Fosters hands over plastic bag cash to research centre
(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.
A key component of CCMI’s strategy was realized in May 2006 with the opening of the Little Cayman Research Center. Flowing sea water, laboratories, a classroom, private and dormitory-style rooms, a sustainable off-the-grid bathhouse, and easy access to the reefs make this an important new research and education center.
CCMI provides students with the opportunity to learn about our marine ecology. There are conservation field-oriented educational programs in which students gain a better understanding of critical issues facing our tropical marine ecosystems.
This donation will focus on providing 12-16 year old government school children with Eco courses that are designed to begin the education process, support school curriculum activity and essentially open the minds and eyes of our students in the Cayman Islands.
“This first donation is one of more to come in helping the community realize the importance of protecting our environment, educating our youth and how important it is for all of us to be a part of this movement,” said Woody Foster. “We at Foster’s Food Fair are committed to the sustainability of programs that educate our children as they are our future, and we strive to be part of a “greener” community.
“As we approach our 30th Anniversary we would also like to once again thank all of our valued customers for their continued support over the years and for granting us the opportunity and privilege to serve our community,” he added.
Category: Science and Nature
CONGRATULATIONS – Woody, Tania and crew. I for one was sceptical when all this started figuring that there was no way that we were using that much plastic. This has proven me wrong and I am sure many others. Look at how many bags just since June. Wonderful news.