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#ShopForConservation

Published by ecochiccayman

The National Trust for the Cayman Islands is opening their newly re-designed retail store. The aim of the store is to give locals and tourists the opportunity to shop environmentally responsibly whilst supporting local vendors and conservation.

Here are the 5 things you need to know about the Nature Store located at the National Trust.

1. The GRAND OPENING happens this week!

Friends and family are welcome to indulge in a little shopping that will support conservation on Thursday 14^th July, 2016 from 5:30pm-8:00pm at the National Trust, Dart Park on South Church Street. Attendees will be welcomed with some drinks in this newly designed, hip and ecofriendly atmosphere. Island Naturals will be on hand with healthy and delicious appetisers. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet local author and conservationist Fred Burton, who will be signing copies of his books: The Blue Book, Wild Trees and Red List. There are also giveways for existing and new Trust members on the night.

2. Shop Local. Support Local.

(3 Girls & A Kiln)

A key aspect of the Nature Store is the pride it takes in offering a wide selection of eco-friendly products made by local artisans and vendors. The Nature Store offers a retail space to both established and emerging local vendors with creative or environmentally responsible products that align with Cayman’s heritage and culture. Products showcased in the store include those from: Cayman Logwood, 3 Girls & A Kiln, Beach Bubbles Handmade Soaps, Ted Green Fragrances, The Wick Organic Soy Candles and Siggy Bags.

3. Let’s Do Lunch

The Nature Store now serves coffee, mochas, cappuccinos, hot chocolate and tea. By the end of July you will be able to enjoy your lunch break in the scenic Dart Park as the store will be offering grab-and-go sandwiches and locally baked goods. There will also be a café-style seating on the Trust’s front porch for those who just want to dine and dash or stay awhile.

4. Sustainability

The heart of the Nature Store is to encourage a sustainable lifestyle. In celebration of #plasticfreejuly, there are several items for sale that help with this including Stainless steel Hyrdroflask (which keeps drinks cool for up to 24 hours), Upcycled Siggy Re-usable shopping bags, Reusable cutlery and produce bags to name a few. In the coming months there will be more household and every day products available in bulk that customers can bring their own glass jars to fill up on.

(Upcycled Siggy Re-usable Shopping Bags)

5. Shop for Conservation

Now shopping will serve more than just one purpose and you can feel good about spending in the Nature Store as all proceeds will go towards conservation. The funds raise will support the continued efforts of the National Trust in preserving the environment, heritage and culture of the Cayman Islands.

Sneak Peek: Wanderlust Wednesday

Published by ecochiccayman

I am so excited to announce that Eco Chic Cayman will be introducing a new series on the blog called, “Wanderlust Wednesday’s.” This new series will feature amazing guest writers/bloggers from around the world who love to travel. Together, we will share our travel adventures, photos from our travel destinations and travel tips. To keep things local, I will also be spotlighting the very best of Cayman, as we are a destination hot spot in the Caribbean.

Stay Tuned!!

with love, xo

Project: Coral Tree Nursery

Published by ecochiccayman

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“Over the past 30 years, coral reefs have faced major decline.” – Coral Restoration Foundation

Some view the coral reefs as the underwater equivalent of a “rainforest” so to speak. Coral reefs serve to keep the balance of the ocean in check, act as both a haven and food source for marine life and a means of coastal protection during hurricanes. Additionally, the immense biodiversity of coral reefs is greatly beneficial to mankind, as it has intrinsic value not only to the environment but for tourism. Cayman’s dive industry recognizes the economic value our coral reefs bring to our islands and are keen to ensure the protection of our coral reefs to continue benefiting not only tourists but locals as well. In order to maintain a thriving economic value from our coral reefs, one must consider that negative environmental impacts can cause the economic value to depreciate. It is vital to maintain healthy coral reefs, not just from an environmental standpoint but also an economic one. Unfortunately, coral reefs are faced by multiple threats such as bleaching, overgrowth of algae and even the unfortunate event when an anchor ploughs into portions of the reef. Thankfully, Cayman’s reefs have been known to bounce back rather quickly when faced with bleaching. On the occasion of an anchoring mishap, there is a team of dedicated divers who work tremendously hard to help restore affected reef areas. Moreover, an innovative approach has been adopted to help assist with reef recovery and restoration.

