In this global era, Sustainability and Holistic Wellness are being realized as interwoven concepts toward achieving human development goals. Holistic Health integrates physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Health models such as the Biopsychosocial Model suggest that good health results from the interplay of biological, psychological, and socio-environmental factors. Other frameworks like the 3Ps or Triple Bottom Line model compound on the United Nation's Brundtland definition positing additional influencers such as the health of the environment (Planet), the development of society (People), and the sustainable growth of the economy (Prosperity).
Together, Sustainability and Wellness should be considered as a fluid framework, in ebb and flow, continuously updating the other. At any given moment, the emergence of this interaction within a population could be termed as its "Sustainable-Wellness".
Fun Fact
The 1970s wellness movement was born out of the environmental and public health concerns of nondiscriminate DDT insecticide spraying. This threat of environmental pollution was brought to the addition of the public by environmental scientist Rachel Carson in her book, Silent Spring. Ms Carson's advocacy work later led to the establishment of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Environmental Stewardship as a Foundation for Wellness
Grenada's lush landscapes, including its rainforests, beaches, and coral reefs, offer more than just aesthetic beauty; they are vital to the health and well-being of its maritime and land residents. Protecting these natural resources is crucial to ensuring the island's population can thrive physically and mentally. Preserving the integrity of Grenada's ecosystems impacts air, water, and food quality, all of which are fundamental to the holistic health of its inhabitants. The island has made significant sustainability strides, implementing policies to reduce the importation of plastic, promoting sustainable tourism, protecting marine ecosystems and adopting green energy platforms in some spaces. These efforts not only contribute to the global fight against climate change but facilitate healthier living spaces for all.
The Role of Agriculture in Sustainable Wellness
Grenada's agricultural heritage plays a central role and is at the intersection of sustainability and wellness. The island's agricultural as well as backyard farming practices have traditionally been organic, relying on permaculture methods passed down through generations. This approach to farming not only preserves the environment but also produces healthier food and builds close-knit communities. However, challenges such as climate change and economic competitiveness have resulted in more market-driven farming methods, which harm the soil, environment and public at large. To promote sustainable wellness, it is important to support and expand organic farming practices that leverage climate-smart technologies. This could involve providing farmers with the resources and education needed to adopt agri-based digital innovations such as automated hydroponics, IoT greenhouses or smart irrigation technologies.
Encouraging the consumption of locally grown, organic produce and early practical education on eating what you grow and growing what you eat could strengthen backyard farming. More farm-to-table tourism experiences could also shed insight into the island's cultural foods and island heritage. Pollinators like Honeybees are pivotal to Grenada's food security, being responsible for 1/3 of all agricultural produce. Island beekeepers are uniquely positioned to ensure robust and resilient honeybee populations which can outstand seasonal hurricanes. Ensuring apiculture practices are ethically sound and organic could ensure the quality and uniqueness of the island's world-renowned honey.
Integrating Wellness into Daily Life
For sustainable wellness to continue to deepen its roots in Grenada, it must be integrated into the daily lives of its citizens. This involves more than advocating for healthy eating and exercise, it also requires a cultural shift toward valuing mental and emotional well-being as well. Initiatives such as community wellness programs, accessible and affordable mental health support services, and public education campaigns on the importance of work-life balance can all contribute to a more holistic approach to health.
The island’s natural environment offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities that promote both physical and mental well-being. From hiking in the Grand Etang National Park to taking a dip in the crystal waters of Grand Anse Beach, islanders can take advantage of their surroundings to embody healthier, more balanced lives. Parks, playgrounds and other nature sites should also be preserved and not usurped by lucrative investor projects. Allowing spaces for outdoor yoga or tai chi, for example, is a great way of blurring the boundary between the environment and intrinsic well-being. Allowing space to foster inner awareness, self-discovery and gratitude for the simple things could put the island breeze back into our bustling work lives.
