The Plastic Habit: Small Choices, Less Waste

Think about a normal day in Dominica. Maybe you buy a snack at school, stop at a shop after class or take a drink on the way home. By the end of the day, you might have used a plastic bag, a disposable cup, a bottle or several wrappers—often for just a few minutes. We do not always notice these everyday choices, but together they add up.

Why one small item matters

In a 2023 waste characterisation study, plastics accounted for about 24% of Dominica’s solid waste stream. The study also found that thin film plastics, such as some bags and packaging materials, made up a large share of the plastics identified. This is a local reason to think more carefully about the packaging that comes with what we buy.

Single-use versus reusable

Single-use items are generally meant to be used once and thrown away. Reusable items are designed or suitable to be used again and again. A bottle you refill, a lunch container you bring home and wash, or a bag you carry for shopping can replace several disposable items over time. The aim is not to buy a collection of new reusable products. Start with something you already own.

Reduce first, then sort properly

Refusing unnecessary packaging prevents waste before it exists. Reusing a suitable item keeps it useful for longer. And when waste cannot be avoided, correct separation matters. The Dominica Solid Waste Management Corporation’s “Keep Dominica Clean and Green – Sort It at the Source” campaign encourages residents to separate materials rather than mix everything together. Its guidance emphasises keeping recyclable materials clean and not mixing them with food waste.

Four switches you can try

• Carry a refillable bottle, when safe drinking water is available, rather than buying a disposable bottle each time.

• Use a clean lunch container or reusable cup you already have for suitable food and drinks.

• Bring an existing shopping bag when visiting a shop or market and politely decline an unnecessary extra bag.

• Say no to an unnecessary straw, extra cutlery or packaging when you can manage without it.

Count your switches, not just your intentions

A reusable bag helps only when you actually bring and use it. A water bottle makes a difference when you refill and carry it. For five days, keep a simple tally of each time you choose an existing reusable item or avoid a disposable extra. You might find that several small decisions fit easily into your normal routine.

Your turn

Take the Skip the Single-Use! Eco-Challenge. Make at least five waste-reducing switches across three or more days. Count each switch and share what you used instead. You do not have to spend money or buy new equipment to take part.

Complete the Green Genius Trivia questions in the PDF attached to earn extra points for the Install and Learn Campaign.