In the previous articles, we got to know a bit about Myrthe, Milla, Sybrand, Frank and Lisa. In short, we called them Aruba Team. A group of 5 students from Windesheim Honours College (WHC) who went to Aruba to do research on the single-use plastic ban in Aruba. They had been staying there for more than 2 months and what have they done so far?

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Aruba team’s client is University of Aruba and their work is collaborating with them. In a room with blue walls that University provided to the team, they turned that room to be their office. Everyday after 10 am. they start their work.

 

They also sometimes attended classes at the University of Aruba and also work together with researchers from the University. From the University, they got to chance to join several events. For example, taking part for cleaning up beaches in Aruba.

 

They had meeting with several companies, Aruba’s government bodies and so on. This action leads them to gain a network which was one the things that they were expected when they took part of this project.

 

“I believe this helps building a network and you are again equipped with a professional experience, which is nice” - Milla.

 

As this project is part of United Nation’s program of Sustainable Development Goals or better known as SDG. Building and expanding networking is not only what they expected but also sustainability in Aruba.

 

“I expect to expand my network during the project and learn more about sustainability on the island.” - Myrthe.

 

The Aruba team has now back to the Netherlands. Their hard work on working for the research has paid off by the conclusion that they found and the recommendation that they made that could help the government, the wholesale industry, the chamber of commerce, future researchers, and the community.

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In their report, they conclude that based on the respondents’ answers, lack of information regarding the regulation is the main issue whether the ban will work not. They don’t get inform enough regarding the ban and it can impact to several aspects on effectiveness of the regulation. However, the respondents also show support on the regulation, they are willing to change and support the environment to be more sustainable.

The report also gives a specific recommendation to the stakeholders that mentioned above. It’s recommended that Aruba’s government to pay attention to educating people about the regulation. Providing information and education are major acts that they can work on if they want the regulation to show an effectiveness. In addition, making an interactive online platform and Government incentives like tax incentives are also suggested.

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As for wholesale industry, it’s suggested that to use single-use plastic ban as marketing strategy. As sustainability is an aspect that important to have for the future, thus, it can lead to prospect of future costumers. In addition, taking actively participation of incentives that are provided by the government can be impacted on this regulation. After all, wholesalers and the government of Aruba should work together to tackle waste problem in Aruba and implementation of the regulation.

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Chamber of Commerce in Aruba could take action by building an organization where they can collaborate to easily share information regarding sustainability and also the regulation. As the Chamber of Commerce holds most knowledge on the wholesale businesses in Aruba, collaborating and working together are suggested so the implementation of the ban can become a success. Furthermore, the Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the University of Aruba could also provide training for local businesses on how to establish sustainability in their companies.

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The research that Aruba team made mainly focus only on the single-use plastic ban. They see that recycling  can also be a solution for the island, together with the implementation of the single-use plastic ban, to cut waste in Aruba. Therefore, for future research they recommended to conduct research regarding recycling in Aruba.

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Last but not least, the community of Aruba. Everyone is part of something and small act that an individual made is count. Therefore, everyone should take responsibility for their own actions. An active act and contribution of each and everyone is needed if we want to make this ban to be a success. If we want to make a breathtaking island like Aruba to be more sustainable. This urge isn’t only for the current generation but also everyone who come to the island.

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