Mount Gay, the makers of the world’s oldest rum, is supporting Oceana, the largest international organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation, with the launch More Taste, Less Waste, a collaborative Mount Gay Rum x Oceana pledge campaign that promotes the reduction of single-use plastics as a means to advocate for the reduction of plastic use.
Committed to lessening the impact of plastics while enjoying the ultra-premium rum, Mount Gay and Oceana are encouraging customers to take a pledge to reduce their own use of single-use plastics and to join Oceana in working to help reduce plastics (and its impact on the oceans). To further this commitment and reduce its own company footprint, Mount Gay is ensuring everyone is ‘equipped to sip’ with the launch of reusable products at designated accounts and events.
Every year, an estimated 17.6 billion pounds of plastic enters the marine environment – roughly equivalent to dumping a garbage truck full of plastic in the ocean every minute. Mount Gay is supporting Oceana’s efforts to end single-use plastics through a joint digital call to action for individuals that provides a checklist of ways to get involved with Oceana’s campaign and to reduce single-use plastics during moments spent enjoying a drink with family and friends and ways to get involved. The campaign rallies individuals to refrain from using plastic straws and stirrers, as well as food items and garnishes in single-use plastics, and to instead use reusable cups, bottles, bags and to get involved as an advocate to stop plastic pollution. At select waterfront accounts, Mount Gay customers can show their digital pledge to a Mount Gay representative and receive limited-edition reusable drinkware and accessories.
“Mount Gay has a deep appreciation for the environment, from the ingredients used to create our high-end rums derived from the terroir of Barbados to the brand’s longstanding connection to the sea and sailing community,” said Dorothee Heriard Dubreuil, Brand Director of Mount Gay. “In partnership with a like-minded brand, Oceana, and through the More Taste, Less Waste pledge, we are proactively implementing initiatives to help further reduce our footprint and promote social responsibility while still enjoying Mount Gay cocktails with friends and family across the America.”
“We’re grateful for Mount Gay’s support of Oceana, said Shelley M. Brown, PhD, Education Director with Sailors for the Sea Powered by Oceana, a Newport, RI-based non-profit organization that works to engage the boating community in the worldwide protection of the oceans. “Through our policy campaigns and by building a community of eco-conscious boaters who are taking action such as eliminating single-use plastics on their boats as part of our Green Boating initiative via Sailors for the Sea, we are committed to efforts towards reducing plastic pollution. We believe this partnership will resonate with people eager to help Oceana win victories for our oceans.”
Over the last year, Mount Gay USA has made a robust effort to reduce their environmental impact by moving to compostable cups for all sampling and regatta events, initiating a local Skip the Straw program and encouraging the use and reuse of the red Mount Gay thermos cups. The More Taste, Less Waste campaign will continue the brand’s effort to become more environmentally responsible through the support of Oceana, and is encouraging clients to do the same. The More Taste, Less Waste pledge comprises these five actionable steps:
The Mount Gay Rum x Oceana More Taste, Less Waste pledge campaign is engaging sailors around the world to reduce the use of single-use plastics. © Owen Buggy/PlugPhotography.com
Whether I’m on the mountain, by the sea, at home or at the grocery store, I pledge to:
1. Become an advocate for the reduction of plastics.
2. Skip on plastic straws and stirrers.
3. Cut fresh garnishes to enrich cocktails and avoid those pre-packed in single-use plastics.
4. Use reusable cups, bottles, straws, stirrers and bags.
5. Get my friends and family to take the pledge.
To take the pledge and identify key participating locations, visit oceana.org/mountgayrum. ■
