THREE simple eco-lessons for Hotels from Thailand’s OG of sustainable resorts: The Tongsai Bay

A Small Note on COVID Context

It seems somewhat poorly timed on the surface… Begging for meaningful environmental action from an industry in the midst of it’s biggest challenge ever faced. Global tourism is currently in a COVID induced weird pause. A pause with some very faint vaccine light at the end of the tunnel perhaps… But nonetheless a pause with still many questions waiting for answers…

Or maybe it is perfect timing. A pause from business as usual is perhaps a great time to reflect upon your business as a whole and look at what ways things can be done better.

The reality is that this article was written pre Covid and we have been waiting to post it…. and waiting.. and waiting… In the end we are just throwing it out there. =)

So this is an article directed at hotels and resorts… an attempt at sharing a few truly inspired eco-actions from a resort Bee and I have now stayed at multiple times.

If you are not a hotel or resort, this may just inspire you on a personal level with your own actions and have you EXPECT MORE from the resorts and hotels you choose to give your money.

At this point there is no doubt action is needed and we can all do more and be better….

Stay Safe Stay Well
Ben & Bee

Beyond the sweeping plastic straw outrage and meteoric rise of Tesla we have reached a place where there is finally AN AWARENESS (albeit mostly in the developed world) on THE IMPORTANCE of environmental impact.

With this awareness… being green now is a selling point, and not being green can bring your business some real headaches.

Multinational companies, previously largely unencumbered or even subsidised in their merry wanton destruction of natural resources are now routinely publicly shamed into not only ceasing such activities, but even being forced into adopting costly structural changes. Look no further than Greenpeace and the Rainforest Action Network (RAN) for several significant Name & Shame successes.

Greenpeace's Name & Shame Campaigns

Nestle is still destroying Indonesian rainforests - So don't buy their products....

“Greenpeace’s strategy, which it calls “market-based campaigning,” has proved devastatingly effective. It goes like this: Pick an area of concern. Identify on-the-ground producers whose actions are contributing to the problem. Follow the supply chain to a multinational corporation that peddles a widely known consumer product. Send an email or two, kindly pointing out the company’s “exposure” and suggesting an alternative. Ask again, firmly but pleasantly. Issue a sober, meticulously researched public report. If the desired response is not forthcoming. roll out a clear, multipronged media campaign, ideally starring a beloved animal species and featuring a hashtag….”

Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/greenpeace-fortune-500-deforestation-global-warming-2014-6

Of course.. even with these victories we are nowhere near where we need to be, and many large companies even after being in the crosshairs of such campaigns continue to screw over the planet while their PR spokespeople weave their magic to avoid spotlights.

Looking at you:

Colgate-Palmolive, General Mills, Hershey, Kellogg’s, Kraft Heinz, L’Oreal, Mars, Mondelez, Nestlé, PepsiCo, Reckitt Benckiser and Unilever.

But what about Tourism…?

Tourism, and in particular Hotels & Resorts have not been innocent in the sadly rich history of environmental destruction.

Over-development; tearing down of native forests; use of harmful construction materials; wasteful water practices; reckless energy consumption; single use plastics; food waste; animal habitat destruction and environmentally toxic chemical use…. just to name a handful of offences…

Across the previous decade as the developed world became more aware of these issues and the average traveler consequently grew to be a bit more eco-savvy, the industry had a real and growing problem to contend with.

And their response was spectacular…

THE TOWEL REUSE CARD!

Yup. Problem solved.

We joke, but here we are a full 50 years on from the world’s first EARTH DAY…. and I am sure it would not shock you to learn that for many hotels and resorts around the world the ‘REUSE YOUR DIRTY TOWEL CARD’ remains their greatest contribution to environmental sustainability and perhaps their only action to date.

The magnificent eco-gesture of this card (which of course actually saves hotels money) was perhaps the first appearance in tourism of a phenomena that is now to be found in all corners of the world and across ALL industries: GREENWASHING.

Greenwashing

What is it?

Greenwashing (a compound word modelled on “whitewash”) is a form of marketing spin in which public relations tools and marketing are deceptively used to present an image of environmental commitment when the reality is quite the opposite. There are numerous examples, but to cite a few:

Large companies that spend more money on advertising their “green actions” than they do on the actions themselves.
Overt use of words like Green, Eco-Friendly and Sustainable within branding with no tangible substance to the claims.
The performance (and wide promotion) of a grand environmental PR event by a company to distract from its overall destructive role to the environment.

