For over 60 years, Keep Bermuda Beautiful (KBB) has been a quiet but determined presence in the fight against litter. Founded in 1964 by members of the Garden Club, the organization emerged in response to the rise of throw-away culture, when fast-food containers and disposable plastics began replacing repair and reuse.
Today, its mission remains ambitious: to inspire individuals to take greater responsibility for reducing waste and eliminating litter through both action and education.
“It’s about more than picking up trash, it’s about changing behaviors,” says KBB. “We want people of all ages to understand the impact of waste and feel empowered to make a difference.”
Education at the Core
KBB is as much an educator as it is a clean-up leader. Partnering closely with teachers, the team brings environmental stewardship into classrooms and after-school programs in ways that feel engaging rather than academic.
Through interactive presentations, they showcase real examples of marine debris, use hands-on games to reinforce lessons, and run initiatives such as Eco Heroes, Race to Recycle and Take Flight with KBB. These activities make sustainability tangible, competitive and memorable, encouraging young people to take the lead in reducing waste at home and in their communities.
The impact can be long-lasting. S4 student Jamon Doers first joined a KBB clean-up to complete his graduation volunteer hours. After seeing the visible difference his efforts made, he began returning month after month, even in cold and wet weather, motivated by the satisfaction of helping his community.
The Railway Trail: A Living Corridor
Although KBB operates across the island, one of its flagship initiatives is the Adopt-A-Spot program along Bermuda’s historic Railway Trail, the country’s largest national park, which runs almost the full length of the island.
The trail is divided into 17 zones, each roughly a mile long. Local companies commit to twice-monthly clean-ups, vegetation management and, in some cases, installing benches or recycling facilities. This steady, mile-by-mile approach keeps the trail safe, accessible and welcoming for residents and visitors alike.
Some sections of the trail, along with certain parks and beaches, are still in need of new caretakers. As KBB notes, a clear trail is more than just visually appealing. It is a link between heritage, biodiversity and community pride.
Marine Debris and Roadside Waste
The battle against waste is not fought on land alone. In recent years, stronger and more frequent storms have made the problem of marine debris more difficult to address. Trash lodged in mangroves, reefs or cliff faces often requires specialist equipment and coordinated efforts to remove. Abandoned or capsized boats add a costly and complex challenge.
Roadside litter may be easier to tackle, but its impact is no less significant. On average, each Bermudian produces about 700 pounds of waste per year, which is roughly the weight of a vending machine or a 20-foot sailboat. For a family of three, that is well over a ton of waste annually.
“The number surprises most new volunteers,” explains KBB.
Relm Insurance on the Trail
On Wednesday 25 June 2025, Relm Insurance joined KBB to clear overgrowth and litter from one of the busiest sections of the Railway Trail.
The day formed part of KBB’s larger maintenance calendar, but the goal is for the partnership to continue well beyond a single afternoon. For KBB, a real success six months later would mean:
- Tangible results:
Clear evidence of litter removed, areas restored and positive community feedback.
- Ongoing engagement:
Relm continuing to volunteer, promote environmental initiatives internally or adopt a section of the trail for regular maintenance.
- Shared visibility:
Both organizations sharing the story publicly to inspire wider participation.
Looking Ahead to 2035
KBB’s vision for the next decade is ambitious. They imagine a Bermuda where every home recycles, every school and business is committed to reducing waste, and littering is rare. In this future, volunteers regularly remove marine debris from beaches and reefs, and clean-ups are a natural part of community life.
“It is about creating a culture where keeping Bermuda beautiful is second nature,” says KBB.
How You Can Help
Whether you join a community clean-up, sign up your team for a corporate give-back day or simply take your litter home, every action counts.
Visit kbb.bm to register for upcoming events, learn more about Adopt-A-Spot or make a donation to support year-round operations.
