REDUCE - REUSE - RECYCLE!

These past couple weeks WSORC's team of dedicated volunteers have been recycling old redundant wetsuits that were destined for the trash and making fun creative bar coasters with them!

Here's a little insight into the efforts and reasoning behind this creative approach to recycling from Bobby:

Beneath the beautiful appearance of the Bay Islands, an important issue is developing: deciding how to deal with our garbage. On a quick snorkel or walk around Utila, one can find varying signs of irresponsible human activity—from plastic plates and Styrofoam cups to shopping bags and water bottles. This waste eventually ends up in the ocean and building up on our shores, damaging delicate organisms as it barrels through surrounding coral reefs. Besides affecting animals and plants, washed-up trash on Utila’s graceful coastline dims its natural beauty.  Utila attracts many tourists every year and the economy here on Utila relies heavily upon this industry.  It is therefore critical that we work together to protect and preserve the natural beauty of this island, that so many people come to see and which others rely on.

In response to the issue of waste and recycling, the Whale Shark and Oceanic Research Center, as well as other conservation organizations on the island are undertaking recycling projects and beach clean-ups. Currently, WSORC are collecting old redundant wetsuits being discarded by dive shops and reshaping them into coasters for local bars. This creative endeavor has several “green” benefits: first, the wetsuits avoid being dumped in the landfill site; second, the bars will stop using mountains of paper napkins to catch condensation, reducing trash; thirdly, as a non-profit conservation organization, these coasters are generating some much needed funding for the center. We also collect plastic bottles and bags in order to bring them to the recycling centers. Projects like these are essential to the preservation of Utila’s natural splendor, and we hope our endeavors will work towards a more sustainable island lifestyle and preserve the natural beauty of Utila for years to come.

If you would like to support WSORC in our latest recycling efforts, please feel free to come by and drop off your plastic bottles for recycling here at the center.  Also, if you are in need of any personalized coasters, come get your orders in here!  Check out the creativity below!