Where the Coral Trees Grow

As of this year, Cayman Eco Divers received approval from the C.I. Department of Environment to begin their project of growing coral trees. They have since then joined forces with: Sunset House, Ocean Frontiers, Divetech, Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI), Cayman Brac Shack and The Riviera all coming together to start growing coral trees in nurseries. Both Seas of Change and the Coral Restoration Foundation have been instrumental in the initial setup of the project and will continue to see the project through. In particular, Seas of Change have generously provided funding for this progressive form of reef conservation. Their commitment to assist with a project designed to both protect our oceanic environment and produce coral that will benefit existing coral reefs is admirable. The Coral Restoration Foundation, plays a crucial role in this innovative project. Their expertise in successfully growing coral tree nurseries is key to the project thriving. They have developed “effective strategies for protecting and restoring coral reefs” and their knowledge and experience has already proven to add great value to Cayman’s coral tree nurseries (Coral Restoration Foundation).

Collectively, the mission of this admirable group of environmentalists is to help accelerate the recovery of existing coral reefs. Already the initiative has shown success in growing coral trees in nurseries. The idea is once the new pieces of coral reaches a healthy size it can then be planted on existing reefs. The aim is to spread out the new coral along damaged reefs to maximize the recovery of the coral reefs. As Aaron Hunt, from Cayman Eco Divers says, “You can’t just regrow a reef and you can’t just tear out a coral reef and replace it.” However, what we can do is utilize the coral trees grown from the nurseries to replenish existing coral reefs. By doing so, coral reefs can grow back stronger and flourish. Furthermore, by replanting new corals in close proximity to one another it allows the healthy strains of coral to create genetic diversity during spawning season.

Currently, Staghorn coral is growing in the coral nurseries. It has the ability to grow rapidly in 6 months, producing multiple branches. These coral trees are then replanted onto existing reefs. Plus, Staghorn coral has the ability to reproduce through fragmentation, making it an excellent choice for a coral tree nursery.

This innovative project to boost the recovery rate of affected coral reefs has a long term goal of providing a sustainable way to maintain healthy coral reefs. Likewise, this creative form of conservation can only benefit our healthy and flourishing coral reefs.

Coral Tree VS Reef Ball

Some may wonder, is there a difference between a coral tree and a reef ball? Yes, the coral trees and reef balls each serve a different purpose. Coral reef balls provide a different purpose in comparison to the coral tree, as they act as a place for coral to settle. Essentially, coral reef balls create an artificial reef. In contrast, the coral tree serves to add to an existing coral reef structure. Fragmented pieces of coral is able to grow in a coral nursery and then be replanted onto existing damaged coral reefs to assist in their recovery.

Sustainable Love for the Reefs

Here in the Cayman Islands, since the inception of our tourism industry it has significantly been developed around our incredible coral reefs and dive sites. Our small islands, (Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman) are lucky to be surrounded by some of the most unique and richly biodiverse coral reefs found in the world. Ergo, avid divers and snorkelers from all across the globe make the trek to our waters to discover for themselves the spectacular underwater landscape situated around our islands. Our beaches and coral reefs are the primary reason tourists visit our island. The Cayman Islands, like anywhere else in the world with coral reefs, have a moral obligation and responsibility to ensure that our reefs are protected and managed sustainably. This exciting coral tree nursery project is fundamental in allowing our islands to maintain a healthy eco-system in our waters. We are fortunate to have dedicated individuals working towards restoring damaged reef areas due to negative environmental impacts. Moreover, this thriving project will have a positive lasting effect on our coral reefs.

Resources:
Cayman Eco Divers
Coral Restoration Foundation

Photo Credits: Coral Restoration Foundation

The Wild Ones: 5 Endangered Wildlife Species

Published by ecochiccayman

Happy World Environment Day!

Today, we celebrate World Environment Day. This year’s theme is appropriately fitting, “Wild for Wildlife.” Currently, various wildlife species are in crisis as they are faced with loss of their habitat and poaching. This World Environment Day, we are all encouraged to help raise awareness on behalf of wildlife that being illegally poached and are rapidly declining in population.

Check out this fantastic video by the United Nations https://youtu.be/1zruHeveApI

It is an unnerving thought to think that some species might no longer exist if change doesn’t happen. For instance, if bees or even sharks no longer inhabited the planet what would happen? Very likely, the eco-system would collapse. The environment and world as we know it would go into chaos. All animals play a significant role in the eco-system and their part is fundamental to keeping an overall balance in our world’s eco-system. Therefore, it is important that we all work together to raise awareness and do our part in helping to protect the environment and wildlife.

