When COVID-19 struck, the world came to a standstill and the hospitality business underwent a very public environmental and social re-evaluation – one that was and still is greatly needed. This year Earth Day centres on the theme of “Planet vs. Plastics,” highlighting society’s growing dedication to ending plastic pollution and reducing plastic production by 60% by 2040. The hospitality industry is responding to this call by implementing new initiatives aimed at reducing single-use plastics, minimising food waste, and introducing waste charging schemes. Below are a few hotels leading the charge in sustainability, often going above and beyond to achieve their goals.
1. Soneva
Since 2008, Soneva has replaced imported water with their own bottled water in glass, preventing around 2 million plastic bottles from reaching landfills. Additionally, the Soneva Foundation provides safe water access to 750,000 people worldwide. Through its Waste-to-Wealth program, Soneva has generated a value of US$3.5 million, with 90% of waste being recycled. Collaborating with 22 local island communities via the NGO Soneva Namoona, Soneva Fushi is pioneering effective waste management practice, serving as a model for sustainability across Maldivian islands.
2. Accor Hotels
Accor hotels have significantly reduced their environmental impact by eliminating single-use plastic items such as straws, cotton buds, and stirrers, along with plastic glasses and bathroom amenities like shampoos and toothbrushes. By the end of 2022, 46 plastic items were replaced with sustainable alternatives, with 84% of hotels now plastic-free for guests, and over 50% of hotels now offer alternatives to single-use water bottles, such as filtered water in reusable containers. Looking ahead, they aim to completely eliminate the use of single-use plastics and microplastics by 2025.
3. Aman
The underlying ethos at Aman is a belief in the sustainable well-being of people, society, and our planet Earth. To fight against the long sustaining problem of plastics in Vietnam, the Amanoi new water-filtration bottling plant allows delivery of fresh, filtered water to both guests and team members served in glass bottles. The hotel group has also partnered with Ocean Bottle to provide clean and fresh water to all its guests. Each Ocean Bottle bought funds for the collection of 11.4 kg of ocean bound plastic, equivalent to 1,000 plastic bottles. Aman-i-Khas does not tend to its gardens for three months of the year to allow the ground to recover and to protect the camp’s precious surroundings. It has also recently installed a solar power plant, and the camp is working towards a zero-waste approach across all aspects of camp life.
4. Hilton
Hilton has long been at the forefront of sustainability efforts in the hospitality industry, leading the charge towards a net-zero economy and aligning with climate science to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. With over 1,600 hotels equipped with convenient electric vehicle chargers, guests can travel more sustainably. By offering climate-conscious menus featuring locally sourced, sustainably grown meals, Hilton strives to minimise waste and share surplus food with communities in need. Additionally, Hilton’s global implementation of sustainable solutions such as reusable drinking vessels, refill stations, and closed-loop bottling systems underscores its ongoing efforts to reduce plastic consumption.
5. Roseate
Roseate Hotels exemplify a steadfast commitment to sustainability, shunning single-use plastic in-room amenities and restaurants. Certified recycled paper carry bags adorn their take-away cafes, while innovative water-saving measures include recycling wastewater and converting kitchen waste to compost for organic farming. With 100% organic produce from Roseate Farms, including a diverse array of vegetables and herbs, they champion the Farm-to-Table philosophy. Further, an exclusive partnership with the Sattvik Council of India ensures Sattvik-certified food and rooms, promoting purity and ethical dining experiences.
Cover Image Credits: Amanoi
