As we look back on the last decade, one thing that will characterize it is the increasing awareness and urgency towards the destruction of the world’s natural environments.
The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change have indicated that 2020 will be a key year for climate action. What we do as a global community over the next year will impact generations for years to come.
At Chaka Travel, we understand that we must play our part alongside the global golf travel industry. Throughout 2020, our Sustainability Blog Series will bring you updates on how we are working with our partners to do just that!
We want to work with our partners to do better, and praise those who are making strides towards real sustainability.
In this first issue, we will look at the plastic problem and what we’re doing about it.
Constance Hotels
Constance have gone a long way to replace PET water bottles with glass bottles in all their resorts. The results have been astounding and plastic waste now represents only 2.3% of their total annual waste.
Constance have been able to achieve this by fostering responsibility among staff and guests alike through awareness sessions and induction programs.
Where there is waste, most of it is being recycled through local partners. In the Maldives, Constance Halaveli & Constance Moofushi have partnered with Parley who recycle the resorts plastic waste into tennis shoes.
Heritage Awali
The Sustainability & Inclusiveness Programs at Heritage Awali Golf & Spa Resort have had a number of positive outcomes for reducing plastic pollution.
Plastic straws have been eliminated at the resort which and have instead been replaced by recyclable paper & bamboo straws, while drinks on the beach and outside of the main dining areas are now served in reusable flasks.
Heritage Awali also favours local agriculture products from the villages surrounding the resort which greatly reduces the need for plastic packaging.
Al Hamra Golf Club
Al Hamra Golf Club in the lesser know Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, has recently announced that it is now the first golf club in the entire Middle East region to go 100% plastic free, eliminating all single use plastic from the premises.
The par-72, 18-hole Championship Golf Course has replaced plastic bottles with glass which will be cleaned and refilled using filtration units.
Straws, stirrers, take away containers and golf tees have all been replaced with sustainable alternatives as part of a wider commitment to reducing the impact the course has on the beautiful Arabian Gulf and the Al Hamra Lagoon.
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