An angel has come to the non-profit Island Green Living’s rescue. Heavy Materials LLC, a subsidiary of Vulcan Materials Company, has generously donated 70 yards (98 tons) of gravel and 64 yards of concrete to help revamp the organization’s yard and mitigate flooding and erosion issues that have plagued Island Green Living since moving to the location situated behind VITEMA on Gifft Hill Road just off Centerline on St. John. The donation has a value of $34,434.
To mark the occasion, Todd C. Jackson, Heavy Materials vice president, and Yvette Williams, general manager of Accounting and Administration were on hand to help pour the fresh concrete, joined by Kevin Rodriquez, Gov. Bryan’s deputy chief of staff and board chairman of the USVI Economic Development Authority; St. John Administrator Shikima Jones-Sprauve; Island Green Living Board Treasurer Curtis Penn and Executive Director Kelly McKinney.
“This is a great example of the EDA in action benefiting our islands,” said Harith Wickrema, Island Green Living president. “The concrete is being used to create a retaining wall on one side of the property, and a concrete slab is being poured on the other side to create a platform for the processing of recyclable materials.”
“We extend our sincere gratitude for the magnanimous contribution Heavy Materials and Vulcan are making to allay our flooding and erosion issues so we can better serve the community. It is only through the generosity of donors and partners that we can succeed in providing viable solutions to the island’s sustainable waste challenges, such as our Resource Depot thrift shop and recycling programs,” said Wickrema.
The gravel will be used to address mud and other issues in the yard. So far, Island Green Living has kept nearly three million aluminum cans and 30 tons of ocean-bound plastics out of the landfill, waterways and off the streets since the inception of their recycling programs. The organization’s ReSource Depot thrift shop has kept approximately 900,000 lbs. of building and other materials out of landfills.
“At Heavy Materials and Vulcan, we take pride in being a good neighbor,” said Todd C. Jackson, Heavy Materials’ vice president. “Donating materials to support Island Green Living is part of our commitment to the community and the island. As a responsible corporate citizen, we are thankful for the opportunity to contribute to their important work.”
Island Green Living has a 19-year history of sustainable programming and conservation on St. John. The nonprofit has worked closely on banning plastic bags, straws and toxic sunscreen and other environmental legislation as well as issues such as food security.
Island Green Living Association is a registered 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization on St. John dedicated to sustainability throughout the USVI. www.islandgreenliving.org
