With more than 300 million tons of plastic produced each year and more than 90% of all plastic not recycled, our oceans are going through a tough time. In fact, plastic is everywhere, in each marine environment, causing the ecosystems to perish and showing the need for eco-friendly solutions. While individuals are trying to lessen their own detrimental impact on the environment, the hotels in which they stay are also taking steps to maintain luxury without damaging the planet.
Superfluous waste is of particular concern in the hôtellerie industry, given the abundance of single-use items that come with your average accommodation. From bathroom amenities to the mini bar, try and think of a regular hotel room and you will realise how common it is.
To deal with this problem, the hotel chain Edition has created the campaign “Stay Plastic Free”, with the goal of “calling to action” the hospitality industry and stopping the use of disposable plastic, undoubtedly affecting hoteliers worldwide. By the end of 2019, Edition hotels were 90% single-use plastic free and want to reach 100% by the end of 2020. Their strategy includes among other things installing drinking fountains and providing all members of staff with stainless steel water bottles, removing all plastic products from their minibar, removing all plastic straws and providing toothbrushes made from bamboo.
Similarly, some of the largest hotel chains like the Hilton decided to cut out plastic straws on premises, saving over 250 million straws in a year. Other hotels took a greater leap forward and provide absolutely no single-use plastic:
In the Casa Pueblo Tulum hotel, Mexico, you won’t find any plastic, from the tastefully decorated common areas and restaurants to the comfortable, minimally furnished rooms. This hotel is exquisite – down to the smallest details. Pure filtered water is provided in glass bottles, while refillable containers dispense natural organic amenities. Here is an example of an independent hotel which took this opportunity for change towards a better world. Casa Pueblo cares about our planet and makes every effort to leave the smallest footprint possible.
With all this common effort, let's hope that all waves in the future are plastic free!
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