Source: surfrider.org
This program recognizes hotels that are committed to cutting out unnecessary single-use plastic and offers a simple, straightforward framework to help them make sustainable choices for the ocean. The larger we grow our network of ocean-friendly business leaders, the more mainstream the concept of single-use plastic-free becomes!
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay has been a supporter of the Surfrider Kauaʻi Chapter for quite some time. They are a member of the local Ocean Friendly Visitors Program, have six Ocean Friendly Restaurants onsite, and regularly participate in Surfrider beach cleanups. We spoke with Alexis Eaton, the Director of Marketing, Public Relations, and Programming at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, to hear about their ocean-friendly practices and why they joined the new program.
Please tell us about your hotel.
What makes it a special destination for your guests, and how is your location connected to the ocean?
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is a sustainable sanctuary located on the stunning North Shore of Kauaʻi. As the flagship property for 1 Hotels, we are deeply committed to honoring the beauty of nature through biophilic design and being a driver for change in hospitality. Our resort, perched along the cliffs of Puu Poa, offers 252 rooms with breathtaking views of Hanalei Bay, the surrounding coastal mountains, and the pristine ocean and reef. These vistas not only enhance our guests' experience but also serve as a poignant reminder of our vital relationship with the ocean and the need to actively protect it.
What ocean-friendly practices does your hotel have in place? What sets your hotel apart in terms of its commitment to sustainability and ocean health in particular?
At 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, our dedication to ocean health is evident through a range of proactive and innovative practices:
- Marine Life Awareness Programming - We offer educational programs to inform guests about local marine ecosystems and the importance of conservation.
- Reef Safe Sunscreen - We provide complimentary reef-safe sunscreen at our pools, ensuring that our guests' sun protection does not harm coral reefs or marine life.
- Eco-Friendly Landscaping - Our landscaping is designed to support local flora and fauna by showcasing over 70% of our landscaping as native and polynesian canoe crops. Our resort also features green roofs with native pili grass and an organic rooftop chef’s garden.
- Marine Debris Cleanups - We regularly organize beach cleanups and provide guests with 4Ocean cleanup kits for their island adventures, empowering them to make a tangible impact on marine health.
- Zero Waste Program - We are committed to achieving an industry leading zero waste footprint by using compostable materials, actively diverting waste streams from landfills, and eliminating single-use plastics. Our partnership with supply chain vendors helps us continually improve our waste management practices. With our location on an island, it is critical we have this sustainability mindset to push our peers to reach further to protect our environment.
- Water Conservation - We implement various measures to minimize water consumption throughout our operations. One of the ways we do this is through our 7,400 gallon rain water harvesting system which allows us to water a significant portion of our landscaping with water naturally.
These practices not only reflect our commitment to sustainability but also actively involve our guests in our efforts to protect and preserve our beautiful environment.
Why did you decide to join Surfrider’s Ocean Friendly Hotels program?
Joining the Surfrider Ocean Friendly Hotels program was a natural step for us to raise awareness and garner support for ocean-friendly practices. This program allows us to showcase our efforts more actively and encourages other properties in the industry to adopt similar practices. We believe this collective push will drive greater environmental impact and inspire further advancements in sustainability.
Why do you think it’s important for the hospitality industry to prioritize sustainability? What role can you see the industry playing in protecting our ocean?
The hospitality industry has a unique opportunity to reach and influence a broad audience. By prioritizing sustainability, we can educate guests and inspire them to adopt environmentally friendly behaviors. Our industry also has the power to share best practices and lead by example, helping to drive broader systemic change that benefits our oceans and the environment.
What advice do you have for other hotels looking to become more sustainable and may be considering joining the Ocean Friendly Hotels program?
Start by connecting with peers and learning from their experiences. Use the criteria provided by programs like Ocean Friendly Hotels as a guideline to develop and implement your own sustainable practices. Every small step contributes to a larger impact, so prioritize initiatives that align with your values, operations and capabilities.
Can you share a guest story or piece of feedback you’ve received about your sustainability efforts?
Our guests are frequently inspired by our commitment to sustainability. We have regular comments that come back to us about how easy we make it for them to be respectful and responsible because the very essence of our hotel embodies nature and honoring the environment. They appreciate our commitment to being plastic-free and giving a second life or using natural materials for our amenities such as our hangers being made from recycled paper, our do not disturb rock, recycled wine bottles turned glassware. To name a few.
We commonly receive feedback about new habits and behaviors they learn here that they take home and adopt in their daily lifestyle. An example is single use plastics and making conscious choices to reuse and if they must purchase, look for a sustainable alternative such as reusables or aluminum. It’s rewarding to see how our initiatives resonate with visitors and encourage them to make positive changes in their own lives.
Improving operational sustainability is always an evolutionary journey of refining best practices. Can you share anything you’re currently working on or other sustainable practices you’re hoping to implement in the future?
We are committed to achieving an industry leading zero waste footprint by using reusable or made from naturally occurring materials and are currently on a progressive path towards becoming a certified zero-waste operation. Our goal is to achieve a 90% waste diversion rate from landfills. We are actively pursuing this multi-year project with daily conscious choices, such as eliminating plastic water bottles and bags, using sustainable room amenities, providing water refill stations, using reusable or naturally sourced room keys, and employing do-not-disturb rocks. These small actions collectively drive significant change.
It truly takes everyone involved to do their part and to think differently. Our teams have been motivated by the challenge and positive impact we can have through this program. We have heard from so many across our teams that working for a sustainable brand committed to minimizing our environmental impact is a key deciding factor in joining our company.
