Raising Environmental Awareness Through Music: Put it in the Trash & The Mangrove Song
A Childhood Rooted in Nature
If I had to trace the roots of my love for the outdoors and nature, it would lead me back to my childhood. Growing up, whenever my sister had to clean the house, I was sent outside, likely because I was in her way. This inspired a line in my very first Bahamian song: “When sis cleaning, you got to get out.” Beyond that, we spent a lot of time outside tending to the garden, planting crops, and harvesting. My childhood was filled with fresh air, trees, and a mix of play and work outdoors, which instilled in me a deep appreciation for nature.
Blending Music with Environmental Advocacy
Fast forward to adulthood, and here I am spending most of my time either among the mangroves or cleaning up the environment. Somewhere along the way, inspiration struck, and I decided to merge my two passions: music and environmental advocacy.
One day, while working outside, I jotted down some lyrics about mangroves. Later, I found a beat online and headed to the studio to record. What came out was a pleasant surprise—a song that taught people about mangroves without being cheesy or cringy, as so many environmental songs tend to be. While still riding that wave of creativity, another lightning bolt struck. In the same studio session, we came up with a super-catchy anti-littering song called “Put it in the Trash.” Inspiration hit twice in a row, and my team ran with it.
Combining my love for music with my passion for the environment was not something I initially imagined doing. Yet these two songs turned out to be powerful teaching tools, even earning an award from the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund.
They recognized the creativity and impact of “Put it in the Trash” and “The Mangrove Song”, which not only encourage responsible behavior but also educate listeners about the four types of mangroves in The Bahamas.
Looking back, I attribute these successes to two key factors. First, I’ve learned to narrow down what’s important to me and stay laser-focused on my values and goals. Second, I’m fortunate to have a growth-mindset team that encourages me to push boundaries and keep creating. Ultimately, my hope is that these songs inspire others to find ways to use their unique talents to make a difference. Whether it’s through music, art, education, or community action, we all have something valuable to contribute. For me, music is my tool, and I’m grateful to use it to bring awareness to the beauty and importance of our environment.
