Sandals Resorts International has announced that all 19 Sandals and Beaches Resorts across seven major Caribbean Islands will eliminate all Styrofoam from the February 1st.

The move is part of a continued effort to protect the environment.

Sandals has resorts in destinations including Barbados, Jamaica, St. Lucia, Antigua, Grenada and Turks & Caicos.

The elimination of Styrofoam follows the removal of single-use plastic straws in 2018.

“As we enter the New Year, it’s incredibly important to our Sandals family that environmental sustainability remains a key priority,” said Adam Stewart, deputy chairman of Sandals Resorts International.

“After eliminating plastic straws, stirrers, laundry bags and gift shop bags last year, we’re choosing to eliminate Styrofoam from our resorts.

“We’re proud that many of the islands in which we operate are also making this shift to ensure that future generations can enjoy the beauty of the Caribbean.”

The elimination of Styrofoam is particularly important in the Caribbean region, where marine wildlife across the more than 700 islands and coastlines is abundant.

According to Environment America’s Wildlife Over Waste campaign, scientists have found plastic fragments including Styrofoam in 86 per cent of all sea turtle species, 44 per cent of all seabird species and 43 per cent of all marine mammal species.

The Sandals Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International, continues to amplify efforts to reduce pollution in the Caribbean and educate communities on the dangers pollution poses to the environment, health and tourism.

“Eliminating Styrofoam is yet another way we’re reducing our environmental footprint and improving the health of our Caribbean communities,” said Heidi Clarke, executive director of the Sandals Foundation.

“Education is critical, and that’s where the Sandals Foundation comes in. We want to keep our islands clean and beautiful for citizens, visitors and marine wildlife alike.”