Yet still, what if finding tranquillity doesn't require escapism? Imagine if a wellness attitude could be cultured from home and sustained in the workplace. What if the products we use daily, from personal care to cleaning, could also be conspiring to keep us well? Consider a home where carcinogenic fossil-based products could be substituted for safer, biobased products that don't compromise on performance and are reasonably priced.
Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Wellness in Grenada
While the vision for sustainable wellness in Grenada is promising, it is not without its challenges. Economic constraints, limited resources, and the pressures of globalization all pose significant obstacles to achieving this vision. However, these common Small Island Developing States (SIDS) challenges also present opportunities for resilience and innovation.
One of the primary challenges is the need for an economic development plan that does not compromise environmental integrity or public health. Grenada, like many small island nations, relies heavily on tourism, which can strain natural resources and contribute to environmental degradation if not managed sustainably. To address this, the island can explore the development of Eco and Wellness Tourism, positioning Grenada as a premier destination for all things sustainable and wellness, including conservation tours, alternative and complementary therapies, and wellness retreats. This approach could attract a growing market of eco-conscious travellers who are searching for meaning. This could ensure that tourism contributes positively to the local economy and the well-being of residents with a promise to tread lightly.
Another challenge is the need for stronger investment in health infrastructure and services. While Grenada has made progress in improving access to healthcare, there is still a need for more comprehensive, accessible and higher-quality wellness services. By investing in these areas, Grenada can enhance the overall well-being of its population and create a stronger foundation for sustainable wellness.
Waste Diversion Project: In Focus
The tri-island State of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique is faced with solid waste management challenges as it tries to accommodate a 125,000 population that is increasing by about 1% annually. Isle Bee Well have embarked on a focused waste diversion project which will now be highlighted. Grenada’s total waste has been steadily increasing at 1.2% annually, tracking population growth. Waste generation on the island has reached a high of 40% since 1990. Household solid waste constitutes about 45% of the tri-island’s total waste with about 24,000 tonnes of residential waste entering the Dumfries Landfill in Carriacou and the Perseverance Landfill on the mainland (Grenada Solid Waste Management Authority, GSWMA). The sister isle of Carriacou is faced with greater challenges as its landfill site is falling short of capacity for its solid waste management. The Perseverance landfill is a semi-aerobic landfill which only operates at 50% with three (3) of its six (6) cells being functional. In addition, shortsighted spatial planning and limited space resulted in its placement on a National Protected Area, Perseverance Protected Area, being only 200 meters away from Halifax Harbour Bay and about 600 meters away from two other Marine Protected Areas, Beausejour/Moliniere Protected Areas (Figure 1). [1]
Landfill placement at Perseverance Protected Area has influenced the displacement of wildlife habitats and endemic species, most notably the Grenada Dove (Leptotila wellsi)— the national bird of the island now critically endangered. Eutrophication, algal bloom and coral reef degradation at the Beasejour/Moliniere Marine Protected Area have also been reported (Molinière-Beauséjour Marine Protected Area Management Plan, 2010). Human health has been affected as residential communities flanking the dumpsite report skin flareups and respiratory allergies concomitant with dumpsite incineration. Before strategic interventions by the Grenada Solid Waste Management Agency (GSWMA), Government Environmental Ministries and other stakeholders, the landfill site was a blaze from spontaneous methane combustion obscuring driving visibility and triggering respiratory allergies for western travellers. The commendable, heroic work to remediate the dumpsite saw the intervention of leachate traps, landfill capping and the planting of vetiver for phytoremediation. The dormant and more sightly appearance of the landfill to date was made possible through the multi-dimensional and targeted approach by its heroic players. Adding momentum to this endeavour, Isle Bee Well aligns with such a multi-faceted approach and henceforth proposes its holistic contribution.
Household Waste: A Sustainability Analysis
Multifactorial challenges are best addressed by mapping their scope, identifying their interconnections and factorizing them into smaller more manageable problem blocks. A sustainability analysis of Grenada’s solid waste challenges, with its influence on population health, has been conducted by our team using the DPSIR Framework. The DPSIR framework is a model for abstracting complex problems with societal and environmental interplay and stands for Drives, Pressures, States, Impact and Response.
