This Garden Bench is Made from 16,667 Waste Oasis Bottle Caps!

 

 

 

This Garden Bench is Made from 16,667 Waste Oasis Bottle Caps!

 

 

Are you passionate about sustainability and looking for a unique addition to your garden? Look no further! The West Indies Sail Heritage Foundation is proud to introduce a one-of-a-kind garden bench made from an astonishing 16,667 recycled Oasis bottle caps. This bench isn’t just a piece of outdoor furniture—it’s a symbol of environmental responsibility and creative innovation. And the best part? It’s up for grabs at just EC$ 675! If you want to own this eco-friendly masterpiece, act fast and contact Billy from the West Indies Sail Heritage Foundation today via WhatsApp 1-268-7763484 or send an email to info@caribwish.com

 

A Bench with a Purpose: Reducing Plastic Waste

Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. Every year, millions of plastic bottle caps find their way into the ocean, causing harm to marine life and disrupting delicate ecosystems. There is no such thing as away. When you throw something away, it must go somewhere. Refusing single-use plastic and trying to Reuse are the best actions. The West Indies Sail Heritage Foundation repurposing these bottle caps into durable and functional furniture.

This garden bench is not just about recycling—it’s about reimagining waste as a resource. Through the Ocean Love NO Plastic NO Waste workshop, based in Falmouth Harbour in Antigua, Billy and his team are demonstrating how plastic waste can be transformed into high-quality, long-lasting products.

 

The Process: From Waste to Wonder

So, how exactly is this stunning bench made? It all starts with collecting thousands of discarded plastic bottle caps. Antigua and Barbuda Waste Recycling Cooperation (ABWREC) is the biggest supplier of waste bottle caps next to individuals and retailers who collect caps for us. The caps which would have otherwise ended up in landfills or the ocean, are shredded and processed using an innovative extruder machine from Plasticpreneur www.plasticpreneur.com. This machine melts the granulates and pushes this melted plastic in long rectangular moulds, shaping durable planks and beams. The beams and planks are then skillfully assembled into a sturdy and stylish garden bench. Every garden bench is unique and handmade in our Ocean Love NO Plastic NO Waste workshop.

The result? A weather-resistant, eco-friendly, and aesthetically pleasing bench that tells a story of sustainability and innovation. Every time you sit on it, you’ll be reminded of the incredible potential of recycling and the importance of protecting our environment.

 

Why You Need This Bench in Your Garden?

Owning this bench is more than just an investment in outdoor decor—it’s a commitment to a cleaner planet. Here’s why this bench is a must-have:

  1. Eco-Friendly: Made entirely from upcycled plastic, this bench prevents waste from polluting our environment.
  2. Durable & Long-Lasting: Unlike traditional wooden or metal benches, plastic benches are resistant to rust, rot, termites and weather damage.
  3. One-of-a-Kind Design: you own a truly unique handmade piece, made in Antigua that stands out in any garden.
  4. Support a Worthy Cause: Your purchase helps fund the West Indies Sail Heritage Foundation’s ongoing efforts to upcycle plastic waste and organize the environmental school program Ocean Love NO Plastic NO Waste.
  5. Conversation Starter: Be the proud owner of a bench with a powerful message—perfect for sparking conversations about sustainability with family and friends.

 

A Community Effort

This incredible initiative wouldn’t have been possible without the support of organizations dedicated to environmental protection. Special thanks to Antigua and Barbuda Waste Recycling Cooperation (ABWREC) for supplying the bottle caps, GEF SGP Antigua and Barbuda for the support via the Small Grant Fund https://www.facebook.com/GEFSGPAntiguaBarbuda/, and ECAB Antigua https://www.ecabank.com/home/  for their invaluable contributions in making this project a reality. Their support has been instrumental in bringing innovative recycling solutions to life and spreading awareness about the importance of reducing plastic waste.

 

Be Part of the Change

Sustainability starts with small actions that collectively make a big impact. Whether it’s reducing plastic use, supporting upcycling projects, or spreading awareness about environmental issues, every effort counts. By purchasing this bench, you’re not just buying furniture—you’re making a statement that waste can be transformed into something beautiful and functional.

