Sustainability is not about limiting choice, it is about creating new ones which support the planet, profitability and people. Almost all major car manufacturers have options which are responsible, some are even listed by Forbes Magazine as being in the top ten most sustainable companies in the world. Many are available here in Trinidad and Tobago and will be showcased at the upcoming Sustainable Business Expo!automobile
Trinidad and Tobago’s First Sustainable Business Exposition and Conference!
Please stay tuned for updates on our exciting, innovative and much needed show!
Specialized Corporate Sector Sustainability Training for the 21st Century
Everyone talks about understanding Climate Change and wants to do something, but gets stuck before taking action. The private sector has a pivotal role in Trinidad and Tobago to lead sustainability, not only to enjoy the benefits to them, but also to help steer the Country into the 21st Century.
These courses are geared towards management and leadership, but can be altered to fit any organizational need. The main goal is to change the way we think about sustainable development and the necessity now in the 21st Century for action which becomes part of our lives.
Click on the link and kindly contact us for more information and check us out on Facebook @gaiacaribbean
Tisha tmarajh@gaiacaribbean.com
Video 2: Short Talk Series with Tisha Marajh-Definition of terms
Hi guys,
Check out our second video in the Short Talk Series that helps to clarify some terms that are often used when discussing environmental topics such as climate change. Please feel free to share, comment and let us know if there are any other topics you wish to see covered during this Short Talk Series.
Warmly,
Tisha
Video 3: Short Talk Series with Tisha Marajh – Climate change in the Caribbean
Hi all,
Please see our third video as part of the Short Talk Series highlighting climate change in the Caribbean. Feel free to like, share, comment and engage in a healthy discussion with us or your friends, family and colleagues on this very pertinent topic.
Warmly,
Tisha
Video 1: Introduction to Short Talk Series with Tisha Marajh
Hello Everyone!
GAIA is pleased to announce our short video series which aims to openly discuss what is preventing our beautiful twin island of Trinidad and Tobago from becoming a leader in sustainable development. During this video, I will detail what is sustainable development and how we as a nation can change our course moving forward.
Hope you engage in this discussion and share it with your friends and family!
Warmly,
Tisha
Paper Recycling Initiative
GAIA in partnership with Tetra Pak International and Ace Recycling has embarked on a new paper recycling initiative. The project encourages citizens to recycle paper and Tetra Pak packages by depositing their paper waste, i.e. white and coloured office paper, newspaper, envelopes, cereal boxes, books and magazines and Tetra Paks (milk and juice cartons) into designated Ace Recycling bins that have been strategically placed in various locations across the country.
The project aims to place 30 bins nationwide. At the moment, bins are currently open for public use at Blue Range, Diego Martin, Queen’s Royal College, Haleland Park, Santa Cruz Green Market and Ace Recycling at O’meara Industrial Estate, Arima.
Recyclables Collection Area at the Santa Cruz Green Market
All paper should be clean and dry, then placed into a transparent bag and securely tied before depositing into an Ace Recycling bin near you. When preparing your Tetra Pak packages for recycling, the following steps should be followed:
– If the Tetra Pak has a straw, e.g. juice box, push straw into pack
– Cut open the pack
– Rinse out the pack
– Flatten the pack
– Deposit into a transparent bag
– Securely tie the bag
– Drop-off at Ace Recycling bin
Ace Recycling Bin for Paper
Current environmental situation in T&T
Nariva River meets the Atlantic Ocean. Photo Courtesy: Sarah-Lee Manmohan
Trinidad and Tobago’s biodiversity is the richest of all the Caribbean islands due to our continental origins. However, this biodiversity is threatened by deforestation, flooding, pollution, unregulated development, soil erosion, overhunting and overfishing.
Furthermore, Trinidad and Tobago is a small island developing state (SIDS) making us vulnerable to the impacts of climate change such as sea level rise, shifting agricultural patterns and more intense and frequent droughts and storms.
In T&T, our overarching environmental legislation is the Environmental Management Act, Chapter 35:05, 2000. This piece of legislation has led to the development and enactment of other supporting pieces of legislation in the areas of water, air and noise pollution and the protection of Environmentally Sensitive Species and Areas. Other pieces of legislation geared towards natural resource management include the Waterworks and Water Conservation Act, the Conservation for Wildlife Act, the Forests Act and the Fisheries Act.
Despite having a fair suite of environmental laws and regulations, environmental degradation is still a major issue for Trinidad and Tobago. A lack of law enforcement and monitoring, coupled with negative environmental behaviours and a general lack of care for the planet by our citizens has led to the continued destruction of our natural environment. Therefore, in order to overcome these environmental challenges, greater coordination of resources and collaboration between stakeholders is needed, while changes in attitudes and behaviour can be effected through increased political support and the development of education and awareness campaigns focused on sustainable development.
