DiscoverUSVIMagazine.com

Trash to Treasures

Empty bottles, old bed sheets, scrap aluminum, used office paper and even dryer lint turn from Trash to Treasures at Maho Bay Camps' unique recycling program.

Maho Bay sets the pace for recycling on St John. Since the island has no government or private program for residents to recycle, Maho Bay can only recycle its own trash.

Artists spin molten glass bottles into everything from simple and low-cost suncatchers to stunning glass bowls costing several hundred dollars. Many of the pieces reflect the sea, including glass blown into fish and starfish.

Old sheets are dyed and sewn into lovely batik household textiles like placemats, tablecloths and napkins as well some one-size-fits-all clothing. Dryer lint is recycled into paper and scrap aluminum is melted down to become jewelry. An on-site potter decorates works with recycled glass.

All pieces are crafted by the campground's staff of professional artists, who offer free nighttime demonstrations at Maho Bay for both campground guests and other island visitors. Classes are also available.

Maho Bay started turning Trash into Treasures by recycling glass bottles about 10 years ago. Since then, the program has evolved. Today, the wares are sold in the campground's Art Gallery. The staff will ship the gallery's goods around the globe using mostly recycled materials as packing.

The art gallery is open to coincide with the hours at the adjacent Maho Bay Pavilion restaurant: 8 to 10:30 a.m. and 4:30 to 8 p.m. If you happen to visit and find the gallery closed, Maho staff will gladly open it for you. Call 340-776-6226.

Find a complete list of activities, island tours and day trips, tour operators, charter boats for dive, snorkeling, fishing and swimming, golf and water sports - right here in our Activities Guide.