Eco-friendly Carnival Tips

St. George’s, Grenada, 18 July, 2012: The carnival season is upon us and the Environment Division within the Ministry of the Environment, Foreign Trade and Export Development is encouraging carnival players to be considerate to the environment this carnival.

The division has developed some tips that will be useful in maintaining synergies between the fun and excitement that carnival offers and protecting the environment.

Eco-Friendly Jouvert

• Use non-toxic BODY paint
• Avoid using oil on your skin or wash off on land before going to the sea.
• Respect the animals that you utilise during the festivities
• Take your drink in a reusable container
• PUT GARBAGE WHERE IT BELONGS!

As we prepare our bands and vendor stands to hit the streets this carnival, keep in mind that the little things we do can have a big impact (whether negative or positive) on our surroundings. Here are some tips to help make carnival a happy event for humans as well as the environment.

Mass band organizers:

1. Reduce the amount of litter produced. Consider distributing reusable bottles or glasses instead of disposable plastic cups to the members of your band. This can greatly reduce on the amount of plastic cups used and thrown away.
   
   
2. Do not trash our streets. Ensure that you provide your band members with an easily accessible means of disposing garbage. This may be bins placed on the tray of your trucks or garbage bags attached to the sides of your truck. Make sure to inform your band members of the existence of these garbage bags or bins and encourage them to use it.
   
   
3. Avoid purchasing costume accessories that may easily become discarded as litter after the festivities are over. In planning costumes try to include accessories that may be kept as keepsakes after the festivities. If this is not possible try to utilise accessories which are made from biodegradable materials such as cardboard. This may not only be healthy to the environment, but may also greatly reduce on costs.

Street vendors:

1. Put garbage where it belongs. Ensure that you provide your customers with an easily accessible means of disposing garbage. Place bins or garbage bags in or near to your stall where it can easily be seen. Make sure to inform your customers of the existence of these garbage bags or bins and encourage them to use it. Do not hesitate to ask persons to pick up garbage that they have thrown in or around your vicinity. 

When the festivities are over......

1. Organise a clean-up crew. Remember to clean up after yourselves. Make it a group effort, organise your crew, play some music, provide a few drinks, you’ll be surprised at how quickly the work can be done and the fun you can have. The environment will thank you for it.

Remember.....
Being mindful of the environment does not mean that you have to cease your traditional practices, nor does it take away from your fun; it simply means that you should attempt to make a few small changes.

1. Reduce the amount of litter produced
2. Do not trash our streets
3. Use environmentally friendly products
4.  Put garbage where it belongs
5. Organise a clean-up crew