Cayman Eco

Diving into harbour cleanup

2012-02-07T23:00:00.000-06:00

Caymanian Compass
January 26, 2012

Highschool students are taking up scuba and diving into Cayman’s waters while alsodoing their bit for the environment.

CliftonHunter High School teacher Hamish Hamilton and 16-year-old student JosephBurey, armed with trash bags and scuba gear, headed underwater near the wreckof the Cali in George Town harbour Tuesday to pick up litter and spruce up thepopular dive and snorkelling site.

Thecleanup is part of an initiative to teach school students to dive and to giveback to the community at the same time.

Mr.Hamilton, who is a certified dive instructor who teaches his own students andmembers of the High Schools Dive Club to scuba dive, hopes to do a similarcleanup with more students at the Lobster Pot dive shop soon.

“We’recertifying students to dive and getting Caymanian kids into the water, whichhardly any of them do,” said Mr. Hamilton, as he and Joseph suited up outsideDivers Down dive shop, which provided free air tanks and weights for Tuesday’sdive. Read whole story here.

Bodden Town landfill not new choice

2012-01-10T11:17:00.001-06:00

cayCompass
Patrick Brendel | patrick.brendel@cfp.ky

A group of citizens organised in opposition to the proposed Bodden Town district landfill want to know why their area was picked for the new solid waste facility. Specifically, the Dart Group-owned site is between Bodden Town and Breakers, near two quarries and the Midland Acres subdivision.

“How was Midland Acres chosen as the site for a new dump, and where is the assessment of the consequences of the dump on the people of our district?” said Vincent Frederick, spokesman for the Coalition to Keep Bodden Town Dump Free.

The coalition also questions what happened to the waste-to-energy proposal to clean up the George Town Landfill while creating electricity. Bodden Town MLA Mark Scotland said previous strategies to address the landfill were simply not affordable.

“The dump is the most serious environmental issue facing our country today. Solutions have eluded successive governments primarily because of the cost,” he said.

The New Story of Stuff: Can We Consume Less?

2012-01-01T13:45:00.002-06:00

Yale Environment 360

November 28, 2011

Willrich societies start consuming less? Could wealth go green? Might parsimonybecome the new luxury? Heresy, surely, you would say. But it might just bepossible.

TakeBritain. A new study finds that the country that invented the industrialrevolution two centuries ago reached “peak stuff” between 2001 and 2003. In thepast decade, Britain has been consuming less water, building materials, paper,food (especially meat), cars, textiles, fertilizers and much else. Travel isdown; so is energy production. The country produces less waste, too.

Thisanalysis is not the product of data juggling by a free-market think tank. Theauthor of the study is Chris Goodall, a fully-paid-up environmental activistand parliamentary candidate for Britain’s Green Party, but also a stat guzzlerwho once worked for McKinsey & Company. His books include How to Live aLow-Carbon Life.

The stats hold true evenwhen you allow for the ecological footprint from the manufacture of importedgoods. And, while the decline in resource use in Britain has accelerated sincethe economic crisis in 2008, the trend started long before the banking crisis.There was a decline in overall materials use of 4 percent between 2000 and2007. So it cannot be attributed entirely to recession, and can be expected tosurvive economic recovery. Read the whole story here.

DoE celebrates gold medal beer

2012-01-01T13:24:00.000-06:00

Caymanian Compass

December 21, 2011

The Cayman Islands Brewery’slatest addition to their lineup, White Tip Lager, recently was crowned the bestlager at the Caribbean Rum and Beer Festival in Barbados.

This is the second year runningthat the brewery takes the crown, as CayLight won the title in 2010. This year,it had to settle for second place behind White Tip. Ironshore Bock also tooksilver in the category for strong beers.

“With three international judgesblind tasting 30 beers, that is quite impressive for us,” said James Mansfieldof Cayman Islands Brewery. “Next time that we go to the brewers’ convention itwill be interesting to see what they think of us now, as we are still only 41/2 years old, compared to other breweries like Banks Barbados, which is 45years old.”

A unique aspect of White TipLager is that a percentage of the sales goes to the Department of Environment’sshark conservation programmes.

“The actual link-up withthe Department of Environment was unique, and we will be cutting the firstcheque in January,” Mr. Mansfield said. Read the whole story here.

Fishing ban extended for the Nassau Grouper

2011-12-18T22:13:00.000-06:00

BYM Marine Environment News
December 17, 2011

Dr. Guy Harvey applauds decisionbut says more needs to be done.

A groundswell of public supportgenerated by Guy Harvey¹s latest film The Mystery of the Grouper Moon hasprompted the Marine Conservation Board of the Cayman Islands to extend a ban onfishing the Nassau grouper spawning aggregation site near Little Cayman.

The Board, this week, voted toextend the current moratorium another eight years after reviewing extensiveresearch conducted by REEF (Reef Environmental Education Foundation) and OregonState University and a public education campaign supported by the Guy HarveyOcean Foundation (GHOF) and the Cayman Islands Department of Environment (DOE).The existing ban, in place since 2003, was due to expire at the end of theyear. The penalty for catching Nassau grouper in a spawning aggregation sitebetween November and March is up to one year in prison or up to $500,000 infines.

"The Cayman Islands arecelebrating the 25 anniversary since the formation of the first marine parkhere, so it is fitting that such a strong conservation effort has been made bythe MCB and that common sense has prevailed," said Dr. Harvey.

In filming the research workbeing conducted by REEF, Guy Harvey and award-winning filmmaker GeorgeSchellenger created a compelling and informative 45-minute documentary TheMystery of the Grouper Moon. The film's purpose was to document the researchand make the results available in layman's language to the residents of theCayman Islands. The documentary (for a preview go to http://www.guyharvey.com/home.php?id=5)was shot entirely in the Cayman Islands and was supported by REEF and the DOE.The GHOF also supported the education campaign with custom artwork.

More work, however, needsto be done, according to Dr. Harvey, an internationally celebrated marineartist and a professor of marine biology, who makes his home in the CaymanIslands. See the whole story here.

Plastic-free Saturdays begin

2011-12-11T23:26:00.001-06:00

Caymanian Compass
December 7, 2011

Beginning this weekend, every second Saturday of each month will be plastic bag-free days in the Cayman Islands.

Last year, local supermarkets replaced their nondegradable plastic shopping bags with biodegradable alternatives and started charging 5 cents per shopping bags in a bid to cut down on the number of bags ending up in Cayman’s landfill.

That first phase of the Cayman BECOME campaign brought an initial reduction of as much as 80 per cent in the number of plastic bags sold in supermarkets. Prior to that, an estimated 12 million plastic bags were being disposed of every year in Grand Cayman.

Now the Corporate Green Team Network is embarking on the next phase to cut down on the amount of plastic finding its way to Mount Trashmore.

Starting this Saturday, 10 December, on every second Saturday of every month, supermarkets will not hand out any plastic shopping bags, in a bid to encourage shoppers to either bring their own bags from home or purchase environmentally-friendly, re-usable bags. Read the whole story here.

Eco-initiatives in the Caribbean

2011-12-04T13:05:00.001-06:00

The Boston Globe
December 4, 2011

The new spa at Jalousie Plantation on St. Lucia was built from indigenous woods.

Hotels around the globe aremaking significant efforts to "go green." Though many Caribbean resorts havebeen slow to embrace the green movement, the majority of them have spent thelast few years playing catch-up. Whether it’s relying on local farmers andfishermen for produce, creating awareness about marine ecology, usingearth-friendly construction materials, or offering travelers “give-back’’initiatives, it’s clear the islands are engaged in some impressiveenvironmental activity. Here is a look at programs aimed at maintaining andprotecting Caribbean landscapes.

Locavorism

With more conscientious chefsputting down roots, the reliance on local farms has blossomed. Eric Ripert’sBlue at the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman (Seven Mile Beach, 345-943-9000, www.ritzcarlton.com) carries a “fish fund’’ to patronize local fishermen and farmers,and offers 20 seats at “Lunch in the Kitchen,’’ where the chef de cuisineshares the highlights of the catch of the day. Read whole story here.

Why Republican attacks on environment laws are flawed

2011-11-15T23:11:00.003-06:00

The Guardian
Tuesday 15 November 2011

In recent months, some in Congress have been waging a whole-scale war against the Environmental Protection Agency. By now it has reached comical dimensions, with three separate bills aimed at preventing a so-called EPA "dust rule" that has never even existed.

The spectacle would indeed be funny, if it wasn't deadly serious. Republicans in Congress and in the GOP presidential debates are seeking to defund an already cash-strapped EPA under the pretense of caring about the federal deficit and are trying to hamper the agency by arguing that its rules hurt the economy.

Quite to the contrary. We have 40 years of data to show that a cleaner environment goes hand in hand with solid economic growth. Read the whole story here.

Losing ecosystems will be costly

2011-09-26T17:00:00.002-05:00

By: Norma Connolly | norma@cfp.ky
Caymanian Compass
15 September, 2011

Putting an economic value on the Cayman Islands’ ecosystem and its marine wildlife could be the argument that convinces the government and opponents to conservation of the importance of preserving the environment, attendees of a public meeting on marine parks heard this week.

John Turner of Bangor University’s School of Ocean Sciences, who is working with the Department of Environment on a study of the Cayman Islands’ marine parks, said a study of the value of the world’s ecosystems in 1997 showed they were worth US$33 trillion per year, almost double the whole world’s annual gross domestic product.

He said a rough calculation of the value of single stingray locally was US$600,000 per year and that coral reefs were valued at about US$6,000 per hectare per year.

He was responding to a suggestion from audience member Suzanne Bothwell, who said if people understood the economic impact of losing the local marine ecosystem, they would more fully support conservation measures. Read more...

What if the Sea Level Rose?

2011-07-19T06:24:00.000-05:00

Hannah Reid
Caymanian Compass

Every native of Cayman Brac knows where to go when their island is threatened with rising waters. Even to this day, Brackers will retreat to the bluff during hurricanes.

But what if the sea level rose, not temporarily due to a hurricane, but permanently as a result of climate change?

While the 150 foot bluff gives Cayman Brac an average height above sea level of 56 feet, Little Cayman only has an average height above sea level of approximately nine feet and Grand Cayman is barely out of the water with an average elevation of only six feet.