Let’s continue to protect our oceans, one bottle cap at a time. Be a part of the change. Get your unique garden bench today!

Whatsapp Billy Now to order your bench! 1-268-7763484 or contact us via this link https://www.caribwish.com/contact/

 

 

Global Recycling Day 2024.

 

 

A Call to Action for a Sustainable Future.

Global Recycling Day is a beacon of hope and a reminder of our collective responsibility towards the planet. March 18th, 2024 is a global call to action to promote recycling and raise awareness about its crucial role in preserving our environment.

The West Indies Sail Heritage Foundation started the “Ocean Love NO Plastic NO Waste” program in 2021 to address the issue of plastic waste polluting our oceans. We believe that each person has the power to make a difference through simple yet impactful habits such as Refusing, Reducing, Reusing, and Recycling.

The WISH Foundation organizes school environmental programs that include guest lectures, assignments, field trips to the plastic upcycle workshop, and beach cleaning. These programs are designed to raise awareness about the environmental impact of plastic waste and promote responsible consumption among students through engaging workshops and interactive sessions.

 

The Ocean Love NO Plastic NO Waste workshop not only addresses the pressing issue of plastic waste and pollution but also turns trash into treasure. With the support of GEF Small Grants Programme Antigua & Barbuda we were able to purchase Plastic Upcycle machines from plasticpreneur.

In our workshop, we have a grinder, an injection molding machine, and an extruder. All the machines from the Plastic Preneur are small-scale and suitable for community projects and educational purposes.

 

 

On Global Recycling Day 2024, we hosted an open day event for the residents of Antigua and Barbuda to come and experience our “Ocean Love NO Plastic NO Waste workshop.” During the event, we showcased the process of transforming waste plastic bottle caps into valuable products. Visitors had the opportunity to witness firsthand the creation of flower pots from these recycled bottle caps.

The success of the Plastic Upcycling Workshop is built on collaboration and community engagement. The WISH Foundation works closely together with Abwrec – Antigua Barbuda Waste Recycling Corporation to collect plastic waste and sort the bottle caps for us. Our unique upcycled products are available for purchase at the Adoptacoastline shop in Falmouth.

 

Address Ocean Love NO Plastic NO Waste workshop: Mainroad Falmouth Antigua and Barbuda, (Hawkins Storage Units next to Sweet-Ts).

For more info Whatsapp or Call Billy at +1-268-7763484.

www.caribwish.com

Let’s work together to create a future where waste is not viewed as a problem, but as a precious resource to be transformed and reused.

Watch our video about Global Recycling Day 2024!

https://youtu.be/DVKDDuDTUBw

 

 

 

 

Antiguan sail trainees Ryanne and Shanae sailed on traditional brigantine Florette!

 

 

Antiguan sail trainees Ryanne and Shanae sailed on traditional brigantine Florette!

Look at us sailing on the beautiful Florette – Historic tallship sailing ltd

Antiguan sail trainees Ryanne and Shanae accompanied by Charlotte from the West Indies Sail Heritage Foundation went on a sailing adventure from      St Maarten to Antigua on traditional brigantine “Florette” from March 2nd to March 8th, 2024. We learned how to sail a traditional vessel, worked together to hoist the sails, and received lessons in knots, splicing, and whipping. You require GIRL POWER to set the sails and bravery to climb the mast. Thank you, Captain Ron and Florette crew for this great experience.

West Indies Sail Heritage Foundation www.caribwish.com is a member of Caribbean Sail Training and the official representative for sail training in Antigua.

Caribbean Sail Training selects cooperating Tall ships, square riggers, cargo ships, large yachts, and even superyachts and  race boats, that take youngsters on a sail training trip. Many Caribbean youth or their parents may not have the financial means to provide their youngsters with a sail training adventure. CST arranges berths on ships, the funds ( as each sail training vessel needs money to keep working and exist ), and arranges paperwork and communication with the ship.

www.caribbeansailtraining.com

This year the West Indies Sail Heritage Foundation launched the “GO to SEA” program in collaboration with Caribbean Sail Training and with the support of Sail Training International.

The program aims to assist young people in Antigua youngsters in developing sailing and teamwork skills, gaining experience sailing on a Tall Ship, and exploring potential maritime-based career training opportunities, and discovering employment possibilities in the maritime industry.

