Big things are happening in the U.S. Virgin Islands (VI): the VI Clean Coasts initiative is expanding its reach to food service providers! In recent months, the team has hired three professionals, conducted a literature review, begun administering a restaurant survey, and connected with interested partners in collaboration with the Virgin Islands Conservation Society (VICS) and the VI Department of Planning and Natural Resources (VIDPNR). Our ultimate goal is to make it easier for food businesses to embrace environmentally responsible practices—without sacrificing quality or profitability.
Two new local VI coordinators have joined the team to provide technical assistance to food service providers and help them implement sustainability measures such as eliminating styrofoam, reducing single-use plastics, water, or energy usage. Akua Ducard, based in St. Croix, and Zenobia Howe, based in St. Thomas, both bring deep community connections and enthusiasm for environmental stewardship and sustainability. Working alongside them is Reese Yount, EPIC's Public Relations Manager, who will be supporting the project through communications and public engagement to help spread the word across the territory.
In addition, we’ve made major strides in building the foundation of the program for long-term success through conducting a literature review about other green certification programs, green restaurant programs, and anti-styrofoam and plastic campaigns to identify best practices that can be used in the Caribbean. We’ve vetted, reviewed, and settled on a contact management system to keep track of the more than 300 food service businesses licensed by the government. We’ve also been cultivating strategic partnerships with trusted organizations such as the EPA’s Safer Choice program and the US-based Green Restaurant Association. These efforts are helping us develop an improved territory-specific VI Clean Coasts certification that is tailored to the needs and realities of USVI businesses. Operating a business in the VI is further challenged by high prices for mostly imported food and goods, along with high electricity costs, and challenges relating to freshwater and waste management.
Community education and a survey for food service businesses has also been front and center. We’re working directly with restaurants, food trucks, and charter boats to hear about their challenges so we can help them to be more eco-friendly. These conversations include providing resources, such as free samples and funding, and guidance about switching to safer, more sustainable alternatives.
The VI Clean Coasts program is conducted under the umbrella of the broader Clean Coasts initiative, led by VICS in partnership with the VIDPNR, EPIC, and funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
We’re proud of the progress we’ve made so far and look forward to achieving our goals in the next 18 months. If you’re a food business in the USVI interested in becoming VI Clean Coasts certified or learning how to reduce plastic waste, visit the VICS Eco-Certification page to get started. You’ll find an overview of the program, eligibility details, and a simple contact form to reach the team directly. Let’s work together to make your business greener and our coasts cleaner.