3 MIN READ
2-27-2025
Sustainable Travel: A Look at Hotels Leading the Way in Reducing Plastic Waste
Alex Schulze , CEO/Co-Founder
Sustainable Travel: A Look at Hotels Leading the Way in Reducing Plastic Waste
As the world travel market recovers, tourists' attention is shifting to sustainability as they become more conscious of how tourism affects the environment. As major participants in the hospitality industry, hotels can make a big difference in cutting trash, especially plastic garbage, which has emerged as one of the most urgent environmental issues. Toiletries, bottled water, and plastic packaging are examples of single-use plastics that significantly increase hotel waste. Thankfully, more and more hotels around the world are implementing creative ways to cut down on plastic use and set the standard for environmentally friendly tourism. In addition to highlighting some of the pioneers in the shift to a more sustainable hospitality sector, this article examines how hotels are handling plastic waste.
The Plastic Problem in Hotels
The usage of single-use plastics in the hospitality sector is well known. Disposable plastic cups, straws, and silverware are commonly used in hotels, along with plastic-wrapped toiletries and water bottles. According to an estimate from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the hotel industry alone produces over 1.7 million tons of plastic garbage a year. Since a large portion of this debris ends up in landfills or the ocean, it has a substantial negative impact on the environment and adds to the rising problem of plastic pollution worldwide.
Considering the volume generated by the steady stream of visitors, hotel plastic garbage is frequently challenging to handle. Every year, millions of tourists stay in hotels all around the world, which has a huge cumulative effect on plastic garbage. But as more people become aware of the harm that plastic pollution causes to the environment, more hotels are taking the initiative to find answers and take significant steps to lessen their plastic footprint.
Leading Hotels in Reducing Plastic Waste
To cut down on plastic and serve as a model for the rest of the business, a number of hotels worldwide are implementing creative measures. These hotels are adopting full sustainability policies that include rethinking operations and enticing visitors to participate in these projects, going beyond merely substituting plastic straws with alternatives.
1. The Hilton Hotel Company
In the hotel sector, Hilton has taken the lead in sustainability initiatives. The chain made a major pledge to remove plastic stirrers and straws from all of its locations in 2018. This action was a component of Hilton's broader plan to cut down on plastic waste, which also involves installing refillable water stations in public spaces and guest rooms in place of plastic bottles. Hilton switched to bulk refillable containers for guest amenities like shampoo and conditioner, achieving its target of removing 500 million throwaway bottles annually by 2020.
Hilton is also aiming to reduce plastic trash in coastal areas, where several of its properties are situated, as part of its partnership with the Ocean Conservancy to promote ocean protection.
2. Marriott Worldwide
One of the biggest hotel chains in the world, Marriott International, is also setting the standard for cutting plastic trash. Marriott has pledged to do away with single-use plastics at all of its properties worldwide as part of its "Serve 360" environmental campaign. Marriott wants to use less plastic by 2025, especially in eating areas and guest rooms, and swap out single-use plastics for sustainable ones. By banning plastic straws and stirrers from its properties and introducing reusable water bottles for visitors, Marriott has already taken significant action.
Additionally, Marriott works closely with suppliers to guarantee that their plastic substitutes are recyclable and sourced responsibly, and it engages with local communities to strengthen its environmental stewardship.
3. The Radisson Hotel Group
With more than 1,400 hotels across the globe, the Radisson Hotel Group has reduced plastic waste through a number of sustainable initiatives. Radisson declared in 2020 that it would eliminate plastic stirrers, straws, and bottled toiletries from all of its hotels. The company has instead shifted to eco-friendly substitutes like paper straws and bamboo toothbrushes and added amenities in bulk dispensers.
Additionally, Radisson has started the "Responsible Business" program, which consists of projects aimed at lowering waste, saving energy, and helping out the community. Radisson keeps improving its sustainability initiatives and lowering the environmental effect of its operations by collaborating closely with local groups and suppliers.
4. Six Senses Resorts & Hotels
A leader in the hospitality sector's battle against plastic waste is Six Senses, a network of upscale hotels renowned for its dedication to sustainability. At all of its locations, Six Senses has instituted a "no single-use plastic" policy, which includes substituting recyclable, reusable, or biodegradable materials for plastic packaging. To ensure that visitors may obtain clean water without using plastic bottles, the hotel chain has also installed glass bottles and water refill facilities in the guest rooms.
In addition to reducing waste, Six Senses is dedicated to protecting the environment through energy efficiency, sustainable food sourcing, and conservation support. Additionally, by providing educational sessions on cutting back on plastic use and promoting eco-friendly habits while they are there, their resorts involve their guests in sustainability initiatives.
5. The Hotel Zoku in Amsterdam
The Amsterdam boutique hotel Zoku is a great illustration of how independent, smaller hotels may have a significant impact on the reduction of plastic waste. Zoku has eliminated plastic everywhere, substituting sustainable materials like metal and bamboo for plastic products. Additionally, the hotel gives visitors reusable shopping bags and uses glass water bottles that can be filled again. Furthermore, Zoku provides bulk toiletry dispensers, which do away with the need for single-use plastic bottles.
The building's design demonstrates Zoku's dedication to sustainability with locally sourced materials, energy-efficient technologies, and a green roof that lowers the hotel's carbon impact.
The Future of Sustainable Hotels
Hotels will probably come under increased scrutiny for their environmental policies, especially with relation to plastic waste, as the travel sector adopts sustainability more and more. Reducing single-use plastics will become the rule rather than the exception in the upcoming years, according to a number of industry experts. More hotels will implement sustainable practices as a result of the increased demand for ecologically conscious travel and the rise of eco-conscious tourists.
Among the ways hotels may help create a more sustainable travel sector are by implementing plastic-free policies, using renewable energy, and reducing food waste. The hospitality industry will keep changing to satisfy these demands as more tourists give sustainability top priority when making reservations.
Conclusion
Significant progress is being made by hotels worldwide to reduce plastic waste and create more environmentally friendly vacation experiences. By doing away with single-use plastics, switching to sustainable alternatives, and involving visitors in sustainability initiatives, well-known hotel brands like Hilton, Marriott, Radisson, and Six Senses are leading by example. Hotels are in a position to play a significant role in minimizing the environmental impact of tourism and reducing plastic waste as sustainability gains traction among both the business and tourists. Sustainable travel appears to have a bright future with sustained innovation and dedication.
Sources:
1. Hilton Worldwide, "Sustainability at Hilton: Our Commitment to Reducing Plastic Waste," Hilton, 2022.
2. Marriott International, "Serve 360: Sustainability and Social Impact," Marriott, 2021.
3. Radisson Hotel Group, "Responsible Business and Sustainability," Radisson, 2022.
4. Six Senses, "No Single-Use Plastic Policy," Six Senses, 2021.