Students of Robinson O'Neal Primary involved in the clean up. Photo: supplied

Students of Robinson O'Neal Primary involved in the clean up. Photo: supplied

Students of Robinson O'Neal Primary involved in the clean up. Photo: supplied

Students of Robinson O'Neal Primary involved in the clean up. Photo: supplied

Students of Robinson O'Neal Primary involved in the clean up. Photo: supplied

 On September 20^th, Julie Schwartz, Environmental Projects Coordinator for the Robinson O’Neal Memorial Primary School’s PTA and Sasha Flax, Senior Environmental Product Officer at the BVI Tourist Board, helped turn the last period of the school day for nearly 20 students into an interactive cleaning experience.

Ms. Schwartz and Ms. Flax conducted a guided cleanup around the school premises and recorded the amount of plastic bottles, plates, cups, Styrofoam containers and other items found. “One of the main goals of participating in the coastal cleanup was to educate the children on the sources and types of garbage found in, and around the school’s premises. I also taught them the correct way to dispose of garbage so it does not end up in the ocean,” said Ms. Schwartz.

At the end of the hour-long cleanup, the students accumulated approximately four garbage-filled bags. Ms. Flax said, “It’s always a pleasure to participate in cleanups throughout the Territory. As the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board continues its journey to turn our Territory into a sustainable tourism destination, we have to ensure that all members of society play a vital role in making this happen. Awareness, education, and adding some fun to the equation always seem to make this possible.”

Robinson O’Neal Memorial Primary School and BVI Tourist Board Conduct Coastal Cleanup

Ms. Schwartz is also in the process of starting the Green Future’s Eco Club sponsored by Green and Clean V.I. Limited at the Robinson O’Neal Memorial Primary School. This club will focus on educating children on sustainability, green living, and environmentally sound initiatives. Other programmes at Robinson O’Neal Memorial Primary School are sustainable gardens, upcoming recycle programmes, and continued cleanups in the North Sound area.