Today, Colina Insurance Limited (Colina) stocked the Hands for Hunger pantry ahead of the holidays. Employees of the Internal Audit, Risk and Life Claims departments contributed an assortment of canned goods to the non-profit organization; the company supported their efforts by donating six thousand dollars towards the purchase of additional items.

“We were pleased that our employees took initiative to support an organization during this festive season,” said Maxine V. Seymour, Director, Corporate Communications, Colina. “While the holidays are a time of abundance and cheer for many, there are some who are unable to access to basic meals”.

“We hope that these items and funds will help to brighten the holidays for families in our community,” said Seymour.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic Hands for Hunger has expanded their reach in the community to meet the needs of individuals and agencies.

“We are honoured to partner with Hands for Hunger again this year,” said Giorgina Duncanson-Thompson, Chief Group Internal Auditor, Colina Holdings Bahamas Limited. “It is always a privilege to support the work of this incredible organization”.

“Our employee volunteers usually gift wrap presents at the Mall at Marathon in December with Hands for Hunger benefiting from funds raised,” said Duncanson-Thompson. “This year things are a bit different, due to the pandemic, but we decided to contribute nonetheless”.

Colina has a long standing partnership with Hands for Hunger. The non-profit is committed to providing food assistance to the most vulnerable in the Bahamian community. The donation was presented at Colina’s corporate offices at 308 East Bay Street.

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While the holidays are synonymous with the colours red and gold this season, the New Providence Ecology Park (NPEP) wants you to think green.

The truth is, while we may enjoy giving and receiving presents, the practice can potentially create tons of waste that end up in landfills. NPEP is committed to providing safe and sustainable waste management for Bahamians by Bahamians.

This year, consider gifting eco-friendly products you can purchase from local artisans who give a second life to materials that many of us would not give a second thought.

Furniture and fashion accessories from upcycled tires

Candis Marshall describes herself as a jack of all trades. As a budding entrepreneur, the artist specializes in upcycling tires to create jewelry and furniture.

"I take discarded tires, and I transform them into marketable products like furniture, fashion accessories, and pretty much anything else you can make out of leather," she explained.

"For my sculptures and installations, I not only use tires, but I also use those things that people would discard, and I incorporate it with the tires to create belts, handbags, and clothing."

In 2015, Candis' son approached her with the idea to make wallets out of old tires to earn extra income for a family vacation. She has grown to produce a range of accessories from that early idea, including necklaces, earrings, bracelets, belts, and satchels that range from $20- $120.

"When I say we use any and everything that is non-biodegradable, I mean it," she insisted. "This holiday, I have created a collection of tire products like bracelets and earrings that I'm offering for Christmas, and then on the other end of things, I've created a nature-inspired line of table mats and napkin rings and things of that nature."

Persons can purchase Candis’ designs from the gift shop at the Bahamas National Art Gallery or online from her website: https://cajouben.fws.store/.

Turning Glass Shards into Seaglass Jewelry

Candis isn't the only one making sustainable accessories. In Abaco, Hilary Thompson and Erika Feszt Russell, otherwise known as the Two Island Chicks, turn naturally weathered pieces of glass that wash up on beaches into beautiful jewellery. The duo combines the sea glass with pebbles, shells, and other natural elements to transform the remnants of litter from broken bottles into fashionable pieces.

“We decided to make sea glass jewelry because it was a way to upcycle things we can find here and incorporate it into something special for people to keep,” Erika said. “Every one of our pieces is unique and original because every piece of sea glass is different.”

Erika describes her and Hilary’s work as “one of a kind jewellery that is inspired by the beauty of the Bahamas.” She also said while their venture started out as a “therapeutic outlet” for them, it quickly blossomed into a handmade, eco-friendly accessory line they were eager to share with others.

Now, the pair offers pre-made designs as well as custom pieces including necklaces, bracelets and charms that can be purchased by contacting them through Two Island Chick’s social media pages.

“The special thing about what we do is we go walking on the beach and we find sea glass and pick it up because it’s speaking to us,” Erika explained. “I’ve also had people who found their own sea glass and asked us to make something out of it, so there’s nothing else like it.”

Making the most out of coconuts

Coconuts are an everyday staple in many Bahamian desserts and drinks, but what about the by-products after the coconut pulp is extracted? Entrepreneur Donovan McKenzie lives by a zero-waste philosophy with Coco Splash, specializing in coconut milk and water and offering custom-made coconut cups.

"I started out making coconut drinks, and then I eventually branched out and ended up creating cups and keepsakes from the coconut shell that was leftover," he said. "My coconut cups are made with coconut shells that are taken from a coconut that is in its last stages. We offer different designs depending on the style that the client wants, and our prices range from $7-$20."

Donovan said before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic; Coco Splash operated from a site on Gladstone Road. He said now; the small business has shifted to an online delivery model where people can contact them through their social media pages or by calling or texting 1-242-445-1717 to place their orders.

As part of the upcoming Christmas celebrations, Donovan said Coco Splash would participate in an expo at the Atlantis Resort. He said if people are interested in purchasing his products, they will be on sale at the Marina Village from December 17-23 and the Reef and Cove from December 24-31.

While the weeks leading up to Christmas can get hectic, we can all make adjustments to reduce our carbon footprint – especially when we consider the amount of waste usually produced around this time. Be a part of the solution by supporting businesses that help curb waste by making the best use of materials that are already available.