Below are 5 endangered wildlife species

No Bees, No Honey

Bees work incredibly hard around the clock. Honeybees not only produce honey for all of us to enjoy, they are also responsible for pollinating crops. In general, populations of bees are rapidly declining. There has much debate and pondering as to why honeybees are dying off at such a rapid rate. Some reports suggest that the cause to our loss of bees is due to the chemicals found in commercial agriculture as well as pesticides used on plants and crops. Makes sense that if toxic chemicals are being used on crops it can result in a fatal effect on bees.

Why are bees so important?

They are critical pollinators: they pollinate 70 of the around 100 crop species that feed 90% of the world. Honey bees are responsible for $30 billion a year in crops. -BBC

The Attack On Sharks

Sharks are one of most incredible animals on the planet and have been roaming the ocean long before humans arrived on the scene. Unfortunately, sharks have been plagued by such a negative image and reputation that it is hard for them to shake it off. More love for sharks, less fear. Various shark populations are on the decline and could possibly face extinction due to the aggressive hunting of sharks for their fins and even the unwarranted culling of sharks. By creating more shark sanctuaries and implementing more laws to protect sharks we can help to keep sharks safe.

Roar!

Tigers are one of the most iconic majestic cats in the world. Sadly, tigers are being poached for their skin- an abominable act. There is a desperate need for a major recovery of their population. Though there has been a slow rise in an increase in the tiger population, there is much concern for the wellbeing of this endangered species as they are being poached.

Elephant’s Never Forget

Gotta love elephants! It is unfathomable to even begin to understand we anyone would want to poach an elephant- much less any other animal for that matter. Elephants are one of the most social, empathetic and remarkably smart animals on the planet. Yet, these wonderful creatures are being hunted for their ivory tusks. It is a cruel and horrific crime against an elephant. Elephants rely on their tusks to lift things, to help them find food and water as well as a means of defense while in the wild.

Where Did My Home Go?

Orangutans are under threat due to significant loss of their natural habitat.

Today, more than 50% of orangutans are found outside of protected areas, in forests under management by timber, palm oil and mining companies. -World Wildlife Fund

Unsustainable practices that are resulting in a rapid loss of forest areas which are home to orangutans is greatly affecting these beautiful creatures. Without a habitat to live in how are they expected to survive? In addition, the high demand for palm oil is an increasing problem for the orangutans and their habitats. Finding alternatives to palm oil or developing a more sustainable palm oil production could potentially help to begin to help protect orangutans and their habitat. Other threats resulting in the destruction of the habitat of orangutans are illegal timber harvesting and unsustainable logging.

Resources

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/wild-bees-found-to-be-just-as-important-as-honeybees-for-pollinating-food-crops-10324450.html

http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2015/07/climate-change-killing-bumblebees

http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20140502-what-if-bees-went-extinct

http://worldenvironment day

http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/endangered_species/great_apes/orangutans/

Come Dive With Us…

Published by ecochiccayman

Come Dive With Us

Cayman Eco Divers is an environmentally responsible dive company. They provide safe diving adventures exploring the spectacular coral reefs and historic shipwreck sites found in the Cayman Islands. Snorkelers are welcome to join in on the fun too! The heart of Cayman Eco Divers is to share with locals and tourists alike the beauty of the ocean and life that resides there with an eco-conscious mindset and absolute respect for the ocean. Cayman Eco Divers is committed to both the conservation and preservation of coral reefs, marine life and the environment.

Meet Brittany Balli and Aaron Hunt!

It has been such a pleasure getting to know Brittany and Aaron, from Cayman Eco Divers. Both have an incredible love and respect for the ocean and marine life. They have an excellent rapport in Cayman’s diving industry, with a vast amount of diving experience. Aaron is an experienced PADI dive instructor and International Yacht Training Captain who has led thousands of trips to explore Grand Cayman’s reefs. When touring around Cayman waters with Aaron, your safety is his top priority. Brittany is also a certified PADI instructor and has completed her captain training with IYT. (How cool is that?) Their cheerful and easygoing personalities along with their wonderful hospitality you are guaranteed to have the time of your life when diving with Cayman Eco Divers.