Sail Training International is providing sail training to young people around the world inspiring them to grow in confidence, rise to challenges, overcome fears, and enjoy the adventure of a lifetime. Sail Training International encourages youth development while supporting efforts towards international friendship and understanding. STI creates opportunities for young people from different backgrounds – especially those with fewer opportunities – to take part in Tall Ships Events through funds and bursaries.

www.sailtraininginternational.org

 

Ryanne and Shanae joined last year the WISH Foundation and participated in Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta on our Carriacou Sloop “New Moon”. Ryanne followed the Women at the Helm Internship program for local Antiguan females at Second Star Sailing Caribbean. Shanae is an instructor at the National Sailing Academy.

Follow us or Call/WhatsApp Billy at +1-268-7763484 from the West Indies Sail Heritage Foundation for more information about sail training and the “GO to SEA” program.

Donate! Help us teach more young Antiguans!

 

 

 

 

 

Young Antiguans join Tall Ships Race Europe 2022!

 

 

Young Antiguans join Tall Ships Race Europe 2022!

We are really proud that two Antiguan sail trainees, J-maiah Louisor and Ta Janica Thomas, will join the Tall Ships Event 2022. https://sailtraininginternational.org/event/the-tall-ships-races-2022/

The two young sailors will be joining a couple of sail trainees from Liverpool to sail from Harlingen Netherlands to Antwerp in Belgium. They will be on a sail training vessel called “Patricia”.

https://tomidi.be/stv-patricia

J-maiah joined the sail training program of the West Indies Sail Heritage Foundation in 2019. He is the mainsheet trimmer in the race team of the Carriacou sloop “New Moon”.

Some words from J-maiah:

I hope that this voyage will allow me to gain more sailing experience and get a better insight into what a maritime career path could be. I like to learn more about teamwork and strengthen my leadership skills. As this is an international voyage I would be keen to work alongside other people from all around the globe. I will proudly represent Antigua and Barbuda and share the culture and sailing heritage of the Caribbean. I hope to meet new friends and promote the International Sail Training program in Antigua.

 

 

 

Ta-Janica started sailing in 2018 and raced in Antigua Sailing Week by joining the Youth to Keel program. She did her instructor course in November 2021 and is now working as a dingy instructor for the National Sailing Academy.

Some words from Ta Janica:

 

The Tall Ships Race 2022 allows me to broaden my horizon and meet sailors from all over the world. I like to share my sailing knowledge with other Tall Ships trainees and it will help me to become a better instructor. In the future I like to be a senior instructor, cross an ocean and be a sailing role model for other women in the world. Also, I will represent Antigua and its rich sailing heritage in this Tall Ships event. I hope that in the future a lot more Antiguan youngsters from the Caribbean Islands will get the possibility to join the Tall Ships events.

 

Thank you, Wing Chan and Daniël Holdsworth from the Merseyside Adventure Sailing Trust for working together with us on this project.  https://www.mastyouthcharity.com/

For donations to make this adventure possible, click on the Just Giving Fundraising Campaign!

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/antiguatsr2022

 

 

EARTH DAY 22 April 2022. For us every day is Earth Day!

22 April 2022, Antigua

Written by Charlotte Hooijdonk

What Will You Do? For us, every day is Earth Day https://www.earthday.org/earth-day-2022/

The West Indies Sail Heritage Foundation is organizing the Ocean Love NO Plastic NO Waste plastic upcycling workshops with our friends from Contours Kids https://www.instagram.com/contourskids268/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are teaching children in Antigua how to create new valuable products from plastic waste. The machines are from the Plastic Preneur https://plasticpreneur.com

and are unique on the island.

The West Indies Sail Heritage Foundation is teaching youngsters in Antigua how to create new valuable products from plastic waste.  We are supported by the SGP GEF Small Grants Programme  www.sgp.undp.org and we get help from Mario Bento from ABWREC for the Oasis waste bottle caps.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This environmental program is absolutely fun and interesting for your children!

Call/Whatsapp Billy (268) 7763484 to find out more about the Ocean Love NO Plastic NO Waste workshops or complete the Contact form on our website.