ST. JOHN — Island Green Living Association said in a release issued Wednesday that it’s stepping up its efforts to be part of the change called for by environmentalists, scientists and leaders worldwide, namely cutting the contributors to climate change. The nonprofit, which mentioned the growing pile of garbage at the Bovoni Landfill, has commenced an ambitious project which it said is unequaled anywhere in the Caribbean: The Sustainable Living Center (SLC). The SLC will have an enormous impact on the island, advancing recycling, solar energy, composting, coop food market/gardening and education for a resilient carbon-neutral, net-zero path, according to the release.
Island Green invited the public to contribute to this effort by donating funds for the SLC. It said tax deductible contributions will be matched through February 15, 2019.
Dedicated to developing and facilitating eco-responsible solutions, the center is much needed on an island where visitors outnumber residents 100 to 1 and resources are heavily burdened, according to the release. Island Green received a grant from FEMA (due to hurricane damage to its original facility) and will break ground next month. However, the Sustainable Living Center will not reach its full potential without additional financial support, the release said. One donor has agreed to match the first $100,000 in donations made by February 15 so time is of the essence.
Located on a half-acre of government land at the intersection of Centerline Road and Gifft Hill Road, which Island Green has leased for 35 years, the SLC will provide:
- Revitalized ReSource Depot and thrift shop to keep valuable items out of our landfills
- Expanded recycling/upcycling facilities for aluminum, glass, plastic and cooking oil, focusing on making useful local products
- Composting center & demonstration area
- Solar power station with storage
- Water collection and recycling system
- Community center and gardens, organic food co-op and farmers market
- Learning center for green job training and production of recycled products
- Visitor’s center for education about green issues and eco-tourism offerings
- EV charging station for electric cars and more
The center will also serve as an emergency “safe room” during future hurricanes. The hope is that the SLC model will be replicated on other islands in the USVI and beyond, the release said.
“Our aim is 100 percent community engagement,” said Harith Wickrema, president of Island Green Living Association. “Donations of any amount are welcomed, whether it be a few dollars or a few thousand. The important thing is we want our neighbors to feel part of the center and personally invested in making positive change.” Those who contribute will be honored on SLC’s “Resiliency Tree,” with additional partnership opportunities available upon request.
Island Green encourages residents and visitors alike to be part of the solution highlighted by the UN and authorities worldwide.
Donations can be made online at https://islandgreenliving.org/donate/ or via check to:
Island Green Living Association
PO Box 410
St. John, VI 00831
Established in 2004, Island Green Living Association is a registered 501 (c)(3) not for profit organization on St. John dedicated to sustainability throughout the USVI. www.islandgreenliving.org.
Tags: Island Green Living Association
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