Environmental protection in Mauritius

Here are some initiatives that we have taken in our family:

1. I live in La Preneuse and I use Belle Verte to pick up my recycling twice a month. They pick up more things than Mission Verte.

2. I never use plastic bags at the grocery store. I have them put the sticker directly on the fruit or veg and I also always have reusable mesh fruit and veg bags in my handbag. My friend now makes these - see

butterflykiss-handmade.com .

3. I also carry a soft fabric folded bag in my handbag so I never have to accept another bag at a shop as many of these even if paper end up thrown away. I don't even use paper bags for my bread.

4. I accept and pass on hand-me-down clothes and use the charity shop.

5. We are careful about water use making sure to turn off the tap when brushing our teeth, sharing flushes of the toilet, quick showers, etc.

6. We switch off lights and electrical appliances when not in use.

7. We make all our own greeting cards and are creative when wrapping gifts.

8. We think hard about buying anything plastic and choose special family events often over gifts that are plastic or may end up gathering dust over time.

9. We eat predominantly vegetarian and organic when we can.

9. And more... Also, one of the most important things we do is to educate our kids on all sustainability issues.

I hope that helps some people. It is about picking one thing at a time to change and when that becomes habit then to choose the next thing.
Good luck to all as it is down to each of us to change not anyone else.

Lisa Gylsen

Hello Lisa Gylsen

Thanks a lot for your input

Regards

Kenjee
Expat.com

Hi
Firstly I do not believe that as a country we do anywhere nearly enough to protect our environment. However it has and is continuing to improve. The banning of certain types of plastic wrappings and bags is to be applauded, BUT, the subsequent handing out and selling of paper bags is almost as bad as trees are now involved which may or may not be from sustainable forest planting.

We live in the north and until recently there was very little in the way of recycling facilities available but this has improved.

Can now recycle most things at la Croisette (in the underground car park)
Also at Northfields School, at Store 2000 in Grand Bay (only plastic and cans), and at Winners in Pereybere. Areas on the North West are also better served than even a year or so ago.
Batteries and other electronic goods at Orange and one or two other places and many offices are now offering this service at public contact points.

However, recycling is only a very small part in the whole dynamic. Proper land fill usage is almost non existent and the resultant dumping of all sorts of things in general side road areas is widespread.

Tackling the diesel truck/bus exhaust problem should be a major part of the governments responsibility.

Recycling second hand clothes via PAWS in Mont Choisy and other charities is also a good way to handle disposing of what you no longer need.

Some hints and tips can be had also at www.ecofriendlylink.com

Will

Great points! So many people think they are doing well because they recycle but it is more about reducing than recycling. Thanks for your link and here is another one that has really inspired me - www.zerowastehome.com. And education of the population here is what the government really needs to look at too.
Lisa

Hi all,

Here are the ones I know about:
La Belle Verte does a really great job, from cleaning, collecting to up cycling. Have a look at their website for more details.
There's also Plankton Recycling cooperative in Bel Ombre.

Don't take it wrong, I'm not a zero waste or an eco-aficionado: I'm just too lazy as a regular consumer. But my human, parent, civic senses feels the urge that we should make a difference sooner rather than later.

even though, some people care deeply about the environment here in MRU, however many don't and pollute this place like pigs, I see this everyday... there needs to be a drastic change in this attitude and harsh enforced  by the government. fines and penalties prison if necessary.... education in schools, homes and society is crucial....every 3 months STOP WORK  and do Island clean up days.. all government n private citizens, JUST DO IT..  Then MRU will become Great.. take lessons from Singapore n Australia..

"fines and penalties prison if necessary.."

WOW !!!

Welcome to the 21st century, these are the penalties which many developed countries give out to violators.. yes, prison time and confiscation of property for dumping waste chemicals, POLS, construction materials, dead animals and many contaminating items... ones personal freedoms  or financial gains don't allow ar company or individuals to trash the environment which effects everyone's health and well being in the long run.. Sometimes strict enforcement is necessary to Save this Island Now! later may be too late when ur kids are dying from unknown illnesses...

A very impressive effort!  Well done!

Regards
Annie Randolph