Giving Back & Creating Change

Curacao is not just a tropical paradise; it’s also home to incredible individuals and organizations working hard to make a difference. From environmental efforts to supporting local farmers and rescuing animals in need, these causes strive to improve the island’s quality of life in meaningful ways. In this feature, we explore some of the inspiring local initiatives that are creating positive change, and show you how you can get involved—whether through volunteering, donations, or simply spreading the word. Together, we can help build a better future for this beautiful island. 

 

The Kunuku Man 
Leading a vibrant volunteer clean-up effort 

Disheartened by the amount of litter on beaches, public areas, parks, and even by the roadside out in the ‘kunuku’ (countryside), a local man set out on a mission. He strongly believed in the adage, ‘If you don’t like something, do something about it!’ So, he took it upon himself to begin cleaning up the island on his own, one corner at a time. Soon, people began to take notice, perhaps because his colorful, custom-painted pick-up truck, adorned with national flags and branded “Kunuku Man” – named after the kunuku house where he once lived – was hard to miss. Like-minded folks started joining him on his mission, and today, he leads “the best volunteer clean-up team on Curacao.” The group outing has become a weekly event, and visitors are always welcome to join in. They determine which site needs cleaning the most, and then gather each Sunday to make a really big difference. (And they always have fun!) Donations are always welcome.  

www.kunukuman.com

 

Limpi
Turning trash into treasure 

The Limpi company truly believes that one man’s trash can be another man’s treasure, and they walk the walk by recycling tons of discarded plastic each year to make all kinds of quality products. Island communities face unique challenges on the recycling front, and plastic that ends up in nature—land and sea—is a disaster for all. That’s why entrepreneurial mavericks Debrah and Mitchell teamed up while studying industrial product design in Holland. After graduating, they decided to move to Debrah’s home island Curacao and start their project Limpi. They built their own recycling machines and began testing in their garden shed in 2017. Today, they have a full-blown production facility in Sambil and are creating an awareness and experience room where visitors can learn about recycling firsthand. Limpi also offers unique sustainable tours and workshops at their facility, allowing you to dive into the recycling process. Their fun and funky souvenirs made from recycled plastic can be found all over the island. Look for the signature “Limpi Recycled Plastic” tag on keychains, magnets, luggage tags, towel clips, coasters, and colorful, arty little molds of island nature. They also make custom products!  

www.limpirecycling.com 

 

The Hidden Green Movement 
Buy Local Eat Local 

Most people are amazed that there are local farmers on Curacao. Our climate is very challenging: salty winds, the sun and the long dry seasons. 90% of food is imported. There is a growing need to shift towards more local consumption. Supporting local agriculture benefits the environment, empowers the economy, enhances the community, and food security. This is where the Hidden Green Movement comes in! A grassroots initiative, which shines the spotlight on local farmers and creates awareness of locally produced food. The campaign, created by Berber van Beek and Reina Keijzers, uses impactful photography and permaculture expertise to contribute to the island’s sustainability. Today, the movement continually generates momentum with farmer profiles, educational school programs, sharing knowledge in blogs from (green) influencers and recipes from local cooks. The Hidden Green Movement has a distinctive branding that clearly labels products in supermarkets and restaurants. Look for the “Kumpra Lokal” logo. If you want to explore more about the local farmers, please come to the free street exhibition at the Ijzerstraat in Otrobanda.  

www.thehiddengreenmovement.com  

 

Animal Welfare Foundations 
How you can help 

Sadly, unwanted domestic pets left to fend for themselves are a problem everywhere. But fortunately, there are some big-hearted folks on this island who have founded non-profit organizations to help our abandoned four-legged friends. But they could use your help, too. Donations are always appreciated for sterilization and education programs, or you can take a more personal approach and virtually adopt a specific animal from their website, or even become a foster family for those in transition to forever homes (even internationally!) You can also get up close and even more personal for fun and cuddles by visiting the shelters in person. Friendly human interaction is important to rehabilitate these animals and help them regain their sense of security around people. You might even want to adopt one yourself! If you do go, bags and cans of food are always appreciated as are certain medicines. Toys and blankets, too? You bet! Here are two organizations doing great work, visit their respective websites for more information.  

Rescue Paws Curacao: www.rescuepawscuracao.com  

Stichting Dog Curacao: www.stichtingdog.org  

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