Trinidad’s carnival, often referred to as “the greatest show on Earth,” is renowned for its vibrant costumes and lively celebrations. However, the environmental impact of this grand event has come under scrutiny, with estimates indicating that it generates a staggering 3.4 tonnes of waste each year. Local initiative Carnicycle is leading a movement to promote sustainability amidst the festivities.
Addressing the environmental footprint
According to Danii McLetchie, co-founder of Carnicycle, carnival plays a significant role in Trinidadian culture, yet it poses serious environmental challenges. “From the events, to the textiles, to costumes,” she notes, the ecological footprint is concerning. The production and transport of a single carnival costume bra can produce approximately 37.68 kg (83 lb) of CO2 emissions, a figure calculated using an online tool from Swedish tech company Doconomy.
As Carnicycle seeks to verify these alarming estimates through third-party assessments, McLetchie emphasizes the urgency of addressing emissions, especially with tens of thousands of masqueraders participating annually. To combat this issue, the organization has initiated a recycling program aimed at rescuing unused costumes that would otherwise be discarded or incinerated. They have also established collection bins at hotels and various venues to facilitate the reuse of discarded materials.
“Up until last year we collected around 10,000 pieces of costume materials,” Danii explains, sharing the challenges of meticulously dismantling truckloads of costumes to salvage feathers, beads, and other reusable components.
Innovative solutions for costume reuse
The salvaged materials are repurposed and sold to costume designers and others in the fashion industry, allowing for significant savings on second-hand items. Additionally, Carnicycle offers rentals for the large, ornate backpack pieces that are staples of carnival costumes, which can cost up to $700 (£550). McLetchie recounts hearing complaints from revellers about the financial burden and heft of these accessories, leading to the innovative rental solution that allows users to enjoy the experience without the added weight during the parade.
Alongside Carnicycle’s efforts, other local entrepreneurs are also contributing to the sustainability movement. Lawyer Aliyah Clarke and fashion designer Kaleen Sanois have launched a pop-up thrift shop called 2nd Closet, where individuals can buy and sell pre-owned clothing. They are also producing video tutorials under the title “Tipsy Tuesday,” showcasing creative ways to repurpose carnival costumes into stylish beachwear and other outfits.
Clarke recalls her personal journey, stating, “After I was finished with my costume I would rip it apart, literally down to the wire, and figure out how to make this into something else to wear outside of carnival.” Their initiative gained traction, leading them to work with renowned musician Machel Montano, known as the “King of Soca,” to organize a pop-up shop featuring his previously worn items.
In addition to costume recycling, other events such as Fete with the Saints are actively pursuing sustainable practices. Guests enjoy meals with biodegradable wooden cutlery and drink from reusable cups, while organizers employ “bin detectives” to ensure proper waste disposal and recycling.
Vandana Mangroo, co-founder of Close the Loop Caribbean, highlights their collaborative efforts, noting, “Over the past three years we’ve actually prevented over one million single-use plastics from entering the landfill, I think maybe over five tonnes of glass.” Co-chairman Joseph Hadad of the organizing committee affirms that their green initiatives have not detracted from the festive spirit, while patrons like Roland Riley express their support for these environmentally conscious measures.