An environmentally friendly travel business that is “passionate about ensuring Bermuda is sustainable” has arranged a beach clean-up this weekend.

In partnership with volunteer students from Sandys Middle School and the team at West End Development Corporation, Eco Island Travel has organised a post hurricane coastal clean-up at Black Bay tomorrow, October 10, from 9am to 11am.

Marcelle Lawrence, the founder of Eco Island Travel, a social enterprise travel business that uses travel to raise the awareness of sustainability and seeks to create a more sustainable and inclusive Bermuda, said the company had held a clean-up initiative at Spanish Point Park in July with adults.

“Although the participants were local, they gained a new appreciation for our environment, the challenges of pollution in Bermuda and more sustainable ways to travel. This event enabled us to educate participants about problematic single use plastics and marine pollution and to encourage environmental stewardship.”

She added: “We do this because we are passionate about ensuring that Bermuda is sustainable and inclusive. What we do is also important to the tourism industry.

“The tourism industry is a major pillar of our economy, but it relies heavily on our natural assets which draw tourists to the island from all corners of the globe. If our natural assets are destroyed and become polluted, there will be no tourism.

“We really appreciate the support and assistance of Wedco and Sandys Middle School with this endeavour.

“It is important to involve young people in environmental stewardship as they are the future keepers of Bermuda and its environment. Greater exposure to our natural environment and the challenges it faces can lead to a greater appreciation and stewardship behaviours.”

Stephanie Rodill, Wedco’s marketing and events manager, said: “We are delighted to support this initiative which mirrors and reinforces our belief in environmental stewardship, encourages action to support our tourism economy and strengthens our community.

“As evidenced by our investment in solar panels, LED lighting, a recycling programme, an expanded RO Plant, a world-class Waste Water Treatment Facility and so on, we take protecting our environment and developing the area in a sustainable way extremely seriously.

“We invite all persons who may be interested in assisting this altruistic endeavour organised by Eco Island Travel to come and participate tomorrow at Black Bay, and we thank all the participants in advance for taking part.”

*Press release issued by Wedco.