Outrigger bans single-use plastic

PHUKET, 24 July 2019:  Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort has stopped using single-use plastics in the workplace. 

All hosts 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 global conservation initiative to safeguard oceans and island environments.

The property’s Ozone ambassador, Leah Matters, says that environmental initiatives are increasingly becoming a deciding factor for guests choosing the resort.

Beyond banning single-use plastics, the resort uses a reverse osmosis water plant to purify and bottle its drinking water. All rooms, conference facilities and restaurants feature reusable glass bottles.

The hotel no longer supplies plastic bottles and straws. All takeaway containers, including coffee cups, are now produced from recycled materials.

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.

Matters says the next big challenge is encouraging local food suppliers to limit single-use plastics. The hotel has already 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.”