Transitioning from a linear to a circular economy in the Caribbean: A focus on the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States

By Kevon Browne

St. Kitts and Nevis (WINN): The Caribbean region is moving away from the traditional linear economic model (characterized by “take, make, dispose”) to circular economic practices that prioritize sustainability.

This shift addresses environmental challenges and supports economic development, particularly within the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

Linear Economy and Its Impact

The linear economy prevails in many markets around the world, generating large amounts of waste and impacting the environment. The impact of this model is particularly evident in the Caribbean, where the economy is heavily dependent on tourism and agriculture. The region’s vulnerability to climate change and resource depletion highlights the need for alternative approaches.

The circular economy focuses on improving resource efficiency and reducing waste through reduction, reuse and recycling. The model aims to help manage environmental impacts and support economic recovery and resilience, especially in a post-COVID-19 environment.

OECS and the Circular Economy Initiative

The OECS is implementing several initiatives to support the transition to a circular economy. Projects such as Recycle OECS aim to establish recycling systems in countries such as Grenada, Dominica and Saint Lucia, focusing on materials such as PET and HDPE plastics. These efforts aim to address plastic pollution in the region’s marine and terrestrial environments.

The Latin American and Caribbean Circular Economy Alliance also promotes collaboration between governments, businesses and civil society. By aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals, the Alliance aims to ensure that economic growth goes hand in hand with environmental protection. Through these initiatives, OECS countries are working to implement sustainable economic practices.

St. Kitts and Nevis: Circular Economy in Action

St. Kitts and Nevis has launched several programs to promote circular economy principles. One of these initiatives includes a reward system that allows residents to exchange recyclable items for environmentally friendly products to encourage community involvement in reducing waste.

These efforts also focus on increasing resilience to climate change. St. Kitts and Nevis seeks to support economic stability and environmental goals by prioritizing waste reduction and improving resource efficiency.

Economic opportunities in circular practices

Transitioning to a circular economy could open up economic opportunities for the Caribbean by adopting sustainable practices such as recycling, refurbishment and e-waste management. Circular economy strategies also offer a potential path to economic diversification, which may be necessary for small island states.

Implementing these strategies is critical to supporting environmental sustainability and building resilient local economies. Countries like St. Kitts and Nevis can increase their global competitiveness and improve the quality of life of their residents by adopting circular economy practices.

Challenges of implementing circular economy practices in St. Kitts and Nevis

St. Kitts and Nevis faces several challenges in its transition to a circular economy:

1. Low recycling rates: The country’s current recycling rates are low, which affects waste management efforts. Despite initiatives to increase recycling rates, these rates are still insufficient to handle the waste generated, especially from the tourism industry.

2. Plastic waste generated by tourism: The tourism industry generates a large amount of plastic waste, which poses a challenge to the environment. Addressing this problem requires effective waste management strategies and recycling systems.

3. Inadequate infrastructure: The existing recycling and waste management infrastructure is not fully developed, limiting the effectiveness of waste reduction. Improved infrastructure is needed to support comprehensive recycling programs.

4. Cultural attitudes: Cultural attitudes towards recycling and sustainable consumption can hinder the adoption of circular economy practices. Public awareness and engagement need to be increased to encourage more sustainable behaviours.

5. Policy framework: The lack of a strong policy framework is considered a major barrier to the development of circular economy practices. Weak enforcement and poor coordination among government departments can slow down the implementation of effective waste management initiatives.

Initiatives towards a circular economy in the Caribbean reflect efforts to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship. The experiences of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States and St. Kitts and Nevis provide examples of how circular economy practices can be implemented in the region. These initiatives are intended to address environmental challenges and support economic resilience in the Caribbean.