Across the U.S. Virgin Islands, restaurants are making practical changes that cut waste and protect the coastlines and communities that make our islands unique and beautiful. Through the VI Clean Coasts Eco-Certification program, restaurants on St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John are replacing Styrofoam and reducing single-use plastics with more sustainable, cost-effective options that work in real-world operations.
Businesses sign-up online, then receive guidance, tailored to their business needs, from the Clean Coasts Coordinators. To help make these transitions more feasible, eligible restaurants can apply for seed funding for upgrades such as reusable dishware, sustainable packaging, water bottle filling stations, dishwashers, and other long-term waste-reduction improvements.
EPIC, in partnership with the Virgin Islands Conservation Society who hosts the Clean Coasts program, has helped through expanded outreach and communication efforts, including the launch of a new Eco-Certification webpage that makes it easier for restaurants to learn about the program, enroll, and access resources. The webpage also features a live interactive map highlighting Eco-Certified restaurants. This is free advertising for participating businesses, and it also allows residents and visitors to quickly find and support eco-friendly establishments.
Some restaurants are also beginning to go beyond the initial certification to gain next-level recognition through the Eco-Certification Plus program. This distinction is awarded when multiple changes that result in significant reductions in waste and toxins are made. These efforts are further protecting the health of the community and the environment. Extensive research about these best practices has been demonstrated in projects from around the world, and they overall show how small operational changes can reduce waste, save money, and yet still maintain a positive customer experience.
By supporting restaurants that reduce single-use waste, residents and visitors can play an important role in protecting the islands’ beaches, waters, and wildlife. EPIC is proud to help expand this initiative and work with partners to make sustainable practices more accessible across the U.S. Virgin Islands and beyond.
The VI Clean Coasts Eco-Certification initiative is implemented by the Virgin Islands Conservation Society (VICS) in partnership with the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) and Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC), with funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).