Plastic has changed the world. Read our Tips for Choosing and Using Less Single Use Plastic to see how you can reduce your environmental impact today!
Choose to Refuse: Just say no. If you don’t need that straw, cutlery, or plastic bag, just say so! There are many campaigns, including #stopsuckingsxm aimed at empowering us to say no to single use plastic that we simply don’t need. Don’t wait for a country wide ban.
Choose Reusable: More and more businesses are accepting (or even offering incentives) when you bring your own reusable coffee cup, to-go container, or bags. Reach for glass jars instead of zip-lock bags, and carry a stainless steel water bottle!
Choose Compostable: Cardboard and paper are of course compostable, but did you know that many plastic-like products can also be composted? Look for the Vinçotte EN 13432 certification. If it specifies ‘home’ in the label, it is suitable for home composting. All other ‘OK Compost’ items should be handled in a municipal waste facility, including most compostable cutlery.
Choose Recycled: Not all plastics can be recycled, however, by choosing products made from recycled plastics you help create a market for those goods. Green Toys has a wide range of recycled toys made from #5 (PP – Polypropylene) food safe plastic. Many products made from recycled plastic can be recycled again, like the preserve plastic cutlery which is sturdy enough to be reusable.
Choose Recyclable: If an item is only available in #6 (polystyrene) or #2 (HDPE) plastic, #2 (HDPE) might be a better option. Not only is it considered one of the safer plastics (and therefore often suitable for re-use!), it is also easier to recycle.
Choose Biodegradable: Biodegradable bio-plastics have about 25% lower carbon emissions compared to petroleum based plastics. However, without proper disposal, their benefits end there. They only biodegrade in perfect conditions (not in a landfill or the ocean!) and they are often not recyclable. Some biodegradable plastics are accepted by some municipal compost programs. Be wary of green-washing: Biodegradable does not always equal compostable!
Choose Wisely: Plastic has made some wonderful and life saving changes to our lives. When you do need to use single use plastic, respect the technological advancements that made it possible. That plastic will potentially be around forever, use it wisely!
SXM Resources:
Super U has Vinçotte EN 13432 certified garbage bags. PDG Supplies has many compostable or biodegradable food service options. The St Maarten Nature Foundation has cotton shopping bags and stainless steel water bottles for sale. You can buy their products (and reef safe sunscreen!) at The Scuba Shop.
Recycling is widely available in French St Maarten – Look for the tall blue color coded sorting bins. Some neighborhoods also have an area designated for compostable waste. Click Here for a map!
On Dutch St Maarten Recycling is available at the Meadowlands BV yard (Opposite Carrefour Bush Road) and at the Catholic Schools in conjunction with GreenBox. Click Here for a map!
Wastefactory collects and processes #1 PETE plastic on island! Wastefactory is located on the eastern end of Frontstreet, next to the Art Craft Cafe gallery and art school. Click Here for a map!
Remember to ask if you can bring your own to-go container or cup! We have heard successful stories at The Dinghy Dock, Mark’s Place, Subway, Joga and Market Garden Cafe.
Disclaimer: This website contains affiliate links. We may be compensated (at no cost to you) should you decide to buy online using one of our links. However, for our St Maarten / St Martin visitors we encourage you to shop local. Every effort has been made to provide a local source. Please let us know if you want your business to be included!
