Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort has banned single-use plastics since July 1 on its property.
The resort gave all hosts Outrigger ?bags for life? and a takeaway mug as an alternative to takeaway plastic drink containers, straws and bags. The hotel started implementing these changes as part of the brand's global conservation initiative, OZONE, aimed at safeguarding oceans and island environments. The property?s OZONE ambassador, Leah Matters, said the initiative, still in its first phase, is to hold management and hosts accountable and eliminate single-use plastics from the resort.
She said: ?We have received a lot of positive feedback on social media platforms. Guests are posting pictures and congratulating Outrigger. They are telling us, both verbally and in writing, that they have chosen our resort based on our commitment to the environment and our efforts in trying to eliminate single-use plastic.?
She also said that environmental initiatives are increasingly becoming a deciding factor for guests choosing the resort.
Apart from banning single-use plastics, the beach resort uses a reverse osmosis water plant to purify and bottle its own drinking water. All guest rooms, conference facilities and restaurants feature reusable glass bottles. Plastic bottles and straws are not supplied by the hotel anymore and takeaway containers, including coffee cups, are now made from recycled materials.
A public drinking tap connected to the reverse osmosis plant allows guests to fill up their bottles.
The resort has a long-running beach cleaning activity which takes place every Friday at 4.30pm. Guests are invited to join staff and management in the clean-up drive.
The Koh Kids club in the resort has a daily OZONE programme including a beach clean-up where children get the opportunity to plant trees and use recycled materials for arts and crafts, including making hats out of newspaper.
The resort is also planning to encourage local food suppliers to limit their single-use plastics.
Matters said: ?Working with local suppliers in Phuket and getting them to change packing habits is the next frontier. It?s a slow process, but we are encouraging them and leading by example where we can.?
