TOURISM PLASTIC PLEDGE: 150 BUSINESSES SIGN UP TO CUT PLASTIC POLLUTION

Every year over eight million tons of plastic ends up in the oceans. It’s estimated that by 2050 there will be more plastic than fish in the sea. Research has shown that hotel guests generate a lot more plastic waste than a normal household in the same area. Tourism is one of the world’s biggest industries, so by cutting its use of plastic it can have a big impact.

WORKING TOGETHER TO FIGHT PLASTIC POLLUTION AT HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS

MVO Nederland has launched the International Tourism Plastic Pledge. More than 150 signatories of this pledge acknowledge the need to work together to cut plastic pollution. Together they represent around 180,000 employees and 50 million holidaymakers. With support from MVO Nederland they’re working on a detailed plan to cut the use of plastic at destinations worldwide and to prevent plastic pollution. They’re doing so in collaboration with the UNWTO (World Tourism Organization), UN Environment and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.

JOIN A GROWING MOVEMENT

The number of participants wanting to help cut plastic use continues to grow. After the initial sign-up of around 100 businesses, the enthusiasm has already prompted around 50 more to associate their name with the initiative! The participants include travel companies, accommodation providers, certification bodies, sector organisations, NGOs and experts. Examples are TUI Group, ANVR, Landal GreenParks, Hostelling International, Fox Verre Reizen and Better Places.

Melvin Mak, Manager of Sustainability at TUI and one of the signatories of the Tourism Plastic Pledge, said: “Plastic pollution is a huge challenge, both for the attractiveness of destinations and for the environment. Although the TUI Group has already cut plastic use substantially, we’re convinced that by joining forces we can scale up faster. It’s great that MVO Nederland has been able to persuade so many businesses to sign the Tourism Plastic Pledge.”

For more information, contact us directly.

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