Reducing Single-Use Plastics in Saint Lucia: Sustaining the Wonder that Sustains Us

In keeping with the 2025 World Oceans Day theme, “Sustaining the Wonder that Sustains Us,” Saint Lucia continues to take steps to reduce one of the most pressing threats to marine life and coastal communities: single-use plastics.

Plastic pollution affects everything from coral reefs and fisheries to tourism and human health. For an island nation like Saint Lucia, where the ocean shapes daily life and economic prosperity, protecting this natural wonder is not a luxury, it’s a responsibility.

The Impact of Single-Use Plastics

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Saint Lucia generates approximately 12,000 tonnes of plastic waste per year, with nearly half made up of single-use items such as bags, bottles, and food packaging. A large portion of this waste ends up in the ocean, threatening marine life and the sustainability of the tourism industry.

This report also reported in 2021 that plastic pollution costs the region’s fisheries sector an estimated XCD 834,500 (~USD 308,800) annually, due to reduced fish stocks and the need for cleanup efforts.

Saint Lucia’s Progress in Policy and Action

In response to the growing problem of plastic pollution, Saint Lucia has taken strong legislative and practical steps. In 2019, the Government of Saint Lucia introduced the Styrofoam and Plastic Food Service Containers (Prohibition) Act, which banned the import and use of certain single-use plastics and polystyrene products. This ban was fully enforced by August 2020. Since then, the Department of Sustainable Development has worked with partners to improve enforcement and expand the list of banned items. To support these efforts, the Marine Litter Management Action Plan (ML-MAP), launched in 2022, provides a national strategy focused on prevention, public education, better waste infrastructure, and collaboration across sectors.

How Hotels and Tourism Businesses Can Help

Hotels and tourism operators across Saint Lucia can play a key role in reducing plastic waste and protecting our marine environment. Here are a few practical ways to support the national effort and honour the World Oceans Day theme:

• Phase out single-use plastics by switching to reusable or compostable options for water bottles, straws, and takeout containers.
• Improve waste separation by placing clearly labelled recycling stations in guest areas and training staff to sort waste properly.
• Get involved in island-wide initiatives such as beach cleanups and reusable food container programs
• Support local recyclers who collect plastics like PET, HDPE, and PP—helping to keep valuable materials out of landfills and in circulation.

A Shared Responsibility

Protecting St. Lucia’s coastlines and marine ecosystems takes all of us working together. The hospitality industry, so closely tied to the beauty of our beaches, reefs, and waters has a powerful opportunity to lead by example.

By cutting down on single-use plastics, embracing sustainable practices, and involving guests in the journey, hotels and resorts can help ensure that the ocean continues to sustain us for generations to come.

For guidance on reducing waste, staff training, or integrating plastic reduction into your sustainability certification goals, visit:
🌐 www.reidconsultancyservices.com

Together, we can sustain the wonder that sustains us.

Written by:

Rodesha Reid

Principal Consultant: Reid Consultancy Services

Chairwoman; SLHTA Environment Committee