The Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) launched the first of three road trip events, ‘Bring a bag a bokkle!’, aimed at raising awareness of the impacts of plastic pollution and providing tips for proper solid waste management.

The event saw citizens gathering at Megamart in Portmore on Saturday (June 17) for the launch executed under the project “Increasing Awareness on the Impacts of Improper Solid Waste Disposal on Public Health, Livelihoods, and the Marine Environment”. The initiative is being supported by the UNDP implemented Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP).

Nuh Dutty Up Jamaica branded promotional items, including reusable items such as bags and water bottles, were distributed.

Members of the public were also encouraged to bring in 30 or more plastic bottles for recycling in exchange for prizes.

Lauren Creary, programme director at JET said, “These road trips allow us to engage more directly with members of the public and promote sustainable practices, educate them about the negative impacts of plastics, and encourage action toward reducing plastic pollution. By taking part in these road trip events, Jamaicans can demonstrate their commitment to creating a cleaner and more sustainable future for themselves and future generations”.

The day was hosted by content creator RushCam and patrons were engaged in different ways including grab bag questions, Spin the Wheel and pledging to reduce, reuse, recycle and compost.

Through the ‘Bring a Bag a Bokkle’ initiative, 27 large bags of plastic bottles were collected for recycling.

Two more road trip events are planned for Kingston and Montego Bay in the coming weeks.