Plastic-Free Journeys: Hotels and Airlines Banning Single-Use Plastics
In recent years, there has been a growing movement towards minimizing plastic waste and transitioning towards more sustainable practices. Hotels and airlines, being major contributors to single-use plastics, have faced increasing pressure from environmentally conscious consumers to take action. In response, many have begun implementing plastic-free initiatives, with some even committing to a complete ban on single-use plastics. This trend, known as “plastic-free journeys”, is gaining momentum and making a positive impact on the environment. Let’s explore some of the hotels and airlines leading the way in banning single-use plastics.
Plastic-Free Hotels
The Marriott Group
The Marriott Group, one of the world’s largest hotel chains, has recently announced a bold commitment to eliminating single-use plastics from all of their properties by the end of 2020. This includes not only plastic straws and stirrers, but also plastic bottles, bags, and shower toiletry bottles. This initiative is expected to prevent an estimated 1.7 million pounds of plastic waste per year.
In addition to reducing waste, the Marriott Group is also focusing on sourcing more environmentally friendly products. This includes using biodegradable materials for in-room amenities and replacing plastic water bottles with reusable ones. This move towards sustainability has been well received by customers and has even resulted in cost savings for the hotel chain.
Hospitality Giants AccorHotels and IHG
Following in the footsteps of the Marriott Group, AccorHotels and IHG have also committed to eliminating single-use plastics from their properties around the world. By the end of 2022, AccorHotels aims to replace all single-use plastic products with more sustainable alternatives in their 5000+ hotels. This includes using biodegradable cups and straws, as well as offering guests water refill stations instead of plastic bottles.
Similarly, IHG has pledged to remove plastic straws from their hotels by the end of 2019, with the ultimate goal of eliminating single-use plastics entirely. They are also implementing bulk-size toiletry dispensers in their bathrooms to reduce the use of plastic bottles.
Plastic-Free Airlines
Qantas
Australia’s flag carrier, Qantas, has taken a bold stance on single-use plastics by committing to eliminate 75% of the airline’s waste by the end of 2021. This includes a complete ban on plastic straws, cutlery, and stirrers on all Qantas and Jetstar flights. In addition, they have implemented compostable packaging and have removed individual plastic water bottles from their lounges.
This move towards sustainability has resulted in substantial benefits for the environment, including a 33% reduction in waste sent to landfill and an estimated 100 million fewer plastic items used per year. Qantas has also partnered with the University of Sydney to develop a sustainable aviation fuel made from non-biodegradable waste plastic, further reducing their carbon footprint.
Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has also joined the plastic-free movement. As of 2019, they have introduced edible coffee cups and eliminated plastic wrapping on their mattress toppers and blankets in business class. They have also started using wooden cutlery instead of plastic on their flights and have pledged to remove 80% of single-use plastics from their aircraft by the end of 2022.
Additionally, Etihad is collaborating with waste management companies to recycle used plastic bottles into carpet tiles and other products, further reducing their impact on the environment.
The Impact and the Future
The efforts of these hotels and airlines to ban single-use plastics are undoubtedly making a positive impact on the environment. By switching to more sustainable options and eliminating the use of single-use plastics, they are reducing waste, saving energy and resources, and reducing pollution in landfills and oceans. It is also encouraging to see the industry leaders leading the way and setting an example for others to follow.
However, this is just the beginning. With global tourism on the rise, it is essential for all hotels and airlines to take responsibility for their environmental impact and join the plastic-free journey. As conscious consumers continue to demand more sustainable practices, it is vital for businesses in the hospitality industry to keep up with these expectations and take action towards a greener, cleaner future.
Conclusion
Plastic-free journeys are not just a trend, but a necessary step towards a more sustainable future. By banning single-use plastics, hotels and airlines are not only reducing their environmental footprint, but also promoting a more conscious and responsible way of travel. As more businesses join the movement, we can hope to see a greener and cleaner planet for future generations to enjoy.
