Kicheche, Kenya
Offering guests one of the lowest people-to-land ratios in Africa, the Kicheche team knows that when things get thrown away, they have to go somewhere. Last year, concerted efforts to reduce waste culminated in Kicheche’s most successful yet; in 2018, plastic waste decreased by 53% compared to 2017. To get these kinds of results, everything that comes into camp is scrutinised, including yoghurts. By purchasing a yoghurt making machine and serving delicious, homemade yoghurts in recycled jars, Kicheche has saved 2130 small cups from landfill.
Refugio Ecological Caiman, Brazil
The community of employees and their families that live at Refugio Ecological Caiman in Brazil are a diverse group. Environmental awareness has always been a priority, but a newly appointed Environmental Manager is exploring ways to bring the community even closer together on issues like waste management. Alongside adding environmental awareness to the school curriculum and eliminating disposable plastic bottles throughout the Refugio, Caiman has started taking groups of employees on landfill tours. The impact has been staggering, proving that “what the eyes can’t see, the heart won’t feel”.
Lapa Rios, Costa Rica
Lapa Rios is a back-to-nature hideaway surrounded by Costa Rica’s most biologically rich ecosystem — the Osa Peninsula. Management company Cayuga Hotels & Resorts demonstrates a second-to-none commitment to plastic reduction. Rather than default to recycling, Cayuga does everything it can to prevent waste in the first place. Founder Hans Pfister comments, “The aim is to avoid waste at the source rather than work out how to get rid of it…. We’ve forced ourselves to be ruthless and creative with solutions from making our own mayonnaise to persuading suppliers to change their packaging.”
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