In this analysis of Grenada’s population wellness and its dynamic relationship to environmental sustainability, it has been established that the hygienic needs of Grenada's growing population (Drive) are driving the importation of non-biodegradable, petrochemical based toiletries (Pressure). These nonbiodegradable beauty and home cleaning products accumulate at the landfill (State). The outcomes of which, result in negative environmental and social impacts ranging from pollution, habitat displacement; and the incidence of skin and respiratory reactions (Impact). As a response to these factors, actions like incineration, landfill capping and leachate collection systems are strategies employed to reduce and contain waste and its toxic pollutants (Response).
Proposed Solution
As a response to this, targeting intervention strategies are devised and deployed at every position of the DPSIR framework. While some may intangible and long sighted, other strategies are practically applicable and relevant.
To address the negative outcomes of non-biodegradable single-use toiletires, Isle Bee Well Inc., is proposing a biodegradable, hypoallergenic ecosystem of Self Care and Home Care products (Figure 2). Inspired by the sustainable livelihood of bees this biomimetic household ecosystem features zero waste, refillable home cleaning products with a hint of bee propolis extract, a nature-based antiseptic and antibacterial used to sanitize the hive. [2, 3]
The refillable cleaning system is built around biobased tablet concentrates which get activated when combined with faucet water inside a pump action or spray bottle forming the resultant cleaning solution. This elegant zero waste solution will have a variety of household cleaning applications as hand soap, dish soap, laundry detergent and surface cleaners. Pump action and spray bottles are intended to last a lifetime, cleaning cycles are renewed with tablet refills (Figures 3 & 4). As a biobased, mildly fragrant cleaning alternative, these tablets should lower the prevalence of skin and respiratory allergies from sensitizing aromatics. Petrochemcial-based cleaning products are notorious for being overly fragrant and overly packed with builders and other additives which home users complain of getting headaches from suspended particulate over repeated use.
Product Driven Wellness
The Self Care product line will also have a selection of zero waste and biodegradable packaging for preferential hygienic needs. Beyond waste reduction, we are proactively combating the negative social determinants of health through product-driven preventative approaches and holistic wellness advocacy.
Skin’s epidermal barrier sits at the interface between the inside of the body (viscera) and the environment. As the largest organ in the body, with an adult surface area of about 2,800in2 the skin makes direct and indirect contact with the elements. Skin’s topmost layer, Stratum Corneum, has a brick-and-mortar structure made of keratinized skin cells known as Keratinocytes or Corneocytes with a lipid lamellar acting as the glue holding things together. The wall that this creates, together with the skin’s microbiome and acid mantle, sets up what is known as Skin Barrier Defence, an extension of the body’s first line innate immunity. Thus, our bodily health and well-being greatly relies on the health of our skin barrier. Ultraviolet radiation (UVR), daily use of harsh petrochemical-based surfactants, alkaline bar soaps and environmental pollutants are the major determinants of barrier health.
As a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) in the Caribbean we are at highest risks to tropical UV and the importation of affordably cheap petrochemical-based toiletries. It is imperative that we maintain skin barrier health by selecting milder but yet effective biobased (organic, natural, nature-derived) beauty and home cleaning products. Skincare products that aim to support skin barrier health is wisely advised, especially for sensitive skin types (Ezcema, Fish Scale Skin, Psoriasis etc.
