Beach quality

[Rob]

on the beach and the beach road i see so many of the white syrofoam containers everywhere.....what ever happened to good old cardboard?...couple rains and it disolves.....simple change like that can make a big difference......and a little effort behind gails cleanup efforts or programs would go along way....but it still comes down to the same thing...if it bothers you that much then join the effort and pick up a piece of trash or two....or at the very least dont be a part of the problem and at least pick up your own and dispose properly

Unfortunately the styrofoam containers are cost effective with the old white cardboard boxes and are better insulators and more resistant to leakage. I remember the first day I saw them and thought to myself "uh oh!" And then the plastic bottles came... personally I wish neither had been invented, but they are the proverbial "better mousetrap"...

[Heisenburg]

The plastic bottles are piled a foot high along the breakwall in Lucea.I have not seen a tourist litter other than leaving a Redstripe bottle here or there.So we are to spend our money in Negril and pick up a little trash.Lead the way Rob,start under the Negril river bridge.

[Rob]

Heisen,

I dont walk under the bridge, I have no reason to walk there so I dont. The Negril Resort Board hires people to clean that area every couple months. But when I am walking the beach or road and see a plastic bottle and a nearby trash bin, I dont mind bending over to help it into the bin. I dont go around collecting them by any means, but when the opportunity presents itself, a bottle and a bin nearby, I figure why not do it. No skin off by back.

And with seeing thousands of tourists a year, yes, I have seen them litter. The more blatant ones I point to the nearby trash bin and they usually get the hint.

I or no one here is suggesting you spend money in Negril to pick up garbage. Well, unless that is what you are into. It is your vacation time! Enjoy it! But it is also common sense that every little bit helps. It is a personal choice that we can all make. And by chance a Jamaican youngster (or oldster for that matter) sees you pick up the bottle and dispose of it, they may get the hint and do the same.

There is great training in the schools now about the dangers of burning plastic. The kids are teaching their parents! In the 20+ years here, now I rarely smell burning plastic whereas in 1993 it was a multiple everyday occurrence. You couldnt get away from it and having asthma that was not fun. Nowadays it is hardly ever an issue.

[wnyjim]

I agree with being active rather than complaining. Ideas is what is needed. Here is one. Tuck a few garbage bags in your shorts when walking the beach. Next time some kid wants a donation for his schooling. Whip out your bag and offer to fund his education with some work in trade. 1 full bag from the beach for $5.00.00 US?
Last time I was there walking Bloody Bay I was sickened by the sight of garbage...Here I go complaining but did not have any bags. I took that memory home and next time I want to do a little giving back on vacation. Booby Key is another. We are a large group and can definitely make an impact. Maybe a report or pictures of results would motivate.
Any more ideas?

[TAH]

We pick up trash everywhere we go, especially near water. We put all of our cigarette butts in a bag and throw away at the hotel (where I hope they are properly disposed of). There is only one earth, and it's on all of us to do a part.

[dash]

One thing I find odd is that I never see any attempt at composting. I see the gardeners throwing clear plastic bags of leaves and organic stuff to the curb. I guess the soil is so fertile that they can't bother. Anyone seen any composting?

[ladyluckireland]

That was one thing that disaponted us when we were there was the trash.what we saw as well as a lot of restraunts give paper plates and plastic fork and knives to eat with even if that stoped it might not be as bad.It is a pity to see it

[BCBud]

One thing I find odd is that I never see any attempt at composting. I see the gardeners throwing clear plastic bags of leaves and organic stuff to the curb. I guess the soil is so fertile that they can't bother. Anyone seen any composting?

When I've talked to Jamaican friends about composting they say it attracts too many critters (rats, mice, ants etc).

[rastamouse]

One person can make a difference. Once you start cleaning up after others, it almost becomes a sickness. A nature trail and a couple of coastal islands are much improved here in Florida as a result. I guess I need to bring a few extra bags with me on my next trip)

[onthecorner]

i was afraid my comment earlier in this thread might draw some fire....i was wrong, its nice too see that many agree with me that part of the solution is too simply pick a piece or two up.....in addition too setting a good example for the locals it sets an example for the tourist who sees you do it, because i think the problem is equally local and tourist.