Since the day there was a dollar to be made by appearing to be eco friendly… Greenwashing has existed. Empty words and marketing spin is everywhere these days and hotels and resorts are no exception.

But in a pristine corner of a paradise island located in the Gulf of Thailand, one of the pioneers of TRUE sustainable eco tourism has been quietly going about their business of luxury 5 star accommodation, WHILE also not compromising on it’s commitment to being a true friend of the planet.

The Tongsai Bay Resort is located on the stunning island of Koh Samui. It was the very first 5 star resort in the area and from day one it has had sustainability as a core value. A family operation that opened way back in 1987, the Tongsai Bay team has only further strengthened it’s commitment to the environment over time and has rightfully been recognised by many organisations as one of the world’s best in this regard.

Their commitment is certainly unparalleled from any other resort that Bee and I have encountered and while there will always be those that are better than others in any effort, when it comes to protecting our planet.. everyone is implicated and hotels & resorts as a whole could really take some notes from The Tongsai Bay and lift their eco-game.

So to inspire some action we have identified THREE SUPER SIMPLE THINGS that all hotels and resorts could initiate to build on their REUSE YOUR DIRTY TOWEL CARDS and actually start to make a real difference.

1. STOP WITH THE SINGLE USE PLASTICS

Stop all of them!…..

The Tongsai Bay manages to run a 5 star resort without using ANY plastic. Finding strategies to replace some items can present challenges but it is all possible if a small amount of effort and creativity is employed.

Plastic water bottles

Just stop offering them.

They are incredibly resource intensive to produce, fill and ship and consequently have a significant carbon footprint from the very start. Only a tiny percentage even get recycled after use and most end up polluting our waterways and oceans.

Tongsai Bay offers GLASS bottles in rooms, these are then recycled directly with a supplier… and to date no one has exploded from a lack of hydration. If you want to get fancy, offer a stainless steel drink bottle in each room and inform guests of a few places where they can be refilled for free. Brand them and guests can even buy them at the end of their stay to continue their sustainable journey.

Complimentary Bathroom Crap

If people don’t have their own toothbrushes travelling in this day and age then they don’t deserve to have their lack of organisation rewarded by an opportunity to pollute the planet for all of us.

Enough of the tiny plastic bags with plastic bristled, plastic handled toothbrushes…

Enough of the cotton buds individually wrapped in plastic, with their plastic stalks (that are able to heat seek endangered turtle nostrils once they reach the ocean)..

Enough of the plastic shavers wrapped in plastic….

Enough of the combs… the shower caps… stop it all….

Have ECO FRIENDLY alternatives available at your front desk or boutique for PURCHASE.

Bamboo toothbrushes, wooden combs, bamboo cotton buds, and why not a steel razor with steel blades… you get the picture..

Are they more expensive to buy for the dude that forgot his stuff? Yup… Guess what… Chances are he will remember his toiletries next time…

Will some people grumble…? Probably… but f**k those people…. We all need to stay focused on the bigger picture.

Soaps, Shampoos, Conditioners

I think you can guess where I am going on this. Yeah, stop all that crap too.

Much like the reused towel masterstroke, this eco action will actually save you money in the long run. No more tiny customised range of tiny plastic bottles….

Instead, INVEST (yes.. spend money) in REFILLABLE ceramic/glass/stainless steel soap/shampoo/moisturiser dispensers. Oh, and you will need to find a new supplier for the stuff that goes inside (a key point to come).

Plastic Straws, Plastic Drink Stirrers

Not necessary anymore. There are a billion alternatives.

Many F&B outlets choosing to go the “Biodegradable Plastic Option” – plant based plastics, bioplastic, PLA (Polylactic acid, aka Corn Starch or Sugarcane based starch)….

But Please Take note, these are .. for all intents and purposes, no better than actual plastic straws…

CAN they biodegrade.. ? Sure…. technically…. But the real question should be WILL they?

To do so they need an environment free of oxygen and 60°C temps for a solid 10 days.