Our Derma Membrane Structure (DMS®) skincare aims to restore, repair and support skin barrier through biomimetic formulas for sensitive skin types, particularly those burdened with Eczema, Fish Scale Skin, Psoriasis etcetera. The literature has established how cheap petrochemical-based skincare and beauty products negatively influence the largest organ, Skin, and how toxic and sensitizing ingredients tigger skin flareups and allergies like Contact Dermatitis and Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema). In particular, poorly formulated petrochemical-based rinse-off products like face and body washes, are known culprits that contain harsh anionic surfactants most commonly sulphates like Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) and Sodium Lauryl Sulpfate (SLS) which research have demonstrated to disrupt the skin’s natural lipid-protein protective layer. [4-6]
Other notable personal care products will include a professional DEET-free mosquito repellent to defend against vector borne tropical diseases (Dengue, Zika, Chikungunya); a broad-spectrum SPF rated natural sunscreen for protection against UV-induced melanomas and other carcinomas; a remedial natural throat spray to address respiratory allergies and promote mindfulness states; and a natural toothpaste alternative.
A Vision for the Future
The vision for sustainable wellness in Grenada is one of harmony between people and the environment, where the health of the population and the health of the planet are seen as interconnected and mutually reinforcing. Achieving this vision will require a concerted effort from all sectors of society, including government, businesses, communities, and individuals.
For Grenada, this means continuing to prioritize environmental conservation and sustainable development, while also fostering a culture of holistic wellness. By integrating these principles into policies, practices, and daily life, Grenada can create a model of sustainable wellness that not only benefits its own citizens but also serves as an inspiration to the world.
Vision for Sustainability
Waste Management
Bioremediation, a key component of biotechnology, represents a forward-thinking approach to managing waste and environmental pollutants. This process harnesses the natural abilities of microorganisms, plants, or enzymes to break down or neutralize harmful substances in the environment, such as heavy metals, pesticides, and oil spills. Bioremediation can effectively clean contaminated soil, water, and air, turning pollutants into less toxic or even harmless byproducts.
A vision for community composting facilities and recycling initiatives would involve a comprehensive system of color-coded bins to streamline waste management processes. These color-coded bins will help residents easily identify where to dispose of their waste, promoting better composting and recycling habits that reduce contamination in waste management streams. Credit must be given to the Grenada Solid Waste Management Authority (GSWMA) who are leading the way with colour coded bins throughout the city of St. George's. The introduction of more community composting facilities such as the Mirabeau Community Composting Project facilitated by IICA, could play a crucial role in diverting unnecessary organic waste from landfills which could be used as mulch for community farmers and backyard gardeners. This integrated approach to waste management not only contributes to a cleaner environment but also fosters a more sustainable and circular economy in Grenada. [11,12]
Sargassum seaweed is a significant threat to Grenada’s coastal ecosystems, fisheries and tourism. This invasive seaweed, when washed ashore, decomposes and releases hydrogen sulfide, harming marine life, disrupting local economies, and creating health hazards. As a vision of the future, this threat could be mitigated through innovative biotechnological solutions. One approach involves harnessing enzymes and microorganisms to accelerate the decomposition of sargassum into non-toxic compounds, potentially transforming it into valuable resources like biofuels, fertilizers, or even bioplastics. Additionally, developing bioproducts from sargassum, such as pharmaceuticals or dietary supplements, could turn this environmental challenge into an economic opportunity for Grenada. As part of a sustainable vision for the future, these biotechnological solutions not only address the immediate threat of sargassum but also contribute to the island’s resilience against climate change and environmental degradation.
Green, Circular Economy
Improving policy-making to subsidize and incentivize sustainable practices is necessary for Grenada's sustainable future. Effective policies can drive the transition to a greener economy by making sustainable practices more accessible and attractive to businesses and individuals. This could include subsidies for renewable energy adoption, tax incentives for eco-friendly, impact-driven businesses, and grants for sustainable agricultural practices like hydroponic farming. Additionally, policies that promote education and awareness around sustainability can empower citizens to make environmentally conscious choices. By aligning financial incentives with environmental goals, the government can encourage the private sector to invest in green technologies, reduce carbon emissions, and conserve natural resources. These policies can also support local communities by creating jobs in the green economy and ensuring that sustainable practices are economically viable for all. Incentivizing the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) through reduced import duties and taxes can make eco-friendly transportation more accessible to the public. Additionally, investing in infrastructure such as widespread EV charging stations powered by renewable energy as well as electric maintenance, can further encourage the transition from fossil fuel-powered vehicles. These incentives not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also lower the nation’s reliance on imported oil, contributing to energy independence.
