LOGS for manufacturing are stacked up.
Although dealing with the vexing eyesore of dead trees was the initial priority, local entrepreneur Desmond deGregory, proprietor of Care Maintenance, brought an ideal solution that would prove to be the perfect complement to GBPA's vision for the city and the environment.
In December of 2009, GBPA and Care Maintenance began removal of dead pine within the city of Freeport. Beginning at the Lucayan Harbour then moving east, some 2,000 plus acres of dead trees destroyed by the hurricanes of 2004 and 2005 will be cleared away and recycled to make mulch.
"One of the eyesores Grand Bahama has been faced with for many years was the issue of dead pine trees throughout the city. When Mr deGregory approached us with his idea, we saw it as an ideal solution to a long existing problem. By clearing away the dead pine trees and using them to make mulch, we create a win-win situation for all. Most importantly, the environment and the Grand Bahama community will benefit from this venture," said Ian Rolle, GBPA group president.
The recycling initiative quickly received its environmental stamp of approval as it is intended to produce a cheaper and more environmentally friendly product.
"Mr deGregory has definitely brought a greener approach to handling this particular waste stream, he's pulled in the three 'Rs' -- reduce, re-use and recycle -- and this is always good for the environment and we applaud his efforts," said Nakira Wilchcombe, environmental manager for the GBPA Group.
"We also want to encourage the general public to use this avenue as a means of discarding their unwanted pallets, wooden crates, etcetera, rather than dumping them throughout the city in bushes or other prohibited areas."
"We're accepting pallets that anyone wants to discard, because 90 per cent of the mulch that is now imported is actually made from pallets from throughout the United States. We're also going to start using cardboard as well, which will break down and we can add soil, which creates a better medium for planting," Mr deGregory said.
He further pointed out that the process will open up a new avenue of industry that also will go a long way in protecting and preserving the environment.
"We're reducing the landfill by using these pallets and any other suitable materials.
"So it's basically looking out for the environment, recycling and going green, as well as trying to cut costs down on everything," Mr deGregory added.