According to a report released in 2010 by the National Climate Change Committee, titled The Green Paper: Towards a Climate Change Policy, even a moderate increase in sea level could have a considerable impact on these low-lying islands.

Read more...

Save Cayman out in force

2011-05-30T22:10:00.002-05:00

Cayman News Service
May 28, 2011

Campaigners aiming to protect the North Sound from proposed dredging projects and other major developments that could threaten the local environment were out in force Saturday at Grand Cayman’s local supermarkets collecting more signatures for the petition and recruiting people to assist with what is growing into a major green movement. Captain Bryan Ebanks, who is spearheading the campaign, said that the support for Save Cayman is growing and more and more people are pledging their support. Following a week of radio appearances and meetings to help promote this weekend’s push, Ebanks said he was really pleased that more and more people were willing to step up to the plate and say enough is enough.

Hotline to protect nesting turtles

2011-05-16T22:29:00.005-05:00

Cayman News Service

May 11, 2011

While sea turtle remains a popular national dish in the Cayman Islands, the public is being asked to join a world wide effort to halt the decline of these endangered species. The Department of Environment (DoE) is appealing to the public to aid in the recovery of Cayman Islands sea turtle nesting populations by reporting turtle nests to a new DoE Turtle Hotline 938-NEST (938-6378) whenever sea turtle tracks or nests are found. The goal is to find all turtle nests and protect them from the time they are laid until they hatch two months later.

DoE Research Officer Dr Janice Blumenthal explained that during the turtle nesting season DoE staff and volunteers patrol beaches four days per week finding and protecting nests but they are not able to visit every beach every day so rely on the public to assist them.

She added, “While sea turtles spend the majority of their lives in the ocean, from May to November females make their way on shore to lay their eggs. On the beach, nesting turtles, turtle nests, and baby turtles are extremely vulnerable. We hope that with the new and easy to remember Turtle Hotline number, members of the public will be better able to assist in sea turtle conservation efforts.”

Data collected by DoE over the past decade show that Cayman Islands sea turtle nesting has begun to increase but many nests are in highly developed areas such as Seven Mile Beach. This makes nests susceptible to threats such as lights near the beach, beach driving, heavy equipment operation, bonfires, and poaching. The Turtle Hotline makes it possible for members of the public to help by alerting DoE when they spot turtle nests or see a nesting turtle or baby turtles in danger.

In addition to reporting nests, beachfront property owners and residents can assist by following the DoE’s guidelines for making beaches safe for turtles:

Reduce beach lighting: turn off, redirect, or shield any lights that can be seen from the beach during the turtle nesting season (contact DoE for more information). Lights near the beach can lead baby turtles away from the sea and result in their death. Lighting may also deter nesting females from coming ashore.
Remain quiet and stay at a distance if you see a nesting turtle. Flashlights, loud noises, or getting too close might cause the turtle to abandon her nesting attempt.
Remove obstacles such as beach chairs and recreational equipment from the beach at night.
Do not drive on the beach—this can crush turtle nests. Contact DoE before using beach cleaning machines or heavy equipment.
Protect beach vegetation. Vegetation blocks light from buildings, stabilizes the beach, and encourages turtles to nest.
Do not have bonfires on the beach in the summer—use a designated BBQ pit.
Do not rake or cover turtle tracks. Department of Environment staff and volunteers use the tracks to find and protect nests.
Call DoE’s Turtle Hotline if you find a turtle track, nest, or baby turtle.
Remember that sea turtles are protected under Cayman Islands Law and turtle poachers face steep fines and imprisonment. If you see persons harming or taking sea turtles or their eggs call DoE Enforcement or the police (911).

Contact Janice Blumenthal at DoE for more information or to volunteer for the Marine Turtle Beach Monitoring Programme. DoE Turtle Hotline: 938-NEST. General: 949-8469. Emergencies: 916-4271 or 911. Email: DoE@gov.ky.

Earth Day celebrated in style

2011-05-16T22:21:00.003-05:00

Caymanian Compass

May 5, 2011

Earth Day was celebrated in style this year at an event at Camana Bay that brought together the traditional evening market and green businesses.

Participants included more than 40 exhibitors, ranging from those offering green products and services to not-for-profit organisations working to raise awareness of Cayman’s environment.

The pairing of the event with the quarterly evening market, which took place on Market Street, was a great fit, as locally grown produce has a much reduced carbon footprint compared to food transported to Cayman.

The main festivities took place on The Crescent, where exhibitors displayed everything from solar panels and information on environmentally friendly homes to environmental tours, art and photography. There were also vendors with natural products and even fashion labels with clothes made from environmentally conscious fabrics. The youngsters were not forgotten, with activities to keep them occupied while parents spent some time educating themselves on how to make a difference to the environment. Read the whole story here.

Longer grouper ban needed

2011-04-10T22:18:00.002-05:00

March 24, 2011

Cayman News Service

(CNS): Fishermen on Cayman Brac are finding it hard to believe that the nine year ban on catching Nassau grouper at the spawning holes during spawning season has not resulted in a significant increase in groupers, but as Department of Environment staff explained to them at a meeting Monday night, replenishment of grouper populations is a slow process and an extended ban is necessary to ensure that the last viable spawning aggregation (SPAG) site in the Cayman Islands – in the West End of Little Cayman – does not collapse. The fishermen, on the other hand, say they have done their part to preserve the grouper population by observing the ban for nine years and are asking the decision makers to remove it and reintroduce catch limits.

Research at the Little Cayman grouper hole has shown that the groupers which gather together in great numbers to spawn live around that island – there are no great migrations of grouper from elsewhere for spawning. Scientists have also found that the larvae released are brought back by the current, and so repopulates the same island. We cannot, therefore, rely on SPAGs in other countries on the region to restock our grouper population, and they don’t have much stock left in any case, DoE's Research Manager Phil Bush noted.

The grouper holes were first closed in 2003 in what was planned to be alternate years of being open for fishing. However, Bush told people packed into the conference room at the District Administration Building, it was determined that it was “mathematically impossible for the population to replenish itself if the large numbers of fish, especially the big spawners, were taken out.”

Read the whole story here.

DOE: No environmental impact assessment required

2011-01-27T21:30:00.001-06:00

January 26, 2011
Cayman 27 News

Louisiana State University Professor, Dr. Harry H. Roberts, said dredging a channel in the North Sound could change it significantly and many others are saying that government needs to do its homework before the digging starts.

Dr. Roberts did his dissertation work in the North Sound and he said it’s hard to say exactly what potential environmental impacts the dredging may have.

“Anytime you open up a closed system, or semi-closed system like the North Sound, it does have some implications,” Dr. Roberts said.

Among those implications, he said, are changes to wave activity, which could lead to rocky times for one of Cayman’s biggest tourist attractions –Stingray City.

“Opening a channel could in fact shift those sands and perhaps even disperse the sand so that the habitat that you have there now may disappear. I don't know that's the case, but it could be the case,” Dr. Roberts said.

Premier the Honourable McKeeva Bush said last week he wants proof that dredging a channel would hurt North Sound.

“Someone will need to show me scientifically why what I’m saying shouldn’t happen,” the Premier said. Read the whole story here.

2010-11-04T22:44:00.004-05:00

1 November 2010
Cayman Islands Yellow Pages Press Release
George Town, Grand Cayman

'Yellow2Green' programme aims to keep 60 tons of old phonebooks out of Cayman’s landfill in 2010

The next twenty days will see one of the most important recent environmental initiatives as the Cayman Islands Yellow Pages (CIYP) launches “Yellow2Green”, a programme designed to recycle old phone books into insulation for homes. The launch coincides with the release of the 2011 Cayman Islands telephone directory and will run from November 1^st – 20^th.

“Our intent is to keep 60 tons of phone books from ending up in the landfill and to elevate everyone’s awareness about the importance of recycling and conservation,” explains CIYP Marketing Manager Eileen Keens. “This is the pilot programme and we’re very hopeful that everyone in Grand Cayman will participate – businesses and individuals alike. If we’re successful, this will become an annual event to include Cayman Brac and eventually Little Cayman.”

“There’s absolutely no down-side to this,” adds Ms. Keens, “it’s easy for people to take their old phone books to any one of 11 drop-off points island-wide but, more importantly, it’s a benefit to our country and our environment – it’s the right, responsible thing to do.”

The programme includes the “Yellow2Green School Challenge”, where all primary schools can compete to win a pizza party and up to $1500. The school that collects the most books, per student body, wins. “This is a great way to get kids excited about recycling – this is about their future, so it’s critical that they value preservation and grasp the concept of personal responsibility,” explains Ms. Keens.

CIYP will accept any dry phone book, even if it’s not one of theirs. All books will be shipped via Thompson Shipping Line to Tampa where they’ll be 100% recycled into GreenFiber insulation, an all-natural, high quality fiber insulation product used for homes. GreenFiber is North America’s leading natural fiber manufacturer and they have been working with communities across the US, and now in the Caribbean, to help keep over one million tons of paper out of landfills.

“This really is a big deal. We’re pretty sure everyone agrees that our landfill doesn’t need any more unnecessary waste, each one of those recycled directories is one step closer to a greener community” adds Ms. Keens. “And we’re thankful to all our sponsors for making it happen.”

All businesses and individuals are encouraged to deliver as many old phone books as they can to any drop-off location by November 20^th. For businesses with large amounts of books, the Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce has been designated as the primary corporate collection site at their new Governor’s Square office.

Drop-off Locations

All Foster’s Food Fair locations island-wide
Chamber of Commerce, Governor’s Square
Camana Bay
LIME Galleria Plaza
LIME Anderson Square
Hurley’s Grand Harbour
Kirk Supermarket

Sponsors

BB&P
Camana Bay
Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce
Foster’s Food Fair
GreenFiber
Hurley’s
Kirk Supermarket
Lemmie’s Trucking Services
LIME
NCI Services
Thompson Line
Vision Marketing

For more information please visit caymanislandsyp.com/recycling or email Eileen Keens at ekeens@globaldirectories.com.

