Kingston Harbour clean-ups reducing plastic pollution

In a concerted effort to combat the mounting issue of plastic pollution, the Kingston Harbour Clean-Up Project has made significant strides, with the latest figures revealing a collection of 34,000 kilogrammes of plastic and waste.

This initiative, which was launched in 2022, has garnered widespread support from various sectors. Caroline Mahfood, CEO of the GraceKennedy Foundation, expressed her satisfaction with the progress.

"We've collected 1.5 million kilogrammes of waste to date," she stated. "During our most recent clean-up efforts, we've observed a notable reduction in waste accumulation, particularly in areas where barriers have been installed."

Mahfood, who was speaking with the news team following Saturday's clean-up along the Kingston Harbour, emphasised the importance of proactive measures in curbing pollution.

"We don't want to continue these clean-ups indefinitely," she asserted. "It's imperative that we encourage Jamaicans to dispose of their garbage responsibly and consider separating plastics at the source to facilitate recycling."

Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Mahfood underscored the lasting impact of plastic waste on the environment.

"It takes 450 years for a single plastic bottle to disintegrate," she remarked. "We simply cannot afford to ignore the millions of plastic bottles inundating our harbour." Acknowledging the collaborative efforts behind the initiative, Mahfood commended the support received from the Kingston mayor's office.

"We've forged a close partnership with the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation, given their responsibility for managing gullies," she said. "We're [also] seeing support from corporate entities, schools, and individuals alike."