This Saturday, visitors to the Francis family produce stand at Market Square East (between Home Depot and CostULess) can participate in a local effort to combat plastic pollution while supporting animal welfare. Globally Clean®, an organization dedicated to sustainability and animal advocacy, is hosting a flash sale of reusable produce bags as part of its ongoing initiative to reduce waste on the island.
The reusable organic cotton bags, available for $2 each or $5 for a bundle of three, are designed to offer shoppers an alternative to single-use plastics. Ferdinand Francis, who operates the stand, emphasized how these bags contribute to sustainability efforts. “If people bring their own bags every time they shop with me, I can reduce the cost of produce for everyone because I won’t have to buy thousands of plastic bags each month,” Francis said. He noted that eliminating plastic bags also reduces the environmental impact associated with importing them.
Globally Clean® was founded in 2020 by Ilana Reich, who saw an opportunity to address the interconnected challenges of waste management and animal welfare in the Virgin Islands. After volunteering with the Humane Society of St. Thomas (HSSTT), Reich expanded her focus, introducing initiatives that raise awareness about reducing plastic waste while encouraging spaying, neutering, and fostering for stray animals.
In collaboration with HSSTT, Globally Clean® has worked to modernize the shelter’s volunteer system, including an online application portal that now supports nearly 1,000 registered volunteers. The organization has also developed programs to educate the community about sustainable living, highlighting the health risks associated with plastics and the importance of toxin-free alternatives.
The flash sale this weekend is part of a larger effort by Globally Clean® to promote reusable alternatives to single-use plastics, which are a significant contributor to pollution in the Virgin Islands. Plastic packaging makes up a considerable portion of the waste at the Bovoni landfill, and microplastics continue to pose risks to marine and human health. Reich has been vocal about the need for cultural shifts, urging residents to reduce reliance on plastic in all forms, from takeaway containers to synthetic fabrics.
“Our waste crisis isn’t just about what’s visible,” Reich explained. “Microplastics are entering our food and water supply, and the chemicals in these plastics are impacting both human and animal health. Reducing plastic use is essential.”
Globally Clean®’s efforts extend beyond advocacy. The sale of reusable bags funds donations to animal shelters and subsidizes discounted sales events to make sustainable products more accessible. Reich also encourages residents to volunteer at HSSTT, where help is needed for animal care and shelter operations. The shelter offers free spay and neuter services to qualified animals, aiming to reduce the overpopulation of strays on the island.
For more information about Globally Clean®, visit www.globallyclean.com. To purchase reusable bags, visit www.doggybags.org. The Humane Society welcomes new volunteers, who can either apply here or email volunteer@hsstt.com.
