Sentosa, the breathtaking island paradise, is set to make waves in the fight against plastic pollution. Businesses including hotels, attractions, and F&B operators have made a groundbreaking commitment to eliminate single-use plastic bottled water from their premises by the end of 2023.
This bold initiative aims to reduce plastic waste, promote sustainability, and preserve the island’s natural beauty.
No more plastic bottled water
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The shift away from plastic bottled water will see businesses prioritize alternative solutions. Filtered taps will provide guests with access to refreshing piped water, while FSC-graded tetra-packs will be considered as an alternative if quantities are lower than the original number of plastic bottles provided.
Leading the change with a plastic bottled water
Prominent establishments such as The Outpost Hotel Sentosa, Village Hotel Sentosa, and Oasia Resort Sentosa are spearheading this transformation.
In-room Hyflux filtered water taps will replace bottled water in The Outpost Hotel Sentosa and Village Hotel Sentosa. While individually-bottled shower amenities in guest rooms will be replaced by wall-mounted containers at The Outpost Hotel Sentosa and Oasia Resort Sentosa starting May 2023.
Furthermore, the Barracks Hotel Sentosa will offer still and sparkling water in elegant glass bottles.
Making a significant impact
This momentous decision will eliminate the use of at least two million plastic bottles annually on Sentosa Island, significantly reducing plastic waste.
A study conducted by the Singapore Environment Council in 2018 revealed that each person in Singapore uses approximately one to three plastic takeaways per week, resulting in a staggering 473 million plastic disposables used yearly, enough to cover an area three times the size of Sentosa.
A united effort
The Sentosa Carbon Neutral Network (SCNN), comprising 25 businesses and partners in Sentosa, has wholeheartedly committed to this environmentally conscious goal.
Furthermore, representing 97% of the island’s carbon emissions, this collective effort emphasizes the importance of collaboration in combatting climate change and striving for a greener future.
Comprehensive measures for sustainability
The eradication of single-use plastic bottles is just one of the 16 measures outlined in the Sentosa Development Corporation’s guidebook on reducing disposables.
Furthermore, developed in collaboration with the World Wide Fund for Nature Singapore (WWF-Singapore), these guidelines serve as a roadmap for businesses, helping them adopt sustainable practices and monitor their progress.
Moreover, the measures encompass various categories, including carrier bags, takeaway food containers, disposable tableware for dine-in, paper products, packaging waste, and amenity kits.
Leading by example
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Several businesses in Sentosa have already taken significant steps to reduce disposable items.
Resorts World Sentosa, since 2018, has been implementing restrictions on disposable plastic items. These items include straws, bottled water, takeaway food containers, and tableware.
Their efforts have resulted in a reduction of over 100 tonnes of plastic waste annually.
Moreover, the presence of four onsite food waste digesters has dramatically cut down the waste volume. Saving approximately 72,000 plastic bin liners each year.
Conclusion
Basically, Sentosa has an ambitious plan to eliminate plastic bottled water by the end of 2023. Hence, it represents a remarkable milestone in the battle against plastic pollution.
Moreover, with businesses leading the way and adopting comprehensive sustainability measures. Sentosa Island is setting a shining example for others to follow.
In conclusion, together, we can safeguard our environment. We can preserve natural wonders.
And lastly, we can create a greener future for generations to come.
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