Fosters hands over plastic bag cash to research centre

2010-10-25T22:18:00.002-05:00

Cayman News Service
October 5, 2010

(CNS): One local supermarket has collected $10,000 from the sale of plastic bags since it began charging for the bags in June this year. Foster’s Food Fair has now donated the money to the Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI) as part of its promise at the beginning of the BECOME campaign to give 100% of the money made from the plastic bags back into the community for “green efforts.” The number of plastic bags in circulation has dropped however, as increasing numbers of people have turned to reusable shopping bags to carry their groceries.

As part of its campaign to increase awareness on the importance of “going green” Foster’s said it had taken the first part of the money earned from the bags it sold and given it to CCMI to help conduct and facilitate research, education, conservation, and outreach programs that will sustain marine diversity for future generations. Read whole story here.

Waste Management Proposals for Cayman Islands Invited

2010-10-25T22:02:00.003-05:00

Waste Management World
October 7, 2010

The much anticipated request for proposals to deal with the Cayman Islands George Town dump has been officially released. Government is now inviting proposals for the redevelopment of the landfill also known as Mount Trashmore, reports The Cayman News Service.

Although the government had previously expressed its preference for a Waste to Energy Facility (WtE), it is reported to also be inviting tenders for Comprehensive Solid Waste Disposal Management Facilities (CSWDMF).

According to a release from government, it is seeking an entity that will manage all waste generated in Grand Cayman through the establishment of a CSWDMF and WTEF, while enhancing the island's recycling capabilities and producing green by-products such as biofuels and composting.

"All entities interested in providing a Comprehensive Solid Waste Disposal Management Facility and Waste to Energy Facility Facility in Grand Cayman should respond to the Request for Proposal by noon, 19 November 2010," the release from the Department of Environmental Health stated.

"The George Town landfill currently receives all types of waste and recyclables. The existing method of land filling municipal waste is not sustainable," government officials said.

Entities making a bid to solve what, at 80 feet high (25 metres), has become one of the country's biggest problems, will also be required to provide future waste disposal management options for the Sister Islands.

"The issue of a Request for Proposal is a long anticipated and welcomed step in the process of redevelopment of the George Town landfill," said the Minister with responsibility for public works, Juliana O'Connor-Connolly. "The Ministry is seeking an entity that will provide a practical and reasonable long-term waste management solution for the Cayman Islands."

Mount Trashmore is considered the highest point on Grand Cayman at well over 80 feet and certainly its worst eyesore. As the dump has not been lined it has been leaking into the North Sound for several years, causing major pollution problems for the marine environment.

Tackling the dump has been a controversial issue for some time but more recently a group of activists under the banner of Waste Initiatives & Sustainable Environments (WISE) began a campaign to oppose the concept of mining and incinerating the dump as its sole solution. The group has instead suggested capping and remediating the landfill. WISE proposes turning to a new eco-waste management park elsewhere on the island, which would focus on composting, recycling, reuse and the reduction of waste in general with limited incineration and ultimately zero discarded or dumped garbage.

The activists have said that incineration will create further pollution, as will the mining of the current landfill, which will release dust and debris into the air as well as generate persistent bad odours during the lengthy period of mining, which they warn could go on for years.

However, the relocation of the waste management facility has caused controversy, with no district welcoming the idea of a new, albeit modem, 'dump' in its neighbourhood.

The tender invites proposals that will deal with the landfill on the current site and it is expected that the existing rubbish at the dump will be mined and burned in a waste to energy conversion and it is hoped that there will also be some recycling undertaken at the site.

Interested parties must be mindful of the noon deadline on 19 November, as late submissions will not be accepted. Excluded from the RFP will be the collection of residential and commercial waste; this will still fall under the responsibilities of the Department of Environmental Health.

On the Green Carpet at the Environmental Media Association awards

2010-10-25T21:47:00.002-05:00

Mother Nature Network
October 25, 2010

Celebrating the eco-friendliest examples of filmed and televised entertainment, the Environmental Media Awards drew a megawatt assemblage of stars and media moguls to the green carpet at the Warner Bros. lot for a festive evening of accolades and revelry. Sponsored by Toyota and Lexus, whose respective plug-in Prius and CT200h were on display, the ceremony honored Avatar, 30 Rock, Bones, and Living With Ed and featured a performance by Kenny Loggins.

“I don’t know if Rupert Murdoch knew he was going to spend a couple hundred million dollars to make an environmental movie,” James Cameron (pictured right with wife Suzy Amis) said as he accepted the feature film EMA for Avatar from Eva Mendes. Realizing he was “preaching to the choir,” he nevertheless took the opportunity to speak at length about pressing eco-issues. One byproduct of the film’s global impact is his increased involvement in trying to help those who face issues depicted on screen. He’s been to the Amazon rainforest twice and “met with indigenous communities there to push back against the big hydroelectric dam they’re building, which will displace 25,000 people. We think of hydro as clean but it’s devastating the rainforest. It will throw thousands of megatons of carbon into the atmosphere, which will accelerate global warming. There are so many better answers with energy.

“This is such a critical time in the history of the environmental movement and there’s so much that needs to happen right now,” he continued, noting that he donated to the campaign to stop California’s oil company-backed Proposition 23, which would suspend the greenhouse gas emissions bill. “We really have to look at how we’ve been running our civilization and reevaluate our value system. We need a sense of conscience in what we do and the entertainment community can do that, slowly effect change in people’s lives. Our leaders in Washington aren’t going to do it,” he said, citing politicians’ refusal to mention climate change in energy legislation. “The leaders only [act] when the public tells them to and that’s our job. What happens in the next decade may well determine the outcome for life on this planet for the next thousand years so we have to step up to the challenge and accept responsibility, for our children and their children. When they look back I want them to think of us as those ancestors who took responsibility and did what had to be done and saved the planet.”

Read the whole story here.

Mangroves still in danger

2010-08-14T12:08:00.003-05:00

Cayman News Service
Saturday 14 August 2010

A report published by the United Nations last month has revealed that critically important mangroves continue to be lost at a rate three to four times higher than land-based forests. The news comes at a time when the Cayman Islands own proposed national conservation law is still at the consultation stage with no guarantee that it will make it to the Legislative Assembly next month as was hoped. During a series of public meetings in July when the Department of Environment director spelt out the pressing need for a conservation law here, Gina Ebanks-Petrie, noted the massive loss of mangroves that Cayman has suffered over the years and their current precarious protection. The NCL, she said, would offer a way of protecting what remains of the country's mangrove areas.

In 1980 there was over 5,000 acres of wetland and mangrove habitat on the western side of Grand Cayman. Today just a fraction of the mangroves remains, with more than 66 percent of those areas being lost. Read the whole story here. (Photo by Dennie Warren Jr)

Extension delays conservation bill

2010-07-24T12:26:00.001-05:00

By: Norma Connolly | norma@cfp.ky
Caymanian Compass

Environment minister Mark Scotland announced Thursday that the consultation period for the National Conservation Law will be extended by six weeks to 27 August.

The extended consultation period means the bill, which the minister had said was expected to go before the Legislative Council in September, will be delayed being voted into law by legislators.

The original month-long public consultation was scheduled to end on Friday, 16 July, but Mr. Scotland said several individuals, non-governmental organisations and community groups had indicated that they wanted to make contributions, so he extended the deadline.

A statement from the ministry on when the bill is now likely to go before legislators read: “The bill remains a priority for the ministry, but because the public consultation period has been extended, there will be an unavoidable delay in bringing the bill before the LA as government considers the public’s input.”

The Department of Environment has held seven public meetings and several other meetings and briefings with interested parties, such as developers, architects and the business community, during the most recent consultation period.

Read the full story here.

Baby birds need help

2010-07-17T11:31:00.003-05:00

Caymanian Compass
17 July 2010

When the Ching-chings start dive-bombing unsuspecting tourists walking through George Town, it is clearly nesting season.

Unfortunately, with nesting season come baby birds in need of help, and although Cayman Wildlife Rescue makes every attempt to restore nestlings to their wild families, this is not always possible.

The organisation is appealing for volunteers to hand-raise baby birds for release back into the wild. Read whole story here.

Keep those green bags clean

2010-07-12T15:27:00.003-05:00

by Basia Pioro McGuire
Caymanian Compass
12 July 2010

More and more Cayman residents are turning to reusable grocery bags to take home their shopping, preventing at least a few plastic bags from ending up at Mt. Trashmore.

But since the reusable bags are being used for food, they need to be kept clean.

Dr. Monica Hoefert of the Seven Mile Medical Clinic notes that the bags join a host of other kitchen items like fridge doors, dish towels, and kitchen sponges, which all breed germs quite easily. Read whole story here.

Tracking the Oil Spill in the Gulf

2010-07-10T15:13:00.003-05:00

Click here to see the interactive oil spill tracker courtesty of The New York Times and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

5 Easy and Economical Ways to Green Up

2010-07-04T10:36:00.002-05:00

As an American living in Grand Cayman, I notice that the 4th of July may come and go with less fanfare (though perhaps a few fireworks on Seven Mile Beach). Still, these handy tips from Inhabit are useful for any celebratory occasion. Check out the full article.

National Conservation Law

2010-07-03T14:10:00.002-05:00

The dates for the public meetings for comment on the proposed National Conservation Law have been announced by the Department of Environment. The first district meeting took place on Thursday, 1 July in Northside. The remaining six district meetings will be:

--Tuesday, 6 July: Bodden Town Primary School Hall, 7 – 9pm
--Thursday, 8 July: Elmslie Memorial Church Hall, George Town, 6 – 8pm
--Saturday, 10 July: National Trust House, Little Cayman, 7 – 9pm
--Monday, 12 July: John A. Cumber Hall, West Bay, 7 – 9pm
--Tuesday, 13 July: East End Community Centre, 7 – 9pm
--Thursday, 15 July: Aston Rutty Centre, Cayman Brac7 – 9pm

The Department of the Environment will explain the law and how it differs from the limited conservation law currently in force. For more information, read the full article or visit the DoE website to share your opinion via survey.

Global Warming Deniers and Their Proven Strategy of Doubt

2010-06-25T00:39:00.002-05:00

Yale Environment 360
by Naomi Orekses and Erik M. Conway

For years, free-market fundamentalists opposed to government regulation have sought to create doubt in the public’s mind about the dangers of smoking, acid rain, and ozone depletion. Now they have turned those same tactics on the issue of global warming and on climate scientists, with significant success. Read whole story here.

