Written by: Lovanne Lubaton Gallo, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
“In the pursuit of a sustainable future, an increasing number of hotels are emerging as beacons of change by incorporating circular economy principles into their operations. Through mindful resource management, circular design, community engagement, and a commitment to education, these establishments are not just places to stay but catalysts for positive environmental impact. Here are some ways hotels in the Philippines are taking the lead in circular practices.”
1. Resource management
Proactive hotels are setting the stage for comprehensive recycling programs, urging guests and staff alike to participate actively. Plastic waste and other materials are also being reduced. Furthermore, the integration of composting for organic waste transforms what was once discarded into nutrient-rich soil for vibrant landscaping and on-site growing of herbs and other resources.
2. Sustainable procurement
Some hotels are already sourcing products and materials from suppliers dedicated to sustainability and ethical practices, championing a circular economy. The emphasis on locally produced goods not only supports regional businesses but also significantly reduces the environmental toll of transportation. Hotels can even upcycle their old or waste resources, such as wood and linen, rescuing them to create new products that the hotel itself or guests can purchase and use.
3. Community engagement
Proactive hotels are actively engaging with local communities in the Philippines, offering support for social and economic development. This approach transcends the conventional hotel-guest relationship, fostering a sense of shared responsibility. Collaboration with local businesses and organizations in the Philippines further strengthens the role of some hotels in creating a sustainable and circular local economy, promoting a symbiotic relationship between the hotel and its surroundings.
4. Education and awareness
Exemplifying these principles, Somerset Millennium Makati Hotel in the Philippines, supported by their Operations Manager, Lawrence Diego, recently hosted an Art Workshop called "Color for a Cause" on October 21, 2023. Featuring upcycled bags and circular business practices, the event aimed to promote self-expression through art while supporting local artisans and indigenous communities with solar lights. The upcycled bags were made of locally sourced pandan, with rescued hotel linens as the lining, and manufactured by local artisans, designed by a Person With Disability (PWD) artist, Boicy Coolit Poblete.
5. Sustainability-inspired events
Continuing its commitment to circular economy ideals, Somerset Millennium Makati Hotel held a Christmas Tree Lighting Event and Fashion Show on November 30, 2023. The hotel repurposed its existing materials, creating a beautiful Christmas Tree without using anything new. The models in the fashion show under Mode Elle and Aspire Magazine Global featured upcycled linens turned into wearable art as part of the collection designed by Carmie Pascual Del Leon, Rommel Rico, Anthony Dennis Saguisag, and Precious Juliet Mirafuentes. Collaborating with Women of Global Change Philippines led by Kathleen Ilagan in collaboration with Sustainable World Act Now S.W.AN. Philippines and Australia which founded the Sustainable Fashion Week. The event not only educated and inspired stakeholders but also raised funds for providing solar lights to indigenous communities in the Philippines.
6. Brand sustainability initiatives at Somerset Millennium Makati, Philippines
Somerset, The Ascott Limited group's brand champion for Sustainability, stands at the forefront of sustainable travel. Committed to making a positive difference in the community, Somerset actively engages in collaborative activities with like-minded organizations such as The Women of Global Change and Sustainability World Act Now SWAN.
At present, Somerset Millennium Makati has been pioneering sustainable practices in its operations. This includes upcycling discarded linens, bathrobes, and pillowcases, converting them into VIP Pet Amenities such as pet bathrobes and pet pillows. The property has replaced traditional flowers with decorative live plants, fostering a mini garden that allows for natural propagation and eliminates the need for new plant purchases. Other initiatives involve replacing complimentary water bottles with reusable 2.5-gallon water dispensers, and complimentary toiletries with wall-mounted refillable containers.
The hotel has also transitioned from plastic keycards to bamboo keycards and plans to implement keyless entry through the Discover ASR Application by Q2 of 2024. Aiming for full sustainable energy conversion by the end of the year, Somerset Millennium Makati proudly introduces the first Biophilic Room in the Philippines. This innovative space allows guests to not only protect the environment but also immerse themselves in nature while enjoying the comforts of their room. The hotel is also targeting to use 100% Renewable energy by the end of Q1 2024.
In these initiatives, hotels like Somerset Millennium Makati are not merely establishments; they are champions of change, demonstrating that the principles of a circular economy can seamlessly integrate into our daily lives. Through education, engagement, and conscious choices, these hotels inspire us to redefine our relationship with the environment, one circular step at a time. As global ambassadors of sustainability, hotels have the power to influence guests from all corners of the world, shaping a collective commitment to a greener and more circular future.
Lovanne Lubaton Gallo, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Lovanne Gallo, the International Ambassador of Women of Global Change (WGC) is a multiple White House Award nonprofit service organization who serves communities both in the US and Internationally. The Founder and CEO of Sustainable World Act Now (SWAN), Sydney Australia and Co-Founder/Chairman of SWAN Philippines. A circular economy strategist who helped developed sustainability curriculum of one of the colleges in Sydney Australia. The brain of “Recycling City” which she developed the design concept 20 years ago and now it defines as “Circular Economy “. As she thinks 20 years in advance, she calls herself a visionary leader. She started her career in Design and Build when she was on her 20s and became a philanthropist and environmentalist.
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