Eight Outrigger Hotels and Resorts properties in Waikiki encouraged hotel guests to go green with the 2012 initiative that collected more than 883,000 recyclable plastic bottles and aluminum cans from guest rooms for a total weight of more than 20 tons, up from 17.5 tons in 2011.
Outrigger launched the in-room recycling program in 2006 at its two Waikiki beachfront hotels, encouraging visitors to leave plastic bottles and aluminum cans in a designated bin or area within the guest room for recycling purposes. The program gained momentum, and in 2009, Reynolds Recycling honored Outrigger Enterprises Group with its inaugural “Green Leader Award” for being the top recycling and sustainability leader in Hawaii’s tourism industry. Over the last seven years, the program has collected a total of nearly 80 tons of recyclables that otherwise would have gone into landfills.
“As ambassadors for the tourism industry, we recognize and embrace our responsibility to protect Hawaii’s natural beauty for both our residents and guests to continue to enjoy for years to come,” said Barry Wallace, executive vice president of hospitality services.
“We also know that our travel agent partners have many clients who seek out eco-friendly hotels and resorts. This is just one of the many ways we’re supporting their efforts by helping them stand out as true professionals in their customers’ eyes,” Wallace adds.
With the 2012 recycled products, Outrigger Hotels and Resorts was able to raise more than $20,000 for Parents and Children Together (PACT), a local nonprofit that offers social services to Hawaii families in need.
“We’re proud of the Outrigger recycling effort in Waikiki, not just because it creates opportunities for people to do the right thing for the environment, but because it is a very simple and easy way that our guests can give back to Hawaii families. Every cent – and can and bottle – helps,” said Wallace.
Outrigger hotels and affiliated properties that currently participate in the recycling program include: Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach, Outrigger Reef on the Beach, Outrigger Luana Waikiki, OHANA Waikiki East, OHANA Waikiki West, OHANA Waikiki Malia, Embassy Suites-Waikiki Beach Walk, and Holiday Inn Waikiki Beachcomber.
Visit www.outrigger.com.