LIME bagged employee support to go "green"

2010-06-24T16:33:00.005-05:00

Cayman Net News

In support of the Cayman “Become Green” campaign, LIME provided its employees with reusable shopping bags.

LIME Country Manager Anthony Ritch and the service delivery team show off the bags they now will take to major supermarkets, which began implementing a five cent charge on 9 June for their new biodegradable plastic bags.

LIME employees at One Technology Square also received the reusable shopping bags.

Public meetings on draft National Conservation Bill

2010-06-22T19:56:00.000-05:00

Caymanian Compass
22 June 2010

Cayman residents can have their say on the newest version of the National Conservation Bill.

Environment Minister Mark Scotland wants to bring the bill to the Legislative Assembly before year’s end.

“I believe that we need comprehensive conservation legislation to adequately protect Cayman’s future,” Mr. Scotland said. “I also hold that the environment is an issue that affects everyone, and therefore it is vital to gauge public opinion on the matter.

The Department of Environment has started public consultations with key stakeholder meetings and the launch of an explanatory guide to the proposed National Conservation Law.

In addition, district meetings will start the week of 5 July. The department will announce times and venues as soon as possible. Read whole story here.

Today's Editorial for June 11: Thinking globally, acting locally

2010-06-11T21:36:00.000-05:00

Caymanian Compass

We have learned there is no threat of oil from the Gulf of Mexico leak washing ashore in the Cayman Islands.

However, this does not mean there is no threat at all to Cayman; scientists believe the Caribbean marine ecosystem could indeed be affected by the Gulf oil spill.

It is known, for instance, that one of the turtles that lays its eggs on Cayman’s beaches has migrated to an area in the Gulf. More significantly, it is thought that ocean-dwelling fish are part of a marine ecosystem interlinked with the Gulf. How that could affect Cayman is anyone’s guess, but the point is that the world’s environment crosses man-made borders of countries. Everything is ultimately linked.

The phrase ‘think globally, act locally’ has been used to encourage worldwide activism on a number of fronts, including the environment. The idea is that environmental issues are everyone’s problem, so everyone should do their part. It has been argued that Cayman is so small, anything it does to address things like its carbon footprint are negligible on a global scale. But just like one vote doesn’t usually win an election anywhere, politicians are ultimately elected by individual voters nonetheless. Every little bit does help, or hurt, depending on the action.

Read the full story here.

Most will bring their own grocery store bags

2010-06-11T17:18:00.003-05:00

By: Alan Markoff | alan@cfp.ky

Caymanian Compass

More the 71 per cent of the 482 respondents to last week’s caycompass.com online poll said they will take their own shopping bags when grocery stores start charging for plastic bags. Cayman’s major supermarkets started charging five cents per bag on Wednesday.

In total, 343 people - 71.2 per cent - said they would take their own bags to the store instead of paying the five cents.

“Of course, there will be the inevitable times I forget, so I’ll probably end up buying about 50 of the reusable ones - or just not use a bag, depending on what it is,” said one person. Read the full story here.

Plastic bag charge starts today

2010-06-09T04:33:00.002-05:00

9 June 2010
The Caymanian Compass

Starting today, supermarkets will be implementing a new 5 cent charge for plastic bags as part of the Cayman BECOME campaign to encourage the Cayman Islands public to bring their own reusable bags when they shop.

To prepare for the big day, cashiers and baggers have received training from the Cayman BECOME education and training committee.

“We are aiming to adapt the interaction between cashier and customer for when the charge is introduced,” said Senior Sustainable Development Officer at the Department of Environment Joni Kirkconnell, one of the trainers.

She said cashiers are now being urged to ask customers directly if they have their own bags with them and if not they will ask whether the customer needs a bag and wishes to purchase a reusable bag, or purchase plastic bags. “This should not only make people think about bringing their own bags in the future, but it will also make cashiers more aware of how many plastic bags they are providing, and customers more aware of how many plastic bags they are using,” said Ms Kirkconnell. Read the whole story here.

Cayman’s got a brand new bag

2010-06-07T14:11:00.001-05:00

What's Hot
TOPIC: Community
By: Basia Pioro-McGuire

Cayman BECOME is a new campaign promoting the use of reusable shopping bags instead of plastic, encouraging members of the community to take their own reusable bags when they shop.

Starting on 9 June, the initiative kicks into high gear with the introduction of a five cent charge for plastic bags at the Island’s supermarkets.

The programme is the result of much hard work by the Corporate Green Team Network, whose members include Cayman Eco, Deloitte Cayman, the Department of Environment, the Department of Tourism, dms, Island Heritage, Island Supply, KPMG, LIME, Maples Finance, Ogier, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and Rawlinson & Hunter.

“Sustainability is important for our community,” explains Department of Environment Sustainable Development Officer Sophie Halford.

Read the full story...

Cayman BECOME hands out free reusuable bags

2010-06-06T19:56:00.006-05:00

Join us on Saturday, June 12th between 10am-12 noon at Kirk Supermarket, Hurley's, and all Fosters stores to get a free reusable grocery bag from the Cayman BECOME campaign. Starting on June 9th, all of the stores will begin charging 5 cents for every plastic bag used. Each of the stores sell their own reusable bags in addition to the limited supply of Cayman BECOME bags that will be available on June 12th. For more information on Cayman BECOME, visit their website.

Cruise ship industry needs better waste-control standards

2010-06-05T06:45:00.003-05:00

Cruise ship companies needs to take responsibility for the waste it produces
(Credit: Ivan Lian via Flickr).

June 3, 2010
By David Suzuki with Faisal Moola

Imagine walking down the street just as the crew of an airplane flying overhead decides to dump sewage from the plane's toilets. Not a pleasant thought. Fortunately, airlines aren't allowed to do this.

But cruise ships do it all the time — and not just with sewage, but with food waste, oily bilge water, and solid waste as well. As an article on the nonprofit news website DC Bureau notes, cruise ship companies that rely on "pristine oceans, beautiful coral reefs and marine life" and "that advertise excursions to untouched ocean scenery are threatening these very same natural resources with their standard practice of flushing harmful toxins, mostly as sewage and food waste, into the ocean."

Although some cruise ship companies have made improvements in waste-water treatment, the industry still has a long way to go. And even though sewage is subject to some regulations, food-waste dumping is not regulated. Considering that a cruise ship can serve from 10,000 to 25,000 meals a day, that's a lot of leftover scraps and waste that are ground up and dumped into often-fragile ocean ecosystems. This waste becomes acidic as it decomposes, increasing nutrients that starve the ocean of oxygen and contribute to the creation of dead zones. Read more...

World Environment Day: June 5th

2010-06-03T14:16:00.001-05:00

Come out and help the Cayman Islands Department Of Environment (DoE) celebrate this year’s World Environment Day on June 5th at 8:00am by joining their tree planting event at following venues: Success Circle Park (Palm Dale Dr.), Harry Mckoy Park (Bodden Town), Cumber Park (Bodden Town) and Al Al park (West Bay). Volunteers are asked to bring their own shovels and gloves and DoE will supply the trees and refreshments.

Contact Leah Grant at the Department of Environment if you are interested in volunteering or for more information at Leah.Grant@gov.ky, (tel) 949-8469.

The burning question of Cayman's garbage

2010-05-31T20:29:00.007-05:00

A small trash incineration plant in Horsholm, Denmark. Far cleaner than conventional incinerators, this new type of plant converts local trash into heat and electricity. Photo: Johan Spanner/The New York Times

The Observer on Sunday - Local News
By: Basia Pioro McGuire

The way we think about waste in Cayman is at the forefront these days, with reminders about Mt. Trashmore’s state popping up with news that some of the site’s scrap metal is now being shipped off Island.

The site’s appearance from the Esterly Tibbets bypass may seem to indicate fewer junked cars, but the overwhelming feature, the 60-foot tall mound of garbage, still dominates the Grand Cayman skyline.

The Observer, the Compass the Journal have all reported extensively on Cayman’s trash situaiton and some of the available options. Currently, Dart the company, behind the massive Camana Bay development located adjacent to the hundred-acre landfill site, is holding town hall meetings with various stakeholders to explore possible solutions to the dump dilemma. Read whole story.

Toward Sustainable Travel: Breaking the Flying Addiction

2010-05-27T22:46:00.006-05:00

Yale Environment 360 - Opinion by Elisabeth Rosenthal

Flying dwarfs any other individual activity in terms of carbon emissions, yet more and more people are traveling by air. With no quick technological fix on the horizon, what alternatives — from high-speed trains to advanced videoconferencing — can cut back the amount we fly?

Read more

Reusable bags catching on

2010-05-21T15:51:00.001-05:00

Caymanian Compass

Local supermarkets are reporting an increase in demand for reusable shopping bags, and thanks may be due to the Cayman BECOME campaign.

The campaign, which launched at the beginning of April, is encouraging the Cayman Islands public to bring their own reusable bags when they shop and in doing so to become plastic free.

As part of this campaign, the major local supermarkets will start charging 5 cents per plastic bag from 9 June onwards.

“Over the month of April we sold six times the monthly average of reusable bags that we were getting through last year,” said Raquel Solomon of Foster’s Food Fair.

“The campaign does seem to be making a real difference.” Read the full story here.

Helping the environment of Cayman one cup at a time

2010-05-15T22:37:00.002-05:00

Cayman Net News

Illy coffee technician Ian Anderson walked into the Brew House Cafe and walked out a few minutes later with two trash bags filled with empty aluminium coffee containers. He threw the bags in his van, drove to another cafe and repeated the process, all in an effort to encourage recycling in Cayman.

“I’ve lived on the island so many years I just see that we just have to go and be proactive when it comes to recycling,” said Martin Richter, who started the recycling program last year in conjunction with Illy — an espresso and coffee accessory company.

Delivery drivers like Mr Anderson pick up empty aluminium containers from the retailers, collect them and drop off them off to be recycled...read the full story.

dms Broadcasting joins green campaign

2010-05-11T12:38:00.002-05:00

Cayman Net News

As environmental awareness takes center stage, dms Broadcasting station X107.1 is lending its voice to “Cayman Become’s” first green initiative – the plastic bag reduction campaign that runs through July.

