Sandals Resorts International to eliminate styrofoam at all its resorts

IN ITS continued commitment to protect the environment, Sandals Resorts International (SRI) will, as of February 1, 2019, eliminate all styrofoam products from its 19 Sandals and Beaches resorts across the region.

The company also recently eliminated single-use plastics from its operations.

“As we enter the new year, it’s incredibly important to us that environmental sustainability remains a key priority,” said Adam Stewart, SRI’s deputy chairman. “After eliminating plastic straws, stirrers, laundry bags and gift shop bags last year, we’re now moving to eliminate styrofoam from our resorts. We’re proud that many of the islands in which we operate are also making this shift to ensure that future generations can enjoy the beauty of the Caribbean.”

The elimination of styrofoam is particularly important in the Caribbean region, where Marine Wildlife across the more than 700 islands and coastlines is abundant. According to data shared in Environment America’s ‘Wildlife over waste’ campaign, scientists have found plastic and styrofoam fragments in 86 per cent of all sea turtle species, 44 per cent of all seabird species and 43 per cent of all marine mammal species.

The Sandals Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International, continues to amplify its efforts to reduce pollution in the Caribbean and to educate communities on the dangers of pollution to the environment, health and the tourism sector.

“Eliminating styrofoam is yet another way we’re reducing our environmental footprint and improving the health of our Caribbean communities,” said Heidi Clarke, executive director of the Sandals Foundation. “Education is critical, and that’s where the Sandals Foundation comes in. We want to keep our islands clean and beautiful for citizens, visitors and marine alike.”

All Sandals and Beaches resorts are certified by the EarthCheck benchmarking and certification programme, with nine resorts currently holding master certification. The company is the only hotel chain in the world to have all of its resorts certified.

SRI will also explore opportunities to eliminate other plastic across its resorts by September 2019.