble a Green Team
Reduce the total number of resources used (materials and energy) and reuse where possible e.g. name tags, banners etc
Encourage guests and vendors to reduce & reuse resources e.g. car share, reuse bags & water bottles
Set up a recycling system that includes food waste
Promote reusable water bottles and set up water stations and
Work with event vendors to limit plastic and use compostable foodware:
- P3: Eco Islands Disposable Products for green businesses and events
- Greentech: “Compostable is All We Do” – wide range of good foodware
Select eco-friendly awards and event gifts from local vendors
Use an App for your event to reduce paper and ink
Support local farmers by using their produce
Organise a “green competition” that best suits your event
Organise site tours or information talks/ kiosks featuring local green efforts
Use eco-friendly detergents
Use renewable energy sources if possible
Promote Carbon Offsets
Support a local not-for-profit organisation
Promote, publicise, monitor and evaluate your green efforts

GREEN MY COMMUNITY

One of the best things about the BVI is its tight knit supportive communities. There are several organisations you can support AND be green!

Adopt a Spot (hyperlink to get involved)
The BVI Red Cross accepts and sells used clothes, books and household items
Family Support Network accepts and sells used clothes and toys
Church Groups or a church/social organisation can repurpose donations
Youth Empowerment Centre creates Hope and Opportunity for youth by providing a safe haven with specialised activities for young people