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NO MORE PLASTIC BAGS. That’s becoming a stronger theme as governments ban one of the worst single-use plastic offenders – bags. In America alone an estimated 10 billion plastic bags are used yearly. That equates to 12 million barrels of oil. And, since we have a low recycling rate, that contributes to the 8 million tons of plastic waste that enters our oceans yearly. In other countries, the facts around plastic waste aren’t much better. In response, some countries – Kenya, Thailand, the island nation of Dominica and others – have banned single-use plastic bags.
In February 2020 Dominica’s government replaced plastic bags with jute and cotton and banned Styrofoam and single-use plastic. In tandem with this announcement was the govenernment’s pledge to give every household jute and cotton bags that were printed with the slogan, “Help Dominica go plastic bag free by reusing these bags again and again.” To learn more about this initiative and the plastic free efforts adopted by Dominica, I reachout to Kate, the co-owner of the green resort Manicou River. She shared informationa bout the island’s zero-waste practices from sourcing locally-grown organic produce to the country’s ban on plastic straws.
Keep reading to travel to one of the Caribbean’s most sustainable islands.
What makes Dominica unique from other islands in the region?
Dominica really is the ‘Nature Island’ of the Caribbean. The local population is less than 70,000 which makes it so much less developed than neighboring islands. Over 1/3 of the land area is a designated national park. The volcanic topology makes for many unique assets such as high mountains, waterfalls and hot springs. The island also has several endemic species of birds and lizards which makes it a real destination for naturalists and bird lovers.
What defines the culture on the island?
The Dominican government has been committed to sustainability for sometime so the local culture is very nature-focused and environmentally aware. Dominicans are also some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet and always happy to talk with great pride about the unique assets of their country.
Dominica promotes eco-tourism. What does ‘eco-tourism’ mean to Manicou River?
‘Eco tourism’ is about leading by example and showing our guests ways that they can be more environmentally careful in their everyday lives. At Manicou River it is import to us to prove that we can be ‘ultra-eco’ without sacrificing comfort and the touches of luxury you want on a relaxing vacation.
It’s also about keeping the tourist experience embedded in the community. We prefer the term ‘sustainable tourism’ as it encompasses respect for the local community and building a tourism industry that can benefit the whole island in the long term.
Dominica is known for the black sand beaches? How far are they from the resort?
Dominica does have some lovely white sand beaches in the north but our volcanic black sand beaches are what really make us unique. Bell Hall Beach on Douglas Bay (5 mins drive or 20 mins walk from Manicou River) is one of the prettiest. If you’ve never seen a black sand beach you will be amazed at how dramatic they are and how minerals in the sand glisten like jewels in the sun.
What outdoor activities can guests indulge in on the island?
Dominica’s coral is in better health than most of the Caribbean. The waters around the island are also very deep creating a lot of drop-offs and underwater cliffs. These two things make it a really special destination for underwater adventures.
We have a beautiful coral reef that is easy swimming distance off our local beach. We provide free use of snorkeling gear and flotation devices so even inexperienced snorkelers can enjoy the stunning colors and abundant sea life.
We partner with Salt, a local dive shop just 10 mins from us. They have a range of dive and snorkel options for all levels including PADI certification for beginners. They also have a great sustainability program with the local community. See our website for details of packages we offer with them.
How does Manicou River support ‘Sustainable Tourism’?
Manicou River is 100% off-grid and self-sufficient for power and water. We only use recycled and unbleached paper products and biodegradable straws in the bar and restaurant.
All of our waste is processed on site via composting and septic tanks. Plus our chickens eat a lot of the food scraps and give us great fertilizer allowing our gardens to be fully organic. They also give us plenty of fresh eggs!
What are the local fruits and vegetables guests can expect to see on their plate?
Pretty much everything we serve is grown or raised within a few mile radius. We also grow as much as we can ourselves like exotic fruit such as soursops, custard apples, cacao, starfruit, guava and tamarind, all of which find their way into our fresh juices, desserts, jams and cocktails as well as onto our breakfast buffet. We even raise our own goats and since Curry Goat is such an iconic Caribbean dish, we serve it regularly.
How Does Manciou River sustainably collect & filter rain water?
We collect and store about 7000 liters of water from rain falling on the roofs of our restaurant and other buildings. This allows us to be totally water self-sufficient. Dominica gets a lot of rain but during the dry season we can go several weeks between showers so we need to have extra storage to cover this period.
We use a series of carbon and fiber sediment filters to make sure the water is clean. The tap water in our cottages is good for washing, cooking and brushing your teeth but we don’t treat it with chlorine so it is not drinkable. Our drinking water is collected from a local volcanic spring. We call it “free Evian”!
What is the special Dominica ingredient that you make your handmade soap from?
We have our own brand of soap and shampoo made exclusively for us by local craftspeople. They are both made using Bay Oil which is distilled from the leaves of the West Indian Bay trees that are so prevalent on the island. Bay Oil is naturally disinfectant and anti-fungal and also repels insects making it a great soap ingredient. It also has a wonderful distinct smell that is so unique to Dominica.
