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Styrofoam to be abolished from Sandals and Beaches resorts

All Styrofoam is being abolished from Sandals Resorts International locations across the Caribbean.

The move from February 1 follows the all inclusive resort operator removing single-use plastic straws across Sandals and Beaches Resorts last year.

The elimination of Styrofoam is seen as being particularly important in the Caribbean region, where marine wildlife across the more than 700 islands and coastlines is abundant.

Scientists have found plastic fragments including Styrofoam in 86% of all sea turtle species, 44% of all seabirds and 43% of all marine mammals, according to Environment America’s Wildlife Over Waste campaign.

The action from February 1 will cover all 19 Sandals and Beaches resorts across seven Caribbean Islands – including Barbados, Jamaica, St. Lucia, Antigua, Grenada and Turks & Caicos.

The company also pledged to explore opportunities to eliminate other plastic across its resorts by September.

Deputy chairman Adam Stewart said: “As we enter the New Year, it’s incredibly important to our Sandals family that environmental sustainability remains a key priority.

“After eliminating plastic straws, stirrers, laundry bags and gift shop bags last year, we’re choosing to eliminate Styrofoam from our resorts.

“We’re proud that many of the islands in which we operate are also making this shift to ensure that future generations can enjoy the beauty of the Caribbean.”

Philanthropic arm Sandals Foundation continues to efforts to reduce pollution in the Caribbean and educate communities on the dangers pollution poses to the environment, health and tourism.

“Eliminating Styrofoam is yet another way we’re reducing our environmental footprint and improving the health of our Caribbean communities,” said executive director Heidi Clarke.

“Education is critical, and that’s where the Sandals Foundation comes in. We want to keep our islands clean and beautiful for citizens, visitors and marine wildlife alike.”

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