So chances are small they will ever actually biodegrade…. and the more likely scenario is that they will also find the ocean and be just as damaging as the straws they were replacing.

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/environmental-impact-of-corn-based-plastics/

So, the way to go is reusable bamboo or stainless steel… which will need to be washed of course. Or do what The Tongsai Bay ninjas do and core some lemongrass for a beautiful Thai twist on drinks service, no washing, perfectly hygienic and 100% compostable.

Paper straws are also possible BUT do your research, many brands make them using very harmful chemicals, so that’s not ideal either…

>>> OUR PERSONAL FAVOURITE

Hay Straws…. 100% all natural made from WHEAT! Compostable/biodegradable, never go soggy, and intended as single use so don’t need to be washed… Genius.. oh and they are even Gluten Free! 🙂

While we are talking straws, here is another super simple practice that will only cost 5 minutes of training at your next staff meeting. OFFER the straw, do not AUTOMATICALLY add the straw. By giving the guest the choice you will inevitably reduce the amount of use your reusable straws get and spread a nice eco message to each guest that reinforces how closely held your green values actually are!

Plastic Rubbish Bags

This is a challenging one right?

But Tongsai Bay managed to do it, proving that where there is a will there is always a way. In the rooms there are metal bins, and bamboo woven bins and if any are lined at all it is with a re-washable cotton bag. I have no doubt that occasionally there are some scary things thrown out in rooms that require a Hazmat approach, but my guess would also be that the overwhelming majority would not require such attention and can simply be tipped out into the housekeeping cart bin and reused as is.

This of course negates the need and waste of endless small plastic bags for bins in each and every room and public space. Maybe every now and then one of your staff will have to handle a melting ice cream cone at reception or a a paper plate filled with curry and have to work out a solution…. There will always be situations which challenge systems, but there are solutions if you foster the right mindset within your organisation and within your teams.

2. TAKE AN INTEREST IN YOUR LOCAL FLORA & FAUNA - THEN PROTECT IT!

Saving the environment doesn’t have to be a HUGE global endeavour, it can (and should) start with YOUR local environment. So, take a step back and take a good look at your neighbourhood…

Do you have nearby forests or jungles? Maybe a national park on your doorstep?
What sort of trees and plants do you have on your property?
Are you on a beach? Or near a lake or waterway? Maybe you have a stream on your property?
What wildlife inhabits these natural areas? What birds frequent your hood?

Once you get an overview on these questions, then dig deeper…

For the forests and jungles: What is threatening their well being? Is there illegal logging happening? Unsanctioned developments? Maybe an invasive species damaging the eco system? Is pollution or irresponsible waste disposal killing off areas of natural habitat?

For your own trees and plants: Are they helping or hurting? How do they fit into the overall local ecosystem? What is their relationship with local insects and wildlife? Do your flowering plants help bee populations? Do your trees help prevent soil erosion? Do they provide nesting for specific birds? Many types of plants are experts at helping filter out air pollutants, could they be planted? What plants attract butterflies?

For the beaches & waterways: Are the rivers or streams suffering from local pollution or illegal waste disposal? Are the beaches washing up enormous amounts of ocean plastics? Is the lake being over fished? Is nutrient pollution causing algal bloom in reservoirs?

For the local wildlife: What issues are they facing for their own survival? Is their natural habitat at risk from deforestation or pollution? Are invasive predators targeting their young and causing a decline in numbers? Is illegal hunting or capture a problem? Are their natural food sources dwindling due to other issues? Do they no longer have access to clean drinking water which is causing lower fertility rates?

Then what….

Pick one issue…
Learn all you can about it through talking with local councils and environmental groups.
Find collaborators.
Take Action that takes the form of an ongoing habit…
Choose a new issue… and repeat =)

Get passionate about each issue and be AN AGENT FOR CHANGE within your community…

Check out some of Tongsai Bay’s initiatives:

– No trees are allowed to be cut down on the property.

– Any deceased animal found on the property is sent to vet for an autopsy to see what caused it.

– If any staff member is found to have caused injury or death to an animal (including mosquitoes) it is cause for instant dismissal.

– Continual planting of new trees and plants both on property and nearby land to provide greater habitat and food for local fauna.

– Provision of water ponds across the property for animals.

– Total ban on any products within the resort that harms animals – No product that conducts animal testing etc.

