Events held in Santo Domingo and La Vega brought employees together for an environmental volunteer initiative aimed at removing waste, raising awareness about proper waste management, and contributing to the protection of aquatic ecosystems.
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – On September 18 and 19, Grupo SID mobilized employees from various areas of the organization for a beach and riverbank cleanup campaign, carried out simultaneously at Manresa Beach in Santo Domingo and along the Camú River in La Vega. This initiative, conducted in partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, was part of the observance of International Beach and River Cleanup Day and continued an environmental volunteering practice the organization has maintained since 2010.
Beyond merely removing waste, the event sought to highlight a reality that extends far beyond the specific coastlines and waterways being cleaned: a significant portion of the waste reaching rivers, beaches, and seas originates in urban areas and communities, from where it is washed away by rain and other water currents. Once in aquatic ecosystems, these materials can harm biodiversity, degrade habitats, and pose risks to local communities.
Over the course of the two events, 1.31 tons of waste were recovered: 149.69 kg of plastic, 71.86 kg of glass, and over a ton of general waste. Categorizing the waste by material type helps illustrate the level of pollution and the impact of the cleanup effort.
For Grupo SID, environmental volunteering also serves as a tool for raising awareness. Direct contact with the waste accumulated in these ecosystems allows participants to see firsthand the consequences of improper disposal and to understand that protecting natural resources begins long before one arrives at a beach or river. This vision aligns with Grupo SID’s corporate value of “Protection” and its Corporate Environmental Policy, which guide initiatives aimed at preserving natural resources and creating value for communities.
Over the years, employees from MercaSID, Induveca, and Induspalma have participated in cleanup efforts at various locations across the country, including Playa Gringo in Bajos de Haina and the Camú River in La Vega. These initiatives have also benefited from the collaboration of organizations such as Parley for the Oceans, which is dedicated to ocean conservation.
The 2026 event once again places employees at the heart of an initiative with an impact that extends far beyond the waste collected. The goal is for the lessons learned during the activity to translate into everyday decisions: consuming more responsibly, reducing waste generation, and ensuring proper waste disposal.
