Destinations doing good

The world is being engulfed in a tidal wave of non-biodegradable plastics, polluting our air, land and seas. If we continue living the way we are, it’s been predicted that plastic waste entering the oceans will triple to nearly 29 million metric tons by 2040. The time has come to act, and back in 2018, Mandarin Oriental committed to eliminating single-use plastic across its hotels and resorts – a goal that has now been achieved. From kitchens to spas and guest rooms, the portfolio’s now plastic-free, avoiding around 930 tonnes of plastic waste each year.

In a city known for its exemplary cuisine, tackling food waste seems like a fitting challenge. With that in mind, Mandarin Oriental, Paris has introduced several initiatives. The breakfast buffet has gone and been replaced with an à la carte breakfast menu, so that everything is cooked to order. And it doesn’t stop there; the hotel has removed minibar items with short expiry dates, and instead of throwing overripe fruits away, they’re transforming them into delicious smoothies for guests and colleagues to enjoy.

Coral reefs are some of the most ecologically and economically valuable ecosystems to the ocean and our planet. Covering less than 0.1 per cent of the ocean, they support around 25 per cent of marine biodiversity, also playing a crucial role in coastal protection, fisheries production and tourism revenues. Sadly, coral reefs are at the forefront of the climate crisis due to their sensitivity to warming seas, and we have already lost an estimated 50 per cent of our reefs. Mandarin Oriental, Jakarta is helping to combat the issue by contributing to Livingseas Asia’s efforts in protecting and restoring coral reefs in Bali, while many of the hotel’s staff take part in coral reef planting.