“X107.1 is proud to be a sponsor of this initiative,” said X107.1 DJ and Programming Director Matt Nasby. “It is core to our business philosophy to lend our voice to causes that better Cayman and protect the future of our island.”

“Ensuring that the message is received by as many listeners as possible, we are featuring these community service announcements across all four of our dms Broadcasting stations.”

As a sponsor, X107.1 will promote a “greener mindset” for its listeners through a variety of ways, including guest speakers and community service announcements, such as “5 Things You Should Know” and “Completely Cayman.”

With more than 12 million plastic bags being disposed of each year in Grand Cayman, there is a rising concern about solid waste, Mr Nasby said, particularly because of the negative impact this will have on valuable marine resources and wildlife.

Read the full story here.

How to make a difference - Climate change and energy - How to make a solar water heater from plastic water bottles

2010-05-11T09:48:00.004-05:00

Retired mechanic Jose Alano invented a simple, cheap, energy saving rooftop solar water heater which is benefiting thousands of people. Here's how it's done...

José Alano is a model of creativity in tackling environmental problems in Brazil. In 2002, the retired mechanic transformed a pile of plastic bottles and cartons into a solar water heater. Since then, thousands of people in southern Brazil have benefited from Alano's invention, saving money while reducing waste.

The idea came from the lack of recycling collection services in his small home town of Tubarão. Refusing to throw plastic bottle, carton and other recyclable waste into the landfill, José Alano soon realised he had a problem: a room full of rubbish.

Read the whole story here.

Today's Editorial for May 11: Gov't must lead green movement

2010-05-11T09:08:00.000-05:00

Caymanian Compass

In an interesting outcome to a recent caycompass.com online poll, over two-thirds of the respondents said they conserved, but they knew they could be greener.

If one accepts the principle that acknowledgement is the first step in solving a problem, it seems the Cayman Islands populace would like to get greener. The problem is, the Cayman Islands Government isn’t on the same page.

As one of the poll respondents pointed out, nearly all of Cayman’s green initiatives are driven by the private sector, not the government. When it comes the being green, the government is no better than a pale shade of lime.

The country has a disgraceful landfill situation, with a towering mountain of trash dominating the George Town landscape. Pollutants leaching from the dump are poisoning the waters of one of Cayman’s most precious resources, the North Sound.

Although successive governments have commissioned expensive reports, paid for trips to multiple places abroad to learn about waste management, all we’ve heard is talk...read full story.

Cayman wants to be green

2010-05-07T09:22:00.003-05:00

Caymanian Compass

The vast majority of respondents in last week’s caycompass.com online poll say that when it comes to being green, they conserve but admit they could be “greener”.

Of the 297 respondents, 204 - or 68 per cent - when asked how green they were, answered that they conserved energy, but could do more for the environment.

One respondent boasted that he was greener than most of his neighbours, while another said: “I am very conservative, not wasteful. Re-use!”

One respondent echoed a sentiment often repeated in Cayman. “It would be helpful if there were more options here for recycling.”

Nine of the respondents, or 3 per cent of those who took part, gave themselves a pat on the back, saying “They don’t come any greener than me”, while 26 people, or 9 per cent of respondents, insisted they were not green at all and don’t plan on turning green...read full story.

Dragon Bay cleans up

2010-05-05T09:10:00.003-05:00

Caymanian Compass

An Earth Day clean-up sponsored by Dragon Bay developer Michael Ryan ensured that bags of litter were removed from the North Sound coastline.

Items removed included numerous plastic bags and bottles, as well as shoes, car tires, car parts, and countless Styrofoam food containers.

Over 60 volunteers, including Dragon Bay and Ritz-Carlton staff as well as their families and friends, spread out over an area encompassing the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman resort, the North Sound Club and Safe Haven.

Leading up to the clean-up, Ryan implemented a programme of activities to encourage eco-friendly practices throughout the 360-acre resort community...read full story.

Earth Day Turns 40

2010-05-02T23:44:00.002-05:00

Check out this interesting video celebrating 40 years of environmental history from Mother Nature Network.

Green Globe recipients honored

2010-05-01T17:27:00.001-05:00

Cayman Net News

Representatives from Cobalt Coast and Compass Point Dive Resorts and the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park were honored with Green Globe certificates at the Living Green Fair on Friday 23 April. Both resorts have specially appointed “green teams” who implement and oversee their green programmes, according to the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism (DOT), and the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park was the first botanic park in the Caribbean region to gain certification.

The DOT describes Green Globe as a highly regarded certification for the travel and tourism industry that demonstrates a commitment to improving environmental performance and efficient operations...see full article.

Prince Charles' Environment Film to Air in U.S.

2010-04-30T20:25:00.002-05:00

Prince Charles, heir to the British throne, has made a film about climate change and attempts to find innovative solutions to global environmental problems that will be shown on U.S. television.

U.S. network NBC said on Tuesday it would showcase the TV movie, called "Harmony", in November and described it as "an urgent, accessible and practical call to action".

NBC said the movie, and a companion television special, grew out of three decades of work on the issue of climate change by Prince Charles. It follows the prince at work in Britain and overseas and features contributions from farmers, business and government leaders.

The project also includes footage of Prince Charles interviewing former U.S. vice president and Nobel Peace Prize winner Al Gore in 1988. Gore won the Nobel prize, along with an Oscar, for his 2006 global warming documentary "An Inconvenient Truth."

Read the whole story here.

Mt. Trashmore scrap metal removal begins

2010-04-30T11:42:00.004-05:00

By: Norma Connolly and Basia McGuire Pioro | norma@cfp.ky, basia@cfp.ky
Caymanian Compass

Contractors have begun removing thousands of tons of scrap metal from the George Town landfill. Two local companies that won a tender bid to remove the scrap are in the process of clearing 6,000 tons of baled scrap metal from Mount Trashmore. With one shipment of scrap already gone, Director of Environmental Health Roydell Carter said the contractors began removing the second scrap metal shipment on Monday night. The team is working from 6pm to 6am over the next several days, Mr. Carter said. They removed 242 tons from the landfill overnight on Monday, with double the amount anticipated to be removed overnight on Tuesday.

“The scrap is being loaded on a barge, and we anticipate that all the scrap will be loaded and ready to be shipped by Friday,” said Ministry of Works Chief Officer Kearney Gomez. During the day, operators are hard at work baling loose metal and crushing cars in preparation for shipment. “Looking around, it’s really striking how much of the scrap that was here has now been taken away,” said Mr. Gomez. “But this is only the first step in the plans we have for dealing with Cayman’s solid waste from now on.” Read the full story...

Bagging the plastic

2010-04-23T13:39:00.000-05:00

The Minister for Environment the Hon. Mark Scotland showed his support for Cayman BECOME by joining Green Team Network members as they launched the campaign in stores on Earth Day, April 22, 2010: “Most people don’t think twice about the plastic bags that hold their groceries, but the fact is, they add significantly to our already overflowing landfill. Charging for plastic bags is a strategy that is successfully used elsewhere. What is more, the plastic bag charge will be used for local environmental initiatives and finding more environmentally-responsible options to other supermarket packaging,” the Minister said….read the full story.

Earth Day: Celebrating 40 Years

2010-04-21T18:29:00.009-05:00

The 5th edition of the Cayman Eco newsletter is now available to download from our blog and website. Managing Editor Tammy Kelderman provides an overview:

"Earth Day is 40 years old this year. By coincidence, it is this editor's 40th anniversary on the planet too. As I researched this issue of the Cayman Eco, I found myself reflecting on how far we have come since 1970. What struck me is the fact that Earth Day was founded way before plastic carrier bags were invented. It gave me hope that Earth Day will outlive plastic bags, just as it has outlived DDT, leaded fuel, and CFCs. With a little effort, we can curb our appetite for plastics, clean up our oceans, waterways and streets, and make harmful products a thing of the past. Life is a learning curve and sometimes the changes we need to make throughout our personal lives and throughout history are so obvious, once we make them we cannot believe we ever did things any other way."

What's in your garbage?

2010-04-19T20:33:00.004-05:00

By: Basio Pioro | basia@cfp.ky
The Observer

The growing pile of trash at Mount Trashmore received about 1205 tons of residential waste in January alone - all those food containers, newspapers, and packaging we find ourselves innocently slinging into the bin all day long.

On Grand Cayman, there is an estimated 450 tons of all types of waste entering the George Town Landfill. Of this amount, approximately 225-250 tons per day are municipal garbage.

It’s all up to us to do our bit until recycling comes into play. So, what’s in your garbage?

Breaking it down
The Department of Environmental Health’s Leon Watson has noted a lot of the trash going to the landfill is plastic. Light, strong and cheap, it’s everywhere these days, and hard to avoid.

One strategy consumers have adopted in other jurisdictions is avoiding purchasing products that are packaged in plastic, avoiding plastic bags, or staying away from excessive packaging in general. Here in Cayman, a small step in that direction has been taken with Cayman BECOME, the new plastic bag reduction campaign launched by the Cayman Corporate Green Team Network...read full story.

Climate Change and the Sea Around Us

2010-04-15T17:02:00.005-05:00

The Central Caribbean Marine Institute has published its second "Green Guide" discussing climate change and the sea around us. To download a copy, visit the CCMI website.

Cayman BECOME featured on Cayman 27

2010-04-15T16:01:00.004-05:00

The Cayman BECOME campaign was featured on April 14th on Cayman 27 news channel. Earth Day is just around the corner and to celebrate, several organizations have come together to launch a new plastic bag reduction campaign. Many will agree that plastic shopping bags are a great invention to help people when they go shopping for the family groceries. But unfortunately they are not good for the environment. The three major supermarkets in Cayman use an average of 1 million bags per month and those bags go to the Cayman Islands Landfill, better known as Mount Trashmore, which is well over capacity. The full broadcast may be seen at Cayman 27's website.

You are the Green Generation

2010-04-15T08:21:00.002-05:00

Books & Books in Camana Bay is celebrating Earth Day with the National Trust of the Cayman Islands and the Cayman Islands Department of Environment. Join us for a fun and educational evening including visual presentations on the Blue Iguanas and methods for going GREEN. This exciting eco-event for children aged 7 to 10 also features creative crafts that make recycling fun and a selection of Earth Day books.

