Our voices - Recycling, upcycling and the lessons learnt

Being environmentally friendly is trending and trending hard, especially in Jamaica. With this in mind, we decided that it was only fair that we highlight some of these women who have taken on this charge head-on. Join us as we hear from a few ladies on what they have learnt from being more eco-conscious.

Remember, #NuhDuttyUpJamaica

Suzanne Stanley - CEO, Jamaica Environment Trust

I started recycling while studying abroad, and when I returned in 2009, I was disappointed that Jamaica still did not have a well-established recycling programme. I am very passionate about creating a cleaner Jamaica. Our plastic problem has reached crisis levels - we have to take action now! My one wish for Jamaicans who want to recycle is to find out where facilities exist - recycle and #nuhduttyupjamaica.

Marine lives matter

Peta-Gaye Thompson - Chad-Ad Distributors Limited (a Wisynco ECO Recycle Challenger)

In our beautiful rivers, oceans and seas, plastics are becoming the new coral reefs, and as a lover of our marine and water life, I am shocked that this has become the norm. If we continue this practice our beautiful natural water bodies, and the many species that live in them, will become extinct. If we don't fix the problem soon our ecosystems will be another story to tell our children or grandchildren.

Committed to the cause

Paula Samuda - Fidelity Motors Limited (a Wisynco ECO Recycle Challenger)

We are way more capable of flexibility than we give ourselves credit for! As it relates to recycling, you can see that there is an opportunity for changes with a little education and some organisation. We are making meaningful changes in our waste-disposal habits. I think Jamaica would be a better place if more persons started recycling, for when we recycle we are creating a better quality of life for all around us! We also show how unselfish we can be.

Cultivating the habit

Keisha Hill - The Gleaner Company (a Wisynco ECO Recycle Challenger)

Growing up, I was always conscious of the importance of preserving our environment. Being environmentally friendly has been a huge part of my life, and to this day, I still continue with my environmental initiatives. Recycling begins at home. If you are not throwing away any of your old products and instead utilising them for something new, then you are actually recycling!

Starting the revolution!

Shelly-Ann Dunkley - Environmental Communications Officer, Wisynco

I started recycling when I lived overseas - my formal introduction was eye-opening. When I see youngsters eager to create a future for themselves and it involves clean waterways, creating products from plastics, that makes me know the work I am doing, as simple as it seems, can truly impact a nation. My one wish for Jamaica - start recycling.

We want to encourage all Jamaicans to get into the habit of recycling for a cleaner Jamaica. For more information on what can be recycled and how you, too, can join the recycling revolution, you can visit the Wisynco website or social media pages. Recycling plastics feels fantastic and we need to make the move towards ending plastic pollution.