– Stickers are placed on all resort windows to prevent birds from hitting them.

– Any sick or injured animals found are taken to the vet for treatment at the resort’s expense.

Water for animal stations are placed around the resort premises.

3. ANALYSE YOUR WASTE MANAGEMENT - BUT REALLY ANALYSE IT.

There are no shortage of stories within the Tourism industry of the multiple separated recycling bins all being emptied into one big bin at the end of the chain. A win-win situation…. the guests feel good for having done the eco-responsible thing and placing their garbage in the correct bin… and the hotel doesn’t have to actually go through that hassle of actually disposing of it responsibly. Fortunately more and more councils of the world are charging for waste disposal by volume and recycling is being incentivised.

But no matter the regulation, with a bit of effort you can actually DO THE RIGHT THING… as well as get ahead of the inevitable and make sure you are doing everything you can to be responsible with your waste management.

Separate your waste.… Metal – Glass – Paper – Plastic – Compostable Waste – Hazardous Waste etc… But not just in public areas, do it in the rooms, in staff areas…. Put in appropriate protocols for each type of waste, train regularly your team.. and CHECK with follow ups to make sure the protocols are being followed. Make it second nature amongst your team and help spread that mindset to your guests.

All front of house and back of house bins are clearly marked for various types of waste.

Educate your F&B and maintenance teams on composting. Put in place processes for food waste and garden waste that is compostable to be treated as such. That compost will provide nutrient rich natural fertilizer for your garden areas eliminating the need for inferior and often times damaging chemical fertilizers. Look into worm farms! Another great practice for dealing with waste in a sustainable manner that then generates some super powered natural fertilizer juice in the form of worm pee that can help the plants around your property naturally!

Video: Tongsai Bay Organic Garden Excerpt

Do an eco-audit of your product suppliers. Is it possible to get large bulk REUSABLE containers of consumable products that are regularly ordered? Can you get your shampoos in large bulk containers and swap in and out directly with your suppliers saving them and you money?

Look at the waste that is generated from your business and conduct brainstorms with your team on how it can be reduced, reused or recycled. Track the amount of garbage your property is generating per week and chart it. What gets measured gets managed. Set goals around it for your teams to get them implicated in finding eco victories!

Educate yourself on the proper treatment of unavoidable hazardous waste. Do you have a licensed industrial waste disposal plant nearby? Speak with your local council or government offices if you cannot find the answer yourself. Take responsibility and take action. Examples of hazardous wastes:

Solvent-based paints.

Pesticides and other garden chemicals.

Batteries (for example car, mobile phone or regular household batteries)

Motor oils (for example from cars or mowers)

Petrol and kerosene.

Cleaning and polishing chemicals.

Swimming pool or spa bath chemicals.

Tongsai Bay has clearly marked recycling bins all over the resort and has clear protocols for the treatment of each type of waste category including hazardous waste being taken to an industrial disposal centre at their own cost.

They have composting and worm farms to deal with food and garden waste. They have worked with their suppliers to minimise packaging in their deliveries and maximise the reusability of all their order containers. They have minimised or eliminated their use of chemical cleaners by fermenting certain fruits from their organic farm to create their own eco friendly versions.

BONUS #4 SHARE THE MESSAGE

THE PERFECT SOLUTION TO COMBATTING GREENWASHING – GENUINE ACTION THAT IS SHARED

Do not be shy about telling people what you are doing. Put it in your marketing. Brag… Shout from the rooftops…

Share your best practices with your neighbours, with your competitors, with the world.

Join social media groups, local community groups and help be not only an agent for good but an agent for MOMENTUM and CHANGE on an ever increasing scale. There are no borders when it comes to things like protecting the environment, we all stand to win as much as we all stand to lose if we do nothing at all.

Having visited The Tongsai Bay several times now, we can say that we love the serenity and beauty of the location, the attentive service of their friendly staff as well as the exquisite and refined dining options…. These are all spectacular.

BUT…. what has truly cemented this resort in our heart is their COMMITMENT and unwavering PASSION to be not just sustainable with their business… but to be a POSITIVE CHANGE AGENT in making things BETTER in as many ways as they can think of.

And that is something that should inspire each and every one of us to try a little harder in our corner of this beautiful planet we inhabit.