Architects Envison Hawaii-Sized Island Made of Recycled Plastic

2010-04-14T16:21:00.002-05:00

by Bridgette Meinhold
Inhabit

A group of architects from the Netherlands have a crazy idea to take all the plastic floating out there in the Pacific Ocean, and recycle it into a floating island the size of Hawaii. Climate refugees would be able to move there and live in recycled plastic homes, and work on farms or grow seaweed. The entire island would be totally self-sufficient once built, producing its own food and energy, and managing waste. While totally off the wall, this is an intriguing concept that gets our imaginations in motion about what we can do with that ginormous mass of plastic floating around in the ocean!

Read full story...

"Living Green" Fair on April 23rd

2010-04-14T16:07:00.005-05:00

The Departments of Tourism and Environment will be hosting a fair, “Living Green” in celebration of Earth Day on Friday, April 23rd 2010, on the lawns of the Governor’s House. The objective of “Living Green” is to expose both the private and public to green initiatives and products currently available on island that residents can adopt in their day to day lives at home and in the office. The fair will also incorporate the involvement of Cayman Islands youth with 1:30pm until 2:30pm designated just for the students so that they can learn the many ways of living green in Cayman.

For more information contact Aliya Dunstan (adunstan@caymanislands.ky) at 244-1251.

Plastic bags are killing our marine environment

2010-04-14T13:08:00.002-05:00

By: Michael Klein | mklein@cfp.ky
The Journal

All of Cayman’s supermarkets have agreed to discontinue the use of non-biodegradable plastic bags from June and will encourage shoppers to bring reusable bags, reports business journalist Michael Klein.

As the most widely used consumer item, plastic bags have become a huge burden on the environment worldwide. In Cayman, where “Mount Trashmore” has been steadily growing without any recognisable strategy to reduce or eliminate solid waste, non-biodegradable plastic bags have noticeably contributed to an increasing garbage problem.

“The facts and figures speak for themselves in that we are all playing our part in killing our natural environment,” says Woody Foster, managing director of Fosters Food Fair IGA.

“No one really thinks about the few bags that are in their possession when they go shopping, but when you add them all up over the year, over 12 million bags goes a long way in killing the environment that we love so much.”

For this reason, all of Cayman’s supermarkets, including Fosters, Kirk and Hurley’s, have agreed in a concerted effort to discontinue the use of non-biodegradable plastic bags. The move will see the introduction of a fee of 5 cents for each of the biodegradable bags that will replace them. At the same time supermarkets will encourage customers to bring their own reusable bags...read full story.

The Corporate Green Team Network

2010-04-14T13:06:00.000-05:00

The Journal

The Corporate Green Team Network started as a volunteer group of individuals from a number of private and public sector companies and organisations in the Cayman Islands. Initially, the group was created in June 2009 as the result of a partnership between Deloitte and the Department of Environment.

“We went to Deloitte with the DoE Sustainability Unit series of guides on sustainability issues in the office space,” says Gina Ebanks-Petrie. The DoE was aware of Deloitte’s internal green efforts but also as a frequent contributor to sustainability issues. “We approached them to see whether they would be interested in sponsoring the guides.”

The outcome of a conversation with Deloitte Chief Operating Officer Alee Fa’amoe was that Deloitte was interested in the issues in general and attracted by the fact that the DoE saw this as part of a bigger plan to get buy-in for on the political level and not just a one-off project, she says. “And that really our goal is to move as a country to a national sustainability strategy.” Both parties have signed a memorandum of understanding to participate in other sustainable development initiatives...read full story.

Protecting our precious assets

2010-04-14T13:04:00.001-05:00

By: Kate Pellow
What's Hot: Cayman's Local Guide

Cayman’s environment, especially its oceans, is one of its greatest assets. Yet our everyday lives can have a major impact on this asset.

When it comes to the environment, plastic is a huge pollutant. The problems with plastic arise mainly from our slovenly approach to putting it in the bin and making sure it is recycled once it is no longer needed.

Plastic is cheap to produce, flexible, durable, waterproof, easy to manufacture and it has been used increasingly since the 1950s. Plastic has replaced many traditional resources such as glass, wood and steel and it is used in pretty much everything we come into contact with. Scientists are developing newer, safer plastics and alternatives, such as biodegradable plastics, but certainly not quickly enough to curb the plastic issues facing the environment...read full story.

Cayman BECOME: Plastic Bag Reduction Campaign

2010-04-13T07:13:00.005-05:00

As Earth Day 2010 approaches this month, an important initiative is being launched. The Corporate Green Team Network, a group of corporate representatives and some public sector agencies brought together through a partnership between the Department of Environment (DOE) and Deloitte Cayman, have joined forces to promote environmental responsibility through the reduction of plastic bag use in the Cayman Islands. Over 12 million of these bags are disposed of every year in Grand Cayman, which have a negative impact on our valuable marine resources and wildlife. This is why we encourage the community to bring their own bags when they shop, instead of using plastic. The major supermarkets in Grand Cayman - Fosters Food Fair, Hurley's, and Kirk Supermarket - are supporting CGTN's campaign by working with to reduce this type of waste. As part of this effort they will be doing the following:

The non-degradable plastic carrier bags currently supplied will be replaced by bio-degradable plastic bags.
As of Wednesday June 9th, a charge will be introduced for these biodegradable bags of 5 cents per bag.
Reusable bags will continue to be sold in the supermarket stores.

For more information about getting involved with the Cayman BECOME campaign, visit their website.

Cleaning the green way

2010-04-12T07:22:00.002-05:00

By: Jan Byrne | jan@cfp.ky
The Observer on Sunday

April is earth month and during April the Observer On Sunday will be looking at ways that you can make changes to your lifestyle to help the environment. This week we look at swapping ordinary household cleaners for green alternatives.

There are two very good reasons why it is better to switch from everyday cleaning products to green household cleaning products. One, is that they contain harmful solvents and chemicals that we breathe in and absorb through our skins,the other is that they are harmful to the environment.

Chris Hew from Hews Janitorial cleaning services, switched to using green products many years ago after realising how much bleach and other chemicals were going into the groundwater and feeding into the oceans and plants.

He was also concerned about the effect harmful chemicals would have on his staff from using them every day...read full story.

Cayman Earth Month

2010-03-30T21:21:00.005-05:00

This year the Cayman Islands, in association with The Cayman Islands National Trust are dedicating the entire month of April to celebrate Earth Day. The Cayman Earth Month website is your one-stop-shop to The Cayman Islands Earth Month events and news . If you have an event you’d like to promote on this website or would like more information on Cayman Earth Month, please send details to edaniel@nationaltrust.org.ky

FirstCaribbean promotes a clean Cayman on Earth Day

2010-03-29T21:16:00.000-05:00

Sunday, March 28, 2010
Cayman Net News

The Earth Day celebration in Cayman will include a roadside clean-up sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce on 17 April, from 7am to 11am.

The first 1,000 volunteers will receive a free Earth Day T-shirt from FirstCaribbean International Bank, which supports the effort to promote environmental responsibility and “help make Cayman cleaner.”

David Gordon, mortgage manager with FirstCaribbean International Bank, says that the Bank takes its environmental and social responsibilities extremely seriously and is the reason they volunteered to sponsor the Roadside Clean Up.

“Earth Day, and indeed Earth Week, gives us all the chance to focus on this important issue,” says Mr Gordon, “and help make Cayman a more environmentally friendly and therefore more pleasing place to live.”

Read full story...

Sustainable Development Unit (SDU) Newsletter Issue 7

2010-03-29T16:26:00.007-05:00

Issue 7 of the Sustainable Development Unit (SDU) Newsletter published by the Cayman Islands Department of Environment is now available to download.

This issue focuses on partnerships for sustainable development, including the partnership between the DOE and Deloitte for sustainability initiatives. The concept of sustainable development is one that speaks to community action and working together to achieve our aims. The issue also features participation of the Cayman Islands in the 2009 International Coastal Clean Up and the 350.org climate change campaign.

The Battle Over Bottled Water

2010-03-25T23:19:00.007-05:00

March 24, 2010, 3:02 pm
By SINDYA N. BHANOO
Green Inc., The New York Times

Published in recognition of World Water Day, a video called The Story of Bottled Water made its debut on YouTube this week, using animation and snappy narration to convey what its makers consider to be the evils of bottled water. (It comes from the same folks who produced ”The Story of Stuff” — an eco-themed viral video sensation from last year.)

Not missing a beat, the International Bottled Water Association, declared the new video to be sensational, and quickly posted its own minifilm, highlighting the sustainability practices of its members, which include major brands like Nestlé...read full story.

March 22 is World Water Day

2010-03-20T23:29:00.005-05:00

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is coordinating the organization of the World Water Day 2010 campaign to:

Raise awareness about sustaining healthy ecosystems and human well-being through addressing the increasing water quality challenges in water management and
Raise the profile of water quality by encouraging governments, organizations, communities, and individuals around the world to actively engage in proactively addressing water quality e.g. in pollution prevention, clean up and restoration.

More...

Water Board signs up for Earth Day sponsorship

2010-03-16T07:18:00.002-05:00

Cayman Net News

Signing on again to support the Earth Day Roadside Clean Up, sponsored by the Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce, is the Water Authority Board.

At a recent Water Authority Board meeting, a donation of $1,000 was approved to support environmental awareness in the Cayman Islands with Earth Week activities, which help raise environmental awareness among the public.

“The Authority is acutely aware of its social and environmental responsibility to the larger community,” said Water Authority Board Chairman Mr Jonathan Piercy, “and we believe that this initiative provides an opportunity for us to play our part in keeping our Islands clean and attractive...read full story.

Trashing the marine environment

2010-03-08T10:02:00.003-06:00

Eugene Bonthuys | eugene@cfp.ky
The Observer

Cayman’s environment suffers from many maladies. Whether destruction of habitat through development or pressure on ecosystems through food demands, many species face an uphill battle as they struggle to survive.

Unfortunately, discarded items like plastic bags and fishing line are causing many injuries and deaths in Cayman’s environment, affecting animals, birds and fish.

Not even Cayman’s iconic turtles are immune. Although some are taken intentionally during poaching, many others are injured or killed unintentionally.

“Turtles and other marine animals need a healthy marine environment and many careless actions such as anchoring in coral or dumping garbage have severe consequences. Even the seafood we choose off a menu has an impact,” says Janice Blumenthal of the Department of Environment...read full story.