Bonus! Their background in marine biology and passion for environmental conservation adds a unique element to your dive experience, as both are more than happy to chat about the conservation of coral reefs and marine life. They are also well versed in the background of Cayman’s historic shipwrecks and other popular dive spots they will take you exploring.

The Cayman Islands is surrounded by crystal clear water with 365 alluring dive sites. Yep, for all you ocean lovers you could essentially visit a different dive site every day for an entire year. (Bucket List wish?) If you are just vacationing in paradise, Cayman Eco Divers is all set to take you on an amazing underwater tour of some of the most famous dive sites on the west side of the island. Popular dive sites include: Fish Pot Reef, Royal Palms Ledge, The USS Kittiwake, Pageant Beach Reef, Paradise Reef, Eagle Ray Rock, Eden Rock, Barracuda Wall, The Oro Verde and The Balboa.

Diving plays a significant role in Cayman’s tourism. Our small island has built a solid reputation of offering world class diving experiences, showcasing some of the most unique and diverse coral reefs and eco-systems found in the world. Cayman Eco Divers takes pride in being a part of Cayman’s diving industry. They are keen on supporting eco-tourism. Diving with Cayman Eco Divers is a sure way to indulge in one’s love for the ocean with an eco-conscious mindset. Aaron and Brittany are avid divers and enthusiastic conservationists, as such, they are dedicated to ensuring that their dive and snorkel trips are conducted with absolute respect for marine life and coral reefs.

If you are a local with a love for Cayman’s reefs and the ocean, feel free to join Brittany and Aaron on some fantastic dive adventures. Cayman Eco Divers can easily get avid snorkelers upgraded to certified divers. Both locals and tourists are more than welcome to finesse their diving skills with the range of services and courses offered by Cayman Eco Divers.
Click here to view what they can offer you:

Dive In

Ready to discover the spectacular underwater landscape unique to the Cayman Islands? Give us a call 345-938-4904 and book your next diving and/or snorkel adventure with us!

Got Diving Hot Spots?

Check out our website and browse through our photo gallery spotlighting famous dive sites we are excited to take you to.
http://www.caymanecodivers.com

Dive Buddy
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Resources:

Photo Credit: Jim Catlin

Cayman Eco Divers

“Ugly Food” A Major Contributor to Food Waste: An Interview with Evan Lutz, CEO and Co-Founder of Hungry Harvest

Published by ecochiccayman

Photo Credit: Hungry Harvest

Spoiler Alert: 6 billion pounds of produce go to waste every year. -Evan Lutz.

Food Waste is a Serious Issue
It is astonishing how much food goes to waste every year. What causes food waste? Just simply tossing scraps from your dinner plate or leftovers in the bin contributes to food waste. In addition, restaurants and supermarkets throwing away unsold food plays a large part in food waste. Recently, it was announced that France has become the first country to take a stand against food waste in a major way by banning supermarkets from “throwing away or destroying unsold food, forcing them instead to donate it to charities and food banks” (The Guardian). I believe other countries should follow suit, as this ban is heading in the right direction to help reduce food waste and food insecurity. When you look at the bigger picture, it is very concerning that copious amounts of food is constantly being wasted and ending up in the trash or landfill when there is “Some 795 million people in the world do not have enough food to lead a healthy active life. That’s about one in nine people on earth” (World Food Program). Did you know? “If women farmers had the same access to resources as men, the number of hungry in the world could be reduced by up to 150 million” (World Food Program). Perhaps if there was better distribution of food and a massive reduction in food waste then maybe the number of people in the world who are suffering from food insecurity and malnutrition would lower. There is more than enough food produced on this planet to feed everyone, yet all over the world there are people who don’t know when and where their next meal is coming from.

Photo Credit: Hungry Harvest

“Ugly Food” Not All Food Is Created Equal
Have you every wondered why the produce in the supermarkets look so pretty and almost exactly alike? It is a result of food that is considered being “ugly” being tossed out and not even making it to the produce shelves. So called, ‘ugly’ produce is a leading contributor to food waste. It is mind boggling to think that there is perfectly good produce being tossed out just because aesthetically it is not pretty enough or the perfect size or right shape. I find this rather alarming. Essentially, edible food is being wasted and trashed because of its cosmetic attributes not because it lacks nutrients or flavor. Thankfully, one young entrepreneur, Evan Lutz, has caught onto this issue and is doing everything in his power to reduce food waste and food insecurity.

