“Guests 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.”
Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort has stepped up the battle against the use of single-use plastics in the workplace.
Employees have received Outrigger ‘bags for life’ and a takeaway mug to help them kick the habit of takeaway plastic drink containers, straws and bags.
The push is part of Outrigger’s ZONE – OZONE – the company’s global conservation initiative to safeguard oceans and island environments.
“We have received a lot of positive feedback on social media platforms,” says the property’s OZONE ambassador, Leah Matter.
“Guests 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.”
Matters says the next big challenge is encouraging local food suppliers to limit single-use plastics.
The hotel has supplied heavy-duty containers to fruit suppliers to discourage them from wrapping pineapple and watermelons in individual plastic bags.
“Working with local suppliers in Phuket and getting them to change packing habits is the next frontier,” says Matters. “It’s a slow process, but we are encouraging them and leading by example where we can.”
Beyond banning single-use plastics, Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort uses a reverse osmosis water plant to purify and bottle its own drinking water.
A public drinking tap linked to the reverse osmosis plant allows guests to fill up their bottles 24hrs a day. Stainless steel and sports water bottles are available in the resort’s shop.
The Koh Kids club in the resort also has a daily OZONE programme including a beach clean-up.