Eratap Resort reduces plastic waste with reusable bottles

October 27, 2024 9:49 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By providing all guests with reusable drinking bottles, Eratap Resort has demonstrated a serious commitment to reducing single-use plastics and waste in Vanuatu’s landfill.

Globally, humans use one million plastic water bottles every minute, with many ending up in the ocean or polluting the land. In Vanuatu, single-use plastics are banned, but water bottles are not yet included. Conservative estimates suggest that up to half a million plastic water bottles end up in Vanuatu’s landfill annually from tourist use alone. This figure becomes even more alarming when local consumption is added.

“We care deeply about our environment and want to be part of positive solutions that help our island and protect its natural beauty,” says Eratap Resort owner, Mr. Tony Pittar. “Waste management, especially on an island, is complicated. By eliminating these plastic bottles and providing guests with viable alternatives, we are significantly reducing waste and keeping our environment clean. We feel this is important and worth the investment.”

Local business Blue Pacific World (BPW) initiated this project, funding the reduction of plastic water bottles among Vanuatu’s visitors. BPW supplies the reusable bottles that tourism operators can purchase as an alternative to single-use plastic bottles. The project launched earlier this year with the support of three pilot hotels: Ramada by Wyndham, Eratap Beach Resort, and Breakas on the Beach. Guests staying at these hotels benefit from free drinking water refills and contribute to this positive environmental solution.

“Our ultimate goal is ocean conservation, so we’re not only focused on reducing plastics,” says BPW owner Ms Nicola Barnes. “There is a connection between oceans and communities. As a social enterprise, part of the funds from bottle purchases supports our partner, Roawia Marine Coastal Rehabilitation. We chose this local tourism operator because they are actively involved in coral reef management and sustainable tourism—causes we believe are vital to ocean conservation.”

This approach fosters collaboration between organisations and ensures that community-based initiatives are involved.

Max Zacharie, owner of Roawia Marine Coastal Rehabilitation in Mangaliliu, North Efate, offers visitors the chance to swim with wild turtles and hosts educational days for guests to learn about coral reefs and engage in coral planting. His programme also involves coastal clean-ups, plastic recycling, and will soon include a nursery and coastal planting initiative.

Together, these private-sector businesses contribute to Vanuatu’s sustainability goals.

“We hope to expand this project to more hotels and to collaborate with both private-sector and non-profit organisations on a variety of ocean conservation projects. We also hope the Government will one day support us through measures like VAT waivers on imports of sustainable materials that contribute to environmental progress,” adds Ms Barnes.