An Interview with CEO Co-Founder, Evan Lutz of Hungry Harvest

Photo Credit: Hungry Harvest

We believe that every person has the right to eat healthy. We believe that every fruit and vegetable deserves to get eaten. And we won’t stop until that belief becomes reality. -Evan Lutz

I had the pleasure of speaking to the inspiring entrepreneur for a quick Q&A. Evan and his team at Hungry Harvest are creating a positive impact across America. Hungry Harvest currently operates in MD, DC, VA & PA. In March, Hungry Harvest will be welcoming New York to their family. Hungry Harvest is all about collecting a surplus of food that would otherwise be considered ugly according to supermarket standards and subsequently tossed out. Hungry Harvest is distributing what is perfectly edible food to households in the USA. Their program is supporting local farmers feeding America with quality organic produce. The food bags range in size and produce, all delivered to your doorstep. For every purchase a meal is donated to family in need.

The Hungry Harvest team are changing the way we look at food and creating awareness about issues such as food waste and food insecurity. Most of all, as they work hard on their mission to reduce food waste, they also support local farmers and feed those in need. It is admirable the incredible work they are doing to improve the lives of others and creating positive change.

Photo Credit: Hungry Harvest

Eco Chic Cayman (ECC): What inspired you to start Hungry Harvest?
Evan Lutz (EL): 6 billion pounds of produce go to waste every year. 50 million Americans are food insecure, and don’t have access to the types of fruits and vegetables they need for a healthy diet. That is unacceptable to me.
My entire life I’ve wanted to become an entrepreneur. I didn’t want to just start a regular business, but one that made social impact and profit. When I started working for Food Recovery Network my senior year at the University of Maryland, I saw an opportunity with the Executive Director to sell ‘surplus’ fruits and vegetables in a farm-stand format outside of our stamp student union. The project was called the Recovered Food CSA, and we sold 5lbs bags of produce for just $5.
We had 10 customers the first week, 20 the next. By the end of the 12-week pilot, we have 400-500 customers every week. At that time, we knew we had the ability to make profits and impact, and turned it into a home-delivery, for-profit model.
ECC: Do you find consumers are aware of all the surplus food that exists as a direct result of the produce being labeled or considered ugly?
EL: Our biggest challenge is market education. Generally, people are unaware of all of the waste that’s going on, and how preventable it is. If I gave you a box of recovered fruits and vegetables, and gave you a box of something I randomly picked from the grocery store, you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference! ‘Ugly’ produce is just a quality and tasty as the ‘perfect’ produce.

ECC: What has been your environmental impact so far?
EL: We have recovered 350,000lbs of produce since May 2014, and donated 100,000lbs to the needy.
ECC: Do you find consumers are now becoming more conscious about food waste?
EL: Absolutely. I feel as if we’re on the forefront of two emerging trends in the US. The first is produce/grocery delivery —more and more people are using delivery services to get their food. The second is the movement to reduce waste. People are finally coming to the realization that all of this waste is not good for people or the environment. Stories come out every day in major publications about the amount of waste —and what we can do to stop it.
ECC: What tips would you give on ways we can all help reduce food waste?
EL: Put the groceries you just bought at the back of your fridge. Take you produce out of the drawer —it goes bad faster in there, and it will remind you to eat it. Compost when you can as a last resort. Only buy the items you need and are going to waste. And of course, sign up for Hungry Harvest.
ECC: What has been the biggest lesson you have learned since the inception of Hungry Harvest?
EL: People come first. The employees of this company make it work —and they deserve so much credit for putting in the long hours every week. Treating them as the highest priority, before even customers, is the lesson I’d like to share with every entrepreneur.
ECC: What advice would you offer future entrepreneurs?
EL: Starting a business is easier than it seems and harder than it seems. Easier, because you know how to do a lot of the steps. Harder, because of the sheer amount of work and obstacles that you’ll face. Persistence is the key to success.

Photo Credit: Hungry Harvest

Hungry for more about Hungry Harvest?
To learn more about Hungry Harvest please visit their website by clicking here.
Curious what yummy fruits and veggies produced by local farmers will be in your bag, click here.
Follow the positive impact Hungry Harvest is making across the US by following them on social media. Twitter and Facebook

Resources

Photo Credit: Hungry Harvest

Evan Lutz