Eco-responsible and sustainable initiatives in Tamarin: what can you do to contribute to the collective cause?

Mauritius’ natural beauty may seem untouched. However, the island’s insular character also makes it vulnerable. Global warming, pollution. Many factors can interfere and impact on resources and landscapes. Awareness is fortunately gaining ground as a number of initiatives are being launched. Recycle, waste sorting, solidarity actions. You can also do your bit to preserve Mauritius.

MJ Holidays’ commitment

Tourism, while essential to the local economy, can also have a significant impact on the environment. In recent years, Mauritius’ hospitality industry has focused on the issue of how hotels operate and a number of green practices have been introduced for guests. MJ Holidays has therefore committed itself to eco-responsible and sustainable development.

A collaboration made in Mauritius

By partnering with Signe Natir, a community project led by Business Mauritius to improve the environmental sustainability of our island, MJ encourages its guests to become partners in this community project. Our goal is to work in harmony with nature and the surrounding community for a sustainable and prosperous future in Mauritius and to help create a greener environment for present and future generations. Upon moving into your private villa at Marguery Villas or one of our Mythic suites and villas, should you wish to join in and work towards the preservation of this unique environment, do not hesitate to contact us. Through simple and ecological practices, everyone can help create a global and responsible awareness: limit water consumption when showering, turn off unnecessary lights, reduce the need to change towels and linens too often, and buy local products.

Tamarin: a shared eco awareness

The natural and rugged landscape of the West coast of Mauritius together with its rich cultural and social diversity are undoubtedly contributing to the ecological and responsible actions undertaken by the island’s inhabitants. Local, commercial or charitable, the initiatives are numerous and gain the commitment of Mauritians as well as foreign residents and visitors. Do you feel like getting more involved in sustainable and responsible development? Here is an overview of some of the great solidarity projects to which you can contribute.

The Charity Shop: when buying second hand contributes to social projects

Five minutes away from Marguery Villas, this non-profit charity organisation devoted itself to fighting against the overpopulation of stray dogs and cats in Mauritius in 2013. The charity has since developed a wider range of services. People donate goods (clothes, toys, decorative items, books etc.) still in good condition and resell them at a very affordable price. The Charity Centre team, which is mainly composed of volunteers, is in charge of sorting and pricing the items for sale.

The money collected is donated to various NGOs that help:

– Underprivileged children and adults by giving them the opportunity to receive an education and participate in activities to help them avoid the evils and dangers on the streets.

– To reduce the number of stray dogs by organising sterilisation campaigns, providing treatment and donating food for the island’s dogs and cats.

– The disabled by providing them with special equipment.

– The environment by keeping Mauritius clean (for example, a monthly partnership with BEM Recycling resulted in the collection of 450 kg of electronic and electrical waste in September).

To come and drop off or buy clothes or a book is to get involved in the local community by choosing which cause you want to help! The Charity Shop is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

The recycling bins

You will come across them in various places in the villages of Tamarin and Black River: the recycling bins are used to collect plastic bottles (mainly sodas) in PET for recycling. Empty bottles are a major ecological problem and their biodegradability in nature is extremely long. You will find one just behind Marguery on the road leading to the supermarket. Don’t hesitate to use it!

The eco-friendly commitment of Super U

Congratulations on the ethical and ecological commitment of the large supermarket at the entrance to the village of Tamarin. Super U has long been committed to reducing its environmental impact, and one of the most important aspects of this engagement is waste management and waste reduction. The many social and environmental initiatives taken by the group in recent years are all aimed at facilitating the transition of its business model to a more integrated, responsible and sustainable system. The idea is to encourage the emergence of a sustainable economy through various initiatives, environmental investments and work with various companies and NGOs involved in the sector.

Acclaimed initiatives: recycling workshops and exhibitions, cleaning up the beach of the bay, donating ecological bins to the District Council, providing sorting containers (plastics, cans and cardboard) in the car park, compacting and composting packaging cardboard, recycling packaging plastics, using personal containers in the fresh produce section.

the book drop box: get along, there is plenty of reading!

The book box in Tamarin, created by a passionate reader, is just behind Marguery Villas, at the entrance to the London supermarket. Open to all and free of charge, it is a place to celebrate sharing, whether it be books, magazines or textbooks. Pick up or drop off one or more, and someone else will come along and pick them out. Rather than taking a big novel back home with you, pass it on to a reader and join the virtuous circle of sharing. There are books in French, English, Russian, German and Norwegian and the box is rarely empty.

Other initiatives at a glance:

– The Bioil frying oil recycler at the entrance to the London supermarket

– The recycling bins (paper, cardboard, plastic) of the We-Recycle at Paul et Virginie school which can also collect from you (https://www.wecycle.mu/)

– Your old mobile phone will be recycled at the Emtel stand at Super U

– Buy organic and local with Meeta’s delicious certified organic vegetables (LINK)

Being more than an enthusiastic spectator of the beautiful landscape while being a proud actor of change is possible during your stay at Marguery Villas. Whether you’re on holiday for a few days or a long-term resident, you can take action to help preserve resources and leave a positive footprint on our island.