NEGRIL, Westmoreland — Used plastic bags, old newspapers, empty plastic bottles and cans are trash, right?

Not according to the contestants in the recently held Miss Beaches Negril Talent and Awareness Competition 2015. In a newly introduced segment of the pageant, called Best Eco-Design, the ladies paraded on stage in elaborate pieces they designed themselves.

Therese-Ann Jowrey from the accounts department, who was first runner-up in the overall competition, took the sectional prize for her eco-wedding gown fashioned from three garbage bags full of plastic water bottles. The bottle caps made the front of the bodice, while the seals were used at the back of the bodice. The bottom half of the bottles were cut open and splayed to complete the flowing skirt.

“I chose to use water bottles to design my gown because they’re non-biodegradable and would have more harmful effects on the environment if not discarded properly,” she said.

Environment, health and safety manager at Beaches Negril, Nicola Brown, who introduced the concept, noted that “Beaches Negril continues to embrace sustainable environmental practices, and this latest initiative is beyond being ‘green’. It is about guarding the resources and assets we depend on and love, which includes our environment, team members, guests and communities”.

The Beaches and Sandals chain of hotels incorporate several eco-friendly practices in the day-to-day operation of the properties and they hold multiple international environmental awards and certifications.

The hotels are part of the Sandals/ATL Group of companies, which includes the Jamaica Observer.