Port-au-Prince Could Be Recycled and Rebuilt From Itself

2010-03-02T20:39:00.003-06:00

by Bridgette Meinhold
Inhabit

What if the crumbled remains of Haiti could be recycled and used to repair and rebuild a brand new city? That’s what one company, Independence Recycling of Florida, is proposing as a reconstruction process. Economically, it makes sense to use the existing material on site rather than having to import material to the island nation, and there are also significant environmental benefits to not sending all that waste to the landfill or using virgin materials to rebuild Haiti.

Read the full story here.

Botanic Park certified as 'Green'

2010-02-24T20:08:00.001-06:00

Cayman Net News

The Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park is the first attraction in the Caribbean to attain Green Globe Certification. Highly regarded in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry, the certification demonstrates a commitment to the environment, sustainable operations and management.

“The Botanic Park has always been a green facility and the certification process has made us look at all of our practices and procedures to see where improvements could be made,” said Andrew Guthrie, general manager of the Botanic Park. “These changes have enabled the Botanic Park to become even more ecologically sound, which furthers our conservation goals.”

The park is a driving force in the rehabilitation of the indigenous blue iguana species and educates guests and the general public on their importance.

Through its participation in the Cayman Islands Environmental Project for the Tourism Sector (CEPTS), a joint pilot project between the Departments of Tourism and Environment and the tourism private sector, the QEII Botanic Park successfully applied 133 standards, implemented several environmental best practices, and a detailed third party audit to attain the certification...read full story.

Building a Foundation for Energy Conservation

2010-02-23T20:03:00.003-06:00

February 23, 2010 by Green Irene

Want to get the most bang for your buck in going green? High profile projects like home solar panels may not actually be the best first step. Check out Minnesota Power’s energy conservation pyramid above, which can help in understanding the best choices to get the highest return on your investment.

As the pyramid shows, changes like reducing vampire power and switching to energy-efficient lighting can make a big impact for your home without the significant cost of more complex projects like replacing windows or installing a home wind turbine. This means smaller purchases like CFL bulbs to replace incandescents or power strips for electronics can be the best way to start conserving.

Even more importantly, the pyramid shows that the base for energy conservation is information. Understanding your energy usage, potential steps, and appropriate products and tools is fundamental to any other conservation measures you may take...read full story.

Traveling reefs exhibit comes to Cayman

2010-02-23T19:56:00.004-06:00

Cayman Net News
February 19, 2010

A traveling marine exhibit spotlighting the Caribbean reef ecosystem has come to Grand Cayman. Designed to promote awareness, understanding, and stewardship of coral reefs among all peoples of the wider Caribbean, the “Our Reefs: Caribbean Connections” exhibit is on display at the George Town Public Library through 12 March.

Brought here by the Department of Environment (DoE) with the assistance of Tropical Shipping, the exhibit was originally developed by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and is open to the public without charge.

The exhibit, completely revised by Florida State University in 1996, caught the attention of DoE staff when they attended the 2008 International Coral Reef Symposium. Illustrated in the exhibit’s modules are common environmental challenges, as well as local attempts within the Caribbean to conserve, sustainably utilize, or restore reefs and related ecosystems...read full story.

Green offices come to Cayman

2010-02-22T22:06:00.004-06:00

By Basia Pioro
The Observer

With the new Government Office Accommodation Building set to open its doors in the not-too-distant future, it’s fair to say the green office has arrived in Cayman. But despite hearing talk of green this and green that, the fact is many of us don’t quite know what it means.

A few statistics from the US Green Building Council can put what green building advocates are doing in context. The organisation is behind the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design building certification programme: a rating system for buildings designed, constructed and operated for improved environmental and human health performance.
The USGBC presents some eye-opening facts.
In the United States alone, buildings account for:
• 72 per cent of electricity consumption,
• 39 per cent of energy use,
• 38 per cent of all carbon dioxide emissions,
• 40 per cent of raw materials use,
• 30 per cent of waste output (136 million tons annually), and
• 14 per cent of potable water consumption.

Designers of a green building, whether it’s an office or a home, or even a commercial property, think about a multitude of elements they can incorporate into the project that can reduce its impact on the planet.
Cindy O’Hara, managing director of Design Cayman and the lead architect on the new government building, lists just a few:
Situating the building to take advantage of natural recourses and indigenous landscape considerations;
Water efficiency and reuse;
The use of renewable energy or green power;
Minimizing the use of refrigerants that contain ozone depleting and direct global warming potential;
Considering materials and resources that include recycled content and rapidly renewable materials;
Improved indoor environmental quality, including maximizing day lighting, exterior views and thermal comfort while eliminating pollutants.
“These considerations among others are incorporated into the principles of LEED,” she says.

Read full story...

Nature imposes the real bottom line

2010-02-22T10:28:00.010-06:00

by David Suzuki with Faisal Moola

In December, Canadian specialty TV channel Business News Network interviewed me about the climate summit in Copenhagen. My six-minute interview followed a five-minute live report from Copenhagen, about poor countries demanding more money to address climate change and rich countries pleading a lack of resources. Before and after those spots were all kinds of reports on the Dow Jones Industrial Average, the price of gold and the loonie, and the implications of some new phone technology.

For me, this brought into sharp focus the inevitable failure of our negotiating efforts on climate change. BNN, like the New York-based Bloomberg channel, is a 24-hour-a-day network focused completely on business. These networks indicate that the economy is our top priority. And at Copenhagen, money dominated the discussions and the outcome.

But where is the 24-hour network dealing with the biosphere? As biological creatures, we depend on clean air, clean water, clean soil, clean energy, and biodiversity for our well-being and survival. Surely protecting those fundamental needs should be our top priority and should dominate our thinking and the way we live. After all, we are animals and our biological dependence on the biosphere for our most basic needs should be obvious.

The economy is a human construct, not a force of nature like entropy, gravity, or the speed of light or our biological makeup. It makes no sense to elevate the economy above the things that keep us alive. But that’s what our prime minister does when he claims we can’t even try to meet the Kyoto targets because that might have a detrimental effect on the economy.

This economic system is built on exploiting raw materials from the biosphere and dumping the waste back into the biosphere. And conventional economics dismisses all the “services” that nature performs to keep the planet habitable for animals like us as “externalities”. As long as economic considerations trump all other factors in our decisions, we will never work our way out of the problems we’ve created.

We often describe the triple bottom line – society, economy, and environment – as three intersecting circles of equal size. This is nonsense. The reality is that the largest circle should represent the biosphere. Within that, we have 30 million species, including us, that depend on it. Within the biosphere circle should be a much smaller circle, which is human society, and within that should be an even smaller circle, the economy. Neither of the inner circles should grow large enough to intersect with the bigger ones, but that’s what’s happening now as human societies and the economy hit their limits.

We also draw lines around property, cities, provinces, and countries. We take these so seriously that we are willing to fight and die to protect those borders. But nature pays no attention to human boundaries. Air, water, soil that blows across continents and oceans, migrating fish, birds and mammals, and windblown seeds cannot be managed within human strictures, yet all the discussions in Copenhagen were centred on countries that, in turn, were divided into rich and poor. In science-fiction movies where an alien from outer space attacks and kills humans, national differences disappear as we join forces to fight a common enemy. That is what we have to tap into to meet the climate crisis.

Nature is our home. Nature provides our most fundamental needs. Nature dictates limits. If we are striving for a truly sustainable future, we have to subordinate our activities to the limits that come from nature. We know how much carbon dioxide can be reabsorbed by all the green things in the oceans and on land, and we know we are exceeding those limits. That’s why carbon is building up in the atmosphere. So our goal is clear. All of humanity must find a way to keep emissions below the limits imposed by the biosphere.

The only equitable course is to determine the acceptable level of emissions on a global per capita basis. Those who fall below the line should be compensated for their small carbon footprint while those who are far above should be assessed accordingly. But the economy must be aligned with the limits imposed by the biosphere, not above them.

DoSomething.org, HP Challenge Teens to 'Green' Their Schools

2010-02-14T18:54:00.001-06:00

Philanthropy News Digest
February 13, 2010

DoSomething.org and Hewlett-Packard have announced an initiative designed to challenge teens to find new and innovative ways of conserving energy while reducing waste in their schools.

More than a hundred thousand teens are expected to participate in the Increase Your Green campaign, which will run from February 15 through Earth Day on April 22. In addition to traditional "green" projects such as recycling programs and community gardens, teens will be encouraged to explore ways of using technology to save energy...read full story.

Light and the Bright Green City

2010-02-12T16:04:00.004-06:00

By Alex Steffen
Worldchanging
February 9, 2010

It's become a common slide at conferences: a map of the Earth at night, with the wealthier and denser areas shining brightly. Africa seen at night is largely dark, and this is often the point of the slide: look at how much energy some people have access to, and how little others do (which is true: almost 90% of Africans lack ready access to electricity, according to the World Bank), and, by inference, what gaps in economic prosperity persist.

But these maps don't actually display prosperity, or even energy use: instead, maps of brightness illustrate light pollution and energy waste. The blazing lights our satellites photograph while whizzing above us in their orbits, well, that's light that's serving no useful purpose (unless you want to think of our glowing cities as a form of art meant for distant eyes). Light seen from space is bouncing off illuminated surfaces, or being shone directly from bulbs aimed up. Neither is helping us on the ground see our cities better...read full story.

'Mt. Trashmore' - Government mulls 12 bids

2010-02-12T15:54:00.001-06:00

Cayman Net News
February 3, 2010

The George Town landfill, commonly known as Mount Trashmore, is said to be the highest point in Grand Cayman, and has long been a cause for concern. Government is now considering proposals to convert the waste material into energy.

“We have received 12 proposals and we are looking to award a contract to a company who can convert the waste products into renewal energy production, and get rid of that dump,” said Premier Mckeeva Bush.

Landfills produce a steady stream of methane as heaps of biodegradable materials decompose. This can be tapped and used as fuel to run power generators and vehicles as a supplement to conventional energy production.

Mount Trashmore is estimated to be about 27 years old, and is located on a 58-acre, Government-owned parcel of land. It is clearly visible to cruise ship passengers entering Grand Cayman, and is quickly running out of space...read full story.

