Friday, December 14, 2007

Make your Holidays Caribbean Green

I suppose I am not an environmentalist in the true sense of the word, even though I do believe in giving all species, including our own, a fair chance of survival. Given the current oil prices, even a little bit of environmental action can produce great returns in our pockets.

A few months ago I made a pledge to include an aspect that has to do with the environment in everything MarkStra does. It's for the environment, but fortunately some environmental action also supports our small businesses and saves us money.


  1. Carry your own reusable shopping bag or crate when shopping. Refuse bags or accept only durable ones.

  2. Eco-friendly gifts? Energy saving light bulbs, shower heads, reusable shopping bags or crates.

  3. Buy nothing – give a gift certificate for a manicure, lunch, some lessons, a donation. They use no raw material and help our small businesses.

  4. Use simple wrapping paper. Use those colorful glossy folders marketers send you. Or use useful and reusable items: a bandanna, a nice towel, hand kerchief (remember those?), pillow case, or a storage box.

  5. In the Caribbean in December there is enough green outside to bring inside. Hibiscus (kayena) and West Indian Jasmine (faya lobi) provide the red.

  6. Give your Christmas ornaments a new look with a fresh coat of paint in this year's fashionable colors or with a collage of those direct mail pieces. Remember the kids.

  7. If you must buy new ornaments, buy durable ones which you can use next year. Store them well.

  8. Plan your meals around ingredients that are locally grown. It helps your local growers. It also uses less transportation. Did you know that in Curacao there are 24 types of fruits and vegetables that are produced locally year-round?

  9. Use durable table ware. China, metal and cloth are much nicer than paper and plastic anyway.

  10. If you must use paper, use plain white un-imprinted kitchen, bath, toilet tissue, cotton and the like. Why would you need design imprinted on it?

  11. Recycle your glass bottles. In Curacao there are glass bins at gas stations. Remember to tell your guests, caterers and cleaning lady.

  12. Turn those beautiful lights off if there is no one there to enjoy them.


Safe and Happy Holidays to all



Some of these ideas are our own. Others are from:

And tips for your office from Scotland

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