Corporate Social: D&G FOUNDATION GOES "GREEN IN BLUE"

Kingston, Jamaica – October 27, 2017 – As a part of efforts to broaden the scope and reach of Red Stripe’s sustainability agenda, the D&G Foundation planted 150 saplings last Saturday (Oct. 21) at the Holywell National Recreation Park in the Blue and John Crow Mountains, and donated $250,000 dollars to the Jamaica Conservation and Development Trust (JCDT).

Close to 30 members of the D&G Foundation Club, comprising Red Stripe staff and relatives, ditched their regular Saturday morning routines and journeyed 4,000 feet above sea level to the Park. Armed with a variety of farming tools and a determination to make an impact, the team worked arduously to cut and clear a one-acre plot identified by the JCDT, removing invasive vegetation like bracken ferns, shrubs and other parasitic plants.

The clearing exercise was followed by planting saplings of local tree types such as milkwood, soap wood, dove wood, mountain yucca and blue mahoe.

“Today’s tree planting exercise is a demonstration of Red Stripe’s pledge to consistently protect the environment. The JCDT provided the perfect opportunity to deliver on our commitment at a national level,” said Garth Williams, Red Stripe’s sustainability manager. “From a business standpoint, we have had several key sustainability benchmarks over the years. These include a 30% reduction in the amount of water we use in beer production and a reduction in our waste to landfill ratio by 16% through 100% recycling on site.” Williams also pointed to a 23% reduction in the brewery’s CO₂ emissions and a company-wide ban on Styrofoam containers. 

Spanning 4% of the island’s surface, the Blue and John Crow Mountains was declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The mountain range provides 40% of Jamaica’s water and serves as a habitat for several indigenous plants and animals.

“The Park’s biodiversity rests heavily on sustaining a healthy tree cover. However, the maintenance of this natural marvel is an expensive undertaking and so we’re very grateful to the D&G Foundation for its support,” said Symerna Blake, marketing and tourism coordinator at the JCDT. “The funding provided by the Foundation will be committed to maintaining and nurturing the saplings until they are able to support themselves.”

The Blue and John Crow Mountains serve as one of the most popular recreational spots in Jamaica as it is favoured by tourists and locals alike. Hikers journey from near and far to indulge in its serenity, and its rich untainted air.

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About Desnoes & Geddes Foundation

Incorporated in 2006, the Desnoes & Geddes Foundation carries out the philanthropic work of Red Stripe, a part of the Heineken Company. The Foundation is committed to unlocking Jamaica’s potential through collaborative support for mentorship and skills training; health and wellness; sports; and community development. The Foundation works with government, NGOs and the private sector in the spirit that together, all Jamaica wins.