#BTSpeakingOut – Let’s take recycling seriously

The views and opinions expressed by the author(s) do not represent the official position of Barbados TODAY.

by Michael Ray

“Let’s reuse whatever we have now, stop making more of it, take what we gather, and make – whether it’s car parts, computer cases, anything that we can use.” – Ian Somerhalder (1978-) American actor and activist.

I want to fully support Mr. Peter Bynoe with his call for more to be paid on returned empty plastic bottles. The large commercial recyclers, our major manufacturing business, importers and relevant Government departments must sit down and come up with a realistic price for the return of all containers, plastic, glass, aluminum and other types.

For more than a quarter century, there has been a lot of talk about recycling, yet there are no prices set for the return of aluminum cans , plastic and paper cups. Glaringly enough, there is no rebate for the return of motor oil cans and containers – items high on the list of recyclables.

Foot-dragging is causing Barbados to lose much needed revenue, especially foreign currency. What about the manufacturing of plastic and aluminum roof shingles? Is the procurement for such raw materials and inputs worthwhile? On a larger scale, what are we doing with the thousands of motor-vehicle tyres, other than dumping and burning?

There are more productive uses and purposes for the so many items that go abegging. We can do better with the hands of corporate Barbados to the plough. If recycling is to be a successful commercial enterprise for Barbadians then every item possible should be recycled.

The truth of the problem is that nobody wants to pay but only receive. End-users must be paid reasonable and worthwhile rebates. Otherwise, dumping will become easier and easier for those who currently do not earn significant benefits. We have a wonderful opportunity at our fingertip.

A win-win situation for almost everyone to explore and exploit. Let us create jobs, protect our environment and grow our economy. Co-Founder Institute of Local Self- Reliance Washington DC and waste management specialist Neil Seldman spoke words of encouragement saying: “We are recycling not only to protect the environment, but for economic reasons as well. Disposal is simply too costly and too dangerous. The challenge is to redirect the flow of raw materials going to landfill into strengthening our declining local economies. The solution to pollution is self-reliant cities and counties”.