In line with the brand’s global commitment to sustainability, Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara has eliminated all plastic water bottles in the resort. Following the removal of plastic straws late last year, the new on-site water bottling facility marks another milestone in the resort’s ongoing journey of environmental consciousness.
“Salalah is known for its natural beauty, which we are fortunate to be able to share with our guests from around the world,” said James Hewitson, General Manager, Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara. “As part of the community, it’s imperative that we all work together to preserve this unique destination so that it can be enjoyed for generations to come, and eliminating plastic is one step toward achieving this.”
Plastic waste takes thousands of years to biodegrade and most of it does not get reused or recycled. Experts believe that half of all plastic is only used once before being discarded. It gets dumped in landfills polluting the natural environment and adversely affecting wildlife, wildlife habitat and humans as well as significantly impacting on our oceans.
The water bottling operation at Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara allows the resort to provide guests with purified water in reusable glass bottles. With 136 guest rooms and villas and three dining outlets, this new system will save approximately 250,000 single-use plastic bottles consumed in the resort every year. In addition, for other areas on the property such as the beach and pool, the resort has introduced eco-friendly aluminium bottles. Available to purchase with proceeds donated to Salalah’s Al Bahja Orphans Society, the reusable bottles may be filled at water stations around the resort.
“As the first resort to implement this type of initiative in Salalah, we’re proud of our achievement and we hope it inspires the local community to also find ways to reduce environmental impact,” said Hewitson. “Also, from a tourism perspective, more and more travellers are seeking out sustainably minded destinations and organisations so it’s important to continue embracing that mindset in everything we do.”
Next up in the reduction of plastic waste, Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara is implementing bamboo drink stirrers produced in a small farming village in Laos. By switching to bamboo stirrers, the resort is not only further helping to reduce plastic waste but also providing a new source of income for the people in the village. Bamboo is the fastest growing plant on the planet and a sustainable option for stirrers that is strong while also hygienic and reusable.