Normalizing more alternative and complementary health approaches, alongside advanced technologies like Telemedicine, Electronic Health Records (EHR), Bioinformatics tools, and wellness apps, could harmoniously elevate Grenada’s wellness landscape. By marrying practices such as herbal medicine, acupuncture, and yoga with conventional medicine, Grenadians can benefit from integrated holistic healthcare that complements treatment therapies. The integration of telehealth can expand access to medical services, especially in rural areas, making healthcare more equitable and convenient. EHR systems streamline patient data management, ensuring accurate and efficient care across all healthcare providers. Meanwhile, bioinformatics tools, including DNA sequencing and analysis, make personalized medicine a reality, allowing tailored treatments to individual genetic profiles. Wellness apps further empower citizens to actively and conveniently manage their health, offering resources for fitness, nutrition, mental health, chronic disease management and virtual consulting. This comprehensive approach fosters a culture of proactive and personalized health management, promoting overall well-being.
Agriculture Sector
Implementing sustainable and resilient practices for planting vulnerable produce like cocoa and nutmeg is essential for protecting these premier crops from hurricanes. By utilizing techniques such as agroforestry and intercropping, farmers can create natural barriers that shield the plants from strong winds and heavy rainfall. Downstream agroprocessing technologies should be bolstered to enhance the economic value of raw produce through the extraction of essential oils, processing into foods, health and beauty products, as well as household craft items. This holistic approach not only safeguards the agricultural sector from climate-related risks but also boosts the market potential of Grenada's cocoa, nutmeg and other crop products across various sectors.
Construction and Architectural Design
In the realm of sustainable construction and architecture, the utilization of eco-friendly materials such as biobased polyurethane and polyamide represent a significant step towards mitigating the environmental footprint of buildings. These innovative materials not only provide a sustainable substitute for conventional construction components but also actively contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions, thus paving the way for a more environmentally conscious future. Designing adaptation architecture where climate resilience is the cornerstone is essential for hurricane and earthquake belt Caribbean islands like Grenada. Practical strategies like installing hurricane roof straps and ties, impact resistant doors, window shutters and louvers, reinforced foundations for seismic activity, elevating house and drainage to prevent flooding in coastal areas. By incorporating nature-inspired elements, architects can create better house designs that not only enhance aesthetics but also improve functionality and sustainability. Drawing inspiration from nature can lead to innovative solutions for indoor air quality, such as incorporating natural ventilation systems, designing more open house designs and using plants to purify the air. Rainwater capturing can be integrated into the design through features like green roofs and rain gardens, helping to reduce water consumption and runoff. Additionally, waste water repurposing systems inspired by natural processes can be implemented to recycle water for non-potable uses like irrigation or flushing toilets. Embracing nature in architecture not only benefits the environment but also enhances the well-being of occupants by creating healthier and more sustainable living spaces. [13,14]
Vision for Health & Wellness
Promoting a healthy lifestyle through nutrition is crucial, especially among the youth in primary, secondary, and tertiary schools. One effective way to encourage healthy eating habits is by providing affordable access to nutritious options in school tuckshops and nearby minimarts. By offering locally inspired healthy but fun foods and snacks could be lure that is needed to sway from highly processed snacks, sugar candies and sodas. As an alternative our company envisions supplying healthy granola bars and ready-made cereals activated by adding water infused with local dried fruit. We also envision furnishing tuckshops with trail-mix style snacks of dried fruit, vegetable, whole grain, and nut assortments. Educating them on the importance of balanced nutrition and the impact it has on their overall health can lead to long-term positive habits.
