Environmental Considerations: St Thomas

Protected Areas

The U.S. Virgin Islands contain protected areas, including parts of the Virgin Islands National Park and marine sanctuaries. These conserve delicate ecosystems: coral reefs, mangrove forests, and diverse wildlife. Eco-friendly accommodation at Ecobnb

Waste & Recycling

Recycling infrastructure limited compared to mainland U.S. Reduce your waste. The USVI banned single-use plastic bags, polystyrene foam food containers, and certain plastic straws. Reusable products from Package Free Shop

Water Conservation

As an island, fresh water resources are precious. Most tap water on St. Thomas is desalinated, an energy-intensive process. Practice conservation: shorter showers, turning off faucets, reusing towels. Carbon offset with Terrapass

Cultural Sensitivity

Your travel choices positively influence the local community and cultural preservation.

Cultural Preservation

Support efforts to preserve Virgin Islands culture. Purchase authentic local arts, crafts, and music directly from artisans. Attend traditional performances like steelpan concerts or Mocko Jumbie during Carnival.

Support Culture

Buy local arts and crafts
Attend traditional performances
Appreciate historical sites
Experience Mocko Jumbie

Respectful Interactions

Always begin interactions with a polite greeting. Be patient with 'island time.' Engage respectfully with locals and be open to learning about their way of life, traditions, and perspectives. Genuine interest is valued.

Interaction Pointers

Start with a greeting
Embrace the relaxed pace
Show genuine interest
Be open to learning

Ethical Shopping & Support

Local Purchases

Look for products marked 'Made in USVI' to support local craftspeople and producers. This sustains traditional skills. Avoid mass-produced souvenirs for authentic, locally made items.

Sustainable gear from Patagonia

Community Support

Patronize locally owned businesses for dining, tours, transportation, and shopping. This distributes tourism dollars more broadly, fostering local entrepreneurship and job creation.

Ethical tours with G Adventures

Community Contributions

Your choices have an impact. Consider donating to established local charities for effective community support rather than direct giving.

Economic Impact

Your travel choices can have a positive economic impact on the local community.

Community-Based Tourism

1

Support Local Businesses

Seek opportunities to support local businesses: family-owned restaurants, small guesthouses, and independent local guides for tours.

2

Purchase Local Goods

Purchase souvenirs directly from local craftspeople. This strengthens the local economy.

3

Direct Contribution

Your spending goes directly to island residents and small businesses.

Ethical Shopping

Look for products clearly marked as "Made in USVI" to support local craftspeople.
This sustains traditional skills and livelihoods.
Avoid mass-produced souvenirs for authentic, locally made items.
Direct support for island residents.
Conscious consumer choices.

Supporting Local Businesses

Make a conscious effort to patronize locally owned and operated businesses.
This applies to dining, tours, transportation, and shopping.
It distributes tourism dollars more broadly within the community.
Fosters local entrepreneurship.
Supports job creation for residents.
Strengthens the island's economy.

Appropriate Charitable Giving

Education

Support schools and learning programs.

Healthcare

Contribute to local health initiatives.

Environment

Aid environmental conservation efforts. Support conservation via GreaterGood

Ethical Choices

If you wish to contribute beyond direct tourism spending, research and donate to established local charities. This provides structured and effective support. For airport lounge access, consider Priority Pass. For flight disruption compensation, explore Compensair.

Environmental Considerations