Plastic Free July (1)

Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru lead community clean-up in support of Plastic Free July

Globally, hotels are responsible for an estimated 289,700 tonnes of plastic waste each year, much of it originating from single-use items such as toiletries, water bottles, and packaging (UNEP & WTTC, “Plastic Waste in Tourism” report, 2021).

In observance of Plastic Free July and as part of their ongoing commitment to sustainability, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru Maldives jointly organised a large-scale community clean-up in the Malé Industrial Zone on 12 July 2025. The initiative was conducted in collaboration with local environmental NGO, CLEAN Maldives.

The clean-up attracted over 150 participants, including guests and staff from both resorts, students from Ghiyasuddin School, and volunteers from Crossroads Maldives and Secret Paradise Maldives. Within just one hour—between 3:00 and 4:00 PM—participants collected an impressive 808 kilograms of waste, comprising mainly PET bottles, hard plastics, aluminium cans, styrofoam, and rubber debris.

Despite the inclement weather, the event showcased the strength of collective action. Individuals from diverse backgrounds—ranging from schoolchildren to hospitality professionals—joined forces in a shared mission to protect the marine environment and raise awareness of the escalating threat posed by plastic pollution.

“Single-use plastics are among the major pollutants harming our marine environment—over 11 million metric tonnes enter the ocean annually. Over time, these plastics degrade through exposure to sunlight, forming microplastics that can be ingested by marine life and eventually enter the human food chain through bioaccumulation. Each item removed is a step towards a healthier and more resilient marine ecosystem. These mindful actions embody our broader purpose: to embrace the environment, empower communities, and contribute to a regenerative future for the Maldives, our island home,” stated Nick Hardman, Regional Marine Lab Manager of Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru.

This effort forms part of the Banyan Group’s Brand for Good sustainability framework. Across its global portfolio of over 90 resorts and hotels, the Group is marking Plastic Free July with various initiatives aimed at reducing plastic consumption and inspiring positive behavioural change.

In the Maldives—where coral reefs serve as natural breakwaters and rising sea levels pose an existential threat—such clean-up efforts carry deep significance. As part of the Group’s enduring environmental commitment, both resorts carry out a minimum of four community clean-ups annually, working alongside neighbouring islands and local organisations to ensure sustained, long-term impact.

Hotelier News Desk
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