In the future, Grenada's health and wellness sector is poised to undergo a significant transformation with a strong focus on chronic disease management. The digitization of health services across government and private hospitals and clinics via Electronic Health Records (EHRs) is inevitable. The Grenada General Hospital, St. Augustine's Medical Services and the St. George's University's Student Health Clinic have embraced paper to pixel in a way that allows for digitized-cross talk among these health service providers and their patients.
Our company envisions augmenting this digitization by facilitating telemedicine health services for patients from the comfort of their home. Through the development of an affordable and accessible vital sign monitoring home hub, healthcare delivery in the country could be transformed. Imagine before heading out to work this artificial intelligence (AI) powered wellness hub reminding you to check your blood sugar, blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and temperature. The system analyzes your health data for an initial health assessment, offers recommendations to you over your mobile app or even suggests a consult with your family physician. Or how about a more in-depth at heart health ECG analysis performed by the wellness hub that tracks your heart condition and sends this data to your primary care physicians. Even mental health could be remotely monitored with an EEG headset, displaying brainwave function in real time for mindful biofeedback practice. Like a smart-home hub, the concept of a wellness hub will have every member of the family conveniently tracking their health metrics, gaining actionable AI inspired insights and book a virtual consult with healthcare providers, for more proactive and personalized care.
Furthermore, efforts to reduce vector-borne diseases will play a crucial role in promoting public health in Grenada, with initiatives aimed at controlling and preventing the spread of mosquito borne diseases such as Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika virus. Our company aims to implement a product-driven prevention strategy through the development of a professional biobased insect repellent against mosquitos, ticks and sandflies that is DEET-free and Picaridin-Free. By implementing comprehensive strategies for vector control and public awareness campaigns, Grenada is poised to create a healthier and more resilient population in the years to come.
In conclusion, the journey towards sustainable wellness in Grenada is an ongoing process, one that requires vigilance, innovation, and a deep commitment to both the health of the population and the environment. By embracing the interconnectedness of sustainability and wellness, Grenada can pave the way for a future where both people and the planet thrive together in balance.
Samuel Jones
Bsc. Biological Sciences (Hons.)
Cert. MPA Essentials
Dip. Organic Cosmetic Science
Cert. Green Entrepreneurship
Cert. Biotechnology & Bioengineering
Cert. Beekeeping
References
1. Grenada Growth Rate Statistics
2. Antibacterial properties of propolis
3. Propolis characterization and antimicrobial activities
4. Skin safety and health prevention: an overview of chemicals in cosmetic products
5. Interactions between surfactants and skin
6. A Review on surfactants
7. Grenada Solid Waste Management Authority (GSWMA)
8. Management plan - port honduras marine reserve - biopama ris (2010) Molinière----Beauséjour Marine Protected AreaBeauséjour Marine Protected AreaBeauséjour Marine Protected AreaBeauséjour Marine Protected Area . Available at: https://rris.biopama.org/sites/default/files/2021-02/PHMR Management Plan 2017 - 2021.pdf (Accessed: 26 February 2024).
9. The Human -Nature Relationship and its impact on health: A critical Review
10. Urbanization, Environmental Pollution and Skin Aging
11. Grenada Solid Waste Management Authority. GSWMA Launches Colour-Coded Bins. Available at:https://www.gswma.com/2023/06/20/gswma-launches-colour-coded-bins/ (Accessed: 09 September 2024).
12. Grenada Broadcasting Network. Composting facility established. Available at: https://gbn.gd/composting-facility-established/ (Accessed: 09 September 2024).
13. Mistry, M., Prajapati, V. and Dholakiya, B.Z. (2024) ‘Redefining construction: An in-depth review of sustainable polyurethane applications’, Journal of Polymers and the Environment, 32(8), pp. 3448–3489. doi:10.1007/s10924-023-03161-w. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/377574927_Redefining_Construction_An_In-Depth_Review_of_Sustainable_Polyurethane_Applications
14. Khedr, M.S. (2021) ‘Bio-based polyamide’, Physical Sciences Reviews, 8(7), pp. 827–847. doi:10.1515/psr-2020-0076. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/351965239_Bio-based_polyamide
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