A systems approach towards managing industrial organic wastes: A case study of coconut production in St. Lucia, West Indies.

摘要

As a result of linear modes of production, industrial wastes are discharged into the environment affecting ecological integrity in several ways. This is a particular problem in Small Island Developing States due to their inherent resource constraints and limited carrying capacity. Impacts associated with increases in industrial waste include: land degradation, poor air quality, reduced freshwater supply and quality, threatened biodiversity, species extinction and the deterioration of coral reefs. Reducing industrial wastes produced in island states would provide some relief to the pressures on limited resources and contribute to the improvement of both human and environmental health.; This study explores opportunities for enhancing the sustainability of coconut production in St. Lucia by taking a systems approach towards improved waste management practices. This is achieved by first applying the strategy of Cleaner Production to identify improvements in resource efficiency. Secondly, an examination into options for reclaiming by-products from coconut production resulted in the development of a conceptual model for an Integrated Bio-Industrial System. Implementing the methods identified through this approach would result in reducing, if not eliminating, wastes generated from coconut oil manufacturing.; These strategies are supported by the concept of Industrial Ecology , where resources are cycled within a closed loop industrial network. The successful outcomes of this study serve as an example of how this systems approach towards improving industrial wastes can improve the sustainability of industry in St. Lucia and Small Island States in general.