In the vibrant heart of Trinidad, the Carnival—often dubbed "the greatest show on Earth"—is a kaleidoscope of colors and revelry, yet it faces a dire environmental challenge. With an estimated 3.4 tonnes of waste generated yearly, local entrepreneurs like Danii McLetchie of Carnicycle are spearheading sustainability initiatives. Founded in 2018, Carnicycle recognizes the rich cultural significance of Carnival, but also its potential for significant ecological harm, particularly from the production of elaborate costumes.
Each costume bra, for example, contributes about 37.68kg (83lb) of CO2 emissions, according to calculations from a tool by Swedish tech company Doconomy. Danii and her team are working towards getting these emissions verified by third parties, given the massive scale of participation in the festivities every year.
To tackle this challenge, Carnicycle has launched a recycling program aimed at collecting discarded costumes that would have otherwise been tossed aside or burned. With collection bins set up strategically at hotels and event venues, the initiative has so far salvaged around 10,000 costume pieces, which are meticulously stripped for reusable materials like feathers and beads. These salvaged components are then sold or rented out, allowing costume designers and revelers to make use of second-hand pieces.
In addition to Carnicycle's efforts, local entrepreneurs Aliyah Clarke and Kaleen Sanois have launched 2nd Closet, a pop-up thrift shop promoting pre-owned clothing. Their innovative video tutorials showcase methods to transform Carnival costumes into versatile outfits, especially for post-Carnival usage. They recently organized a successful pop-up event featuring clothing belonging to popular soca artist Machel Montano, further proving the bridge between sustainability and local culture.
The drive for responsibility extends to carnival parties such as "Fete with the Saints," where biodegradable cutlery and reusable cups have become staples, and "bin detectives" guide guests in proper recycling practices. These measures resulted in more than one million single-use plastics being diverted from landfills, a significant achievement attributed to their collaboration with Close the Loop Caribbean.
Joseph Hadad, co-chairman of the event's organizing committee, acknowledged the additional costs and labor these initiatives incur but reaffirmed that it enriches the overall party experience. Enthusiastic patrons like Roland Riley underscore the community's approval, highlighting the satisfaction of enjoying the festivities while supporting environmental stewardship.
As Trinidad's Carnival evolves with these sustainable efforts, it showcases the resilience and creativity of its people, embracing both their rich cultural heritage and the urgent need to protect the planet.
