Bonjou!
It’s a gorgeous morning in our little corner of Northern Haiti.
The sun is shining.
Birds are singing their springtime song.
And thanks to a few more days of steady rain, the landscape is finally looking green again!
It’s a perfect day to celebrate the beautiful spinning globe we call home.
We recently, we launched a community trash collection initiative in Jean Louis, home to our Cap Haitien Maternity and Malnutrition Treatments Centers.
Since today is Earth Day, we thought we’d share the process with all of you.
Perhaps, it’s no surprise that there are no formal, or city-endorsed, trash collection services in rural Haiti.
Most families burn their trash in close proximity to their living spaces. This subjects everyone to the inhalation of toxic fumes and while also releasing carbon into the environment.
We wanted something different for our neighbors and beneficiaries.
So, we got to work!
First, we purchased used oil drums, cleaned them, and painted them white.
We purchased paint locally, and a combination of our most creative staff members from all over the organization, got to work outlining different designs.
Some of the caregivers at the Malnutrition Treatment Center got to help out with the artistic process.
We painted geometric shapes, colorful trees & flowers, and even a funky, friendly sun!
Once we had 8 oil drums designed to our heart’s content, it was time to install them in the community!
We spaced them out evenly along the main road, near homes and businesses. We poured a small cement base and attached the bins to the base using a bolt.
The bins are for anyone in the community, whether you are from the area, or are just passing through. Before we chose a location for each bin, we made sure the people who lived closest would be willing to help on trash day.
And after all of that, we were ready for the first trash pick up!
Sweet, clean, success!
We currently sponsor a twice weekly pick-up from a local waste management company, Bien Nettoyer.
It’s been a few weeks since the launch, but people in Jean Louis haven’t stopped talking about how proud they feel to have these beautiful trash bins in their neighborhood.
You can catch a video of the process on Instagram.
Happy Earth Day, friends. 🌏
Thanks for helping us make the world a better place for all!
Love from Haiti
❤️