Deloitte and DoE to partner up

2010-02-03T12:59:00.001-06:00

Caymanian Compass

A local firm has taken a step further in asserting its commitment to the environment. On 10 December 2009 Deloitte and the Department of Environment signed a memorandum of understanding to promote, assist and support increasing awareness and implementation of environmental projects and green initiatives.

Director of the Department of Environment, Mrs. Gina Ebanks-Petrie said that she was delighted to be able to work cooperatively with a company such as Deloitte to promote sustainable development concepts and projects.

“I think it is critical that government and private sector corporations begin to work jointly to ensure the continued viability of the resources and environmental systems on which our future well-being depends and I am grateful to Deloitte for their foresight and commitment,” she said.

The partnership will allow Deloitte and DoE to work together to identify, prioritize and provide technical assistance and funding to implement activities relating to the environment and to actively seek to network with other corporations who have similar green initiatives.

2010-02-01T20:39:00.005-06:00

By Will @ 350.org

We have discussed the tremendous leadership of the Maldives in the fight against climate change on numerous occassions, but this latest bit of news likely ought to make the US and other developed countries blush...

In advance of the January 31 deadline to submit mitigation targets under the new Copenhagen Accord, the Maldives has reinforced their goal of becoming carbon neutral in the next decade, declaring that they will reduce CO2 emissions 100% by 2020. This comes days after the US submitted their plans to cut emissions just 17% below 2005 levels (3% below 1990 levels) and the Europeans continue to stick with their 20% by 2020 target. These targets are not new, but as the international community continues to find it's feet again after the confusion of Copenhagen these submissions are a reminder of where the real leadership rest...read full story.

Conservation law still up in the air

2010-01-24T13:25:00.002-06:00

By: Basia McGuire Pioro
The Observer

The state of conservation in the Cayman Islands has been in flux in recent years, as government after government has made promises to enact a comprehensive conservation law that would protect Cayman’s natural areas.

In the most recent development, MLA Ellio Solomon announced on January 14 that the minister responsible for the Environment portfolio, Mark Scotland, hoped to revive the law and get it passed as soon as possible.

The Minister explained that he hopes to set in motion a process that will allow him to table a new version of the bill in the June session of the Legislative Assembly.

“Right now, we intend to start a public consultation process with key stakeholders like the tourism association, real estate association, and the National Trust, then move on to coordinating meetings with the general public.”

Read the full story...

How High Will Seas Rise? Get Ready for Seven Feet

2010-01-21T22:15:00.002-06:00

by Rob Young and Orrin Pilkey
Yale 360

As governments, businesses, and homeowners plan for the future, they should assume that the world’s oceans will rise by at least two meters — roughly seven feet — this century. But far too few agencies or individuals are preparing for the inevitable increase in sea level that will take place as polar ice sheets melt. Read whole story here.

After Copenhagen - the Tactics and the Treaty

2010-01-20T19:42:00.003-06:00

In the wake of the COP-15 summit in Copenhagen, the first Earthcast of 2010 is scheduled for Wednesday, January 27th (17:00 GMT, 12:00 EST, 9:00 PST). This live interactive web event will examine the treaty that emerged, the negotiating tactics behind it, and what the next steps are likely to be.

Experts Michael Grubb, David Satterthwaite and Richard Smith will be dissecting the agreement and asking whether future negotiations can establish a binding treaty that sets ambitious limits for the large emitters while supporting developing nations financially and technologically.

To register, go to the following link.

A law to preserve Cayman’s environment is a must

2010-01-17T18:50:00.001-06:00

The Observer

If Fred Burton’s dire predictions are correct, we are leaving our children and grandchildren a barren land.

He has intensely analysed satellite imagery of the vegetation on Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman.

What he found was that by the end of this century there will be no natural environment left because of over population, which will naturally lead to over development.

Some people don’t really care about the future of the Cayman Islands, but we at the Observer on Sunday certainly do.

That’s why we are imploring our lawmakers, once again, to enact a thorough conservation law...read full story.

Blazing the Green Trail

2010-01-17T18:47:00.004-06:00

By Basia Pioro McGuire
The Observer

When an English graduate research assistant named Fred Burton, stepped off a plane in Grand Cayman in 1979 looking for a bit of adventure, neither he nor the Island could have had an inkling of the significance the event would have.

Today, the former mosquito researcher has managed to help bring back Grand Cayman’s Blue Iguanas from the brink of extinction, been awarded an MBE for services in conservation of endangered species, and become the inaugural recipient of the Blue Turtle Award for nature conservation in the Overseas Territories and Crown Territories...read full story.

Environment Break: DOE on Daybreak in December and January

2010-01-15T15:31:00.007-06:00

In the weeks following the international climate conference in Copenhagen, Donna Bush of "Daybreak" spoke with Lisa-Ann Hurlstone-McKenzie of the Sustainable Development Unit in the Cayman Islands Department of Environment about climate change and issues facing the Cayman Islands:
http://www.cayman27.com.ky./news/item/3745
http://www.cayman27.com.ky./news/item/3875

Floating bar protest burns Bernie Bush

2010-01-11T06:51:00.004-06:00

By Joe Shooman, joe@cfp.ky

The licensee of the planned floating restaurant and bar at Stingray City said he would make objectors to his project “swallow their words” when they see the high standards of the facility.

Bernie Bush told the Caymanian Compass he had gone “way beyond the call” in complying with the stringent standards required by the Liquor Licensing Board of Grand Cayman to obtain the provisionally granted retail and music and dancing liquor license.

“The board did its job,” he said. “I feel, in fact, it went beyond it and was very, very strict with me. I don’t see that strictness with other boats, but such is life. If I have to set the bar, I have no problem setting the bar with quality, service, quality of product and quality in all other standards.” Read full story here.

Try living No Impact for a week

2010-01-07T20:27:00.003-06:00

The No Impact Experiment, brought to you by the No Impact Project, is a one-week carbon cleanse. It is a chance for you to see what a difference no-impact living can have on your quality of life. It’s not about giving up creature comforts but an opportunity for you to test whether the modern “conveniences” you take for granted are actually making you happier or just eating away at your time and money.

Click here for more details...

Try living No Impact for a week

2010-01-07T20:27:00.002-06:00

The Next Decade's Top Sustainability Trends

2010-01-06T19:39:00.002-06:00

By Warren Karlenzig
WorldChanging Team

What trends are likely the next ten years? One thing for sure, 2010 through 2019 will be one day looked at as 1) the turning point for addressing climate change by using effective urban management strategies, or it will be remembered as 2) the time when we collectively fumbled the Big Blue Ball...read full story.

Focus on sustainable tourism

2010-01-06T19:28:00.001-06:00

By Joe Shooman, joe@cfp.ky
Caymanian Compass

The head of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation has said that 2010 presents some challenges and will see an increase in focus of the effects of climate change and sustainable tourism.

In a New Year message, John Maginley, chairman of the organisation, said that its responsibility was to sustain the purity and beauty of the region and grow the tourism sector to its full potential.

An upcoming Sustainable Tourism Conference is due to be announced in which renewable energy strategies and new ideas to support Caribbean–wide sustainable tourism would be discussed, he said.

“The global landscape has changed and the Caribbean has an opportunity to contribute fresh, forward–thinking ideas while demonstrating leadership in the quest for a green economy,” he said. “We know that the coming year will not be without challenge; but let’s be thankful for the positive signs we’ve experienced in our tourism industry.”

Read full story...

Apocalypse Fatigue: Losing the Public on Climate Change

2010-01-05T14:54:00.004-06:00

by Ted Nordhaus and Michael Shellenberger
Yale Environment 360

Last month, the Pew Research Center released its latest poll of public attitudes on global warming. On its face, the news was not good: Belief that global warming is occurring had declined from 71 percent in April of 2008 to 56 percent in October — an astonishing drop in just 18 months. The belief that global warming is human-caused declined from 47 percent to 36 percent.

While some pollsters questioned these numbers, the Pew statistics are consistent with the findings by Gallup in March that public concern about global warming had declined, that the number of Americans who believed that news about global warming was exaggerated had increased, and that the number of Americans who believed that the effects of global warming had already begun had declined...Read full story

Beach erosion, reef & fish decline cited as priority

2010-01-04T20:38:00.002-06:00

Cayman News Service
Posted on Wed, 12/09/2009

(CNS): While world leaders are still convening in Copenhagen to decide how humanity can address the problem of climate change on a global scale, the local national climate change strategy workshop has come to a close. According to a release from government, at the end of the three day event, beach erosion, reef and fisheries decline, rising energy, food and water costs, and higher insurance premiums were cited as the issues requiring priority attention in Cayman’s climate change strategy, which was described as a “big leap forward” by the environment minister.

Addressing participants at the end of the workshop, Minister of Environment Mark Scotland said much more work needed to be done but Cayman that had “taken a big leap forward in arriving at a climate change plan that lists priorities as well as possible mitigation and adaptation strategies and policies.”...read full story.

Editorial: In 2010, let's set a goal to become green

2010-01-03T16:19:00.002-06:00

Cayman Net News

As we start the New Year, one resolution that should be made by all stakeholders, both public and private, is to make a determined and effective effort to tackle a number of environmental issues, in particular, the longstanding problem of Mount Trashmore … the unsightly, smelly and environmentally unsafe (well over three decades in the making) garbage dump.

Previous governments have promised much but delivered little, especially when it came to the environment in general and the garbage dump in particular – which have been the target on many money-grabbing schemes by wily local businessmen.

In fact, generally speaking, over the years politicians in the Cayman Islands have paid scant regard to and have not put sufficient emphasis on preserving either our national heritage or environment...read full story.

Stingray City bar protest planned

2010-01-01T14:25:00.003-06:00

By Joe Shooman, joe@cfp.ky
Caymanian Compass

A protest against the new Stingray City ‘floating bar’ boat is to take place in Heroes’ Square, George Town on Monday. A bar boat facility was granted a retail liquor licence and a music and dancing licence at the 10 December Liquor Licensing Board meeting.

The vessel will sail out to anchor and operate in the area of Stingray City, contingent on passing other legal requirements from Department of Environmental Health, Port Authority, Liquor Inspector and the Commissioner of Police...read full story.