Introduction

Utila, a charming city located in the Honduran Caribbean, is renowned for having the world’s second largest coral reef, an incredible dolphin sanctuary, and numerous diving zones. It has been consistently designated by various tourism agencies as one of the world’s ten best diving destinations, drawing in approximately 2.3 million tourists annually.

The Pollution Challenge

With this influx of tourists comes a significant environmental challenge in the form of thousands of tons of plastic bottles finding their way into the Atlantic Ocean.

Taking Action

The issue of floating waste came to light in 2017 through the lens of British photographer Caroline Power. This imagery prompted local authorities to take action. Inspired by a video showcasing an innovative idea developed in India about creating plastic streets, Utila’s Mayor, Troy Bodden, stated, “We took the decision to get rid of it, crushing it and using it as material in the mix of concrete to pave our streets.”

Innovative Pavement Project

According to Mayor Bodden, the pavement mixture consists of 28% crushed plastic and concrete. The pilot project covered a 591-foot stretch of Holland Street, situated in the heart of the island, and cost approximately $48,000. The next planned project will be on Lozano Street, extending 1,280 feet in length. In this pavement mixture, approximately 150,000 plastic bottles were repurposed, translating to 8,000 pounds of crushed plastic.

Additional Initiatives

In addition to the pavement project, Mayor Bodden has initiated a municipal order prohibiting the use of plastic bags and straws, accompanied by extensive beach and reef cleaning campaigns.