Plastic recycling and waste reduction in the hospitality industry

Abstract

Every year, the hospitality industry creates millions of tons of avoidable waste globally. While conspicuous consumption is the hallmark of the industry, leaders of the industry have come to the realization that it cannot go on forever. Added to that, the surge of eco-conscious guests and other pressure groups provide the industry players an increased level of impetus for introducing positive change in terms waste reduction and recycling. This paper addresses the current effort the hospitality industry is undertaking to reduce waste and recycle plastic goods and the challenges to be overcome in that process. To explain the contemporary practice, it brings in examples of hotels, resorts, and restaurants chains that are currently implementing recycling or reducing waste programs.