For these 5 hotels, Earth Day lasts all year

Earth Day, celebrated annually April 22, is a worldwide call for global citizens to support the planet and advocate for environmental protection. The first Earth Day was held in 1970, when it was only a United States-based initiative. Today, more than 193 countries and one billion people are united in their love for the Earth and desire to make it better. The global organizer of Earth Day, earthday.org, is the largest recruiter of environmental movements worldwide. This year’s theme set by the organization is “Invest in Our Planet.”

There are many ways to show reverence for the planet we all share, including participating in a park clean up, conserving water, swapping plastic goods for more sustainable materials, incorporating more plant-based alternatives into your diet, and so much more. It’s also important to note that the little things that can contribute to a better planet aren’t only permissible one day of the year. Here are some hotels around the world that are demonstrating an Earth Day everyday practice by making sustainability part of their mission.

Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts, Dubai, UAE

According to Forbes, Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts conduct eco-research and provide sustainable travel experiences for guests. The hotel chain is part of a hospitality network that collaborates with supply chain partners to create solutions for environmental and social challenges. Katerina Giannouka, CEO of Jumeirah Group, is a founding member and leader of Sustainable Markets Initiative Hospitality and Tourism Task Force, alongside 14 other global hospitality organizations. Together, the group works to implement sustainable solutions to reduce emissions and environmental impact with a goal to achieve net zero.

Islamorada Resort Collection, Florida Keys

This collection of hotels, marinas, retail boutiques, and dining experiences is partnered with the Coral Restoration Foundation. The organization is a non-profit that is dedicated to supporting coral reefs’ natural recovery processes by way of large-scale cultivation, outplanting and monitoring of diverse, reef-building coral. Islamorada Resort Collection also offers guests activities that center the natural world, including ocean golf and sightseeing tours.

Santo Collection, Santorini, Greece

Santo Collection, based in Oia, Santorini, is sustainability minded. The luxury properties prioritize eco-consciousness all year through various programs, including a “Sustainable Hotel Farming” program, in which they grow and utilize their own produce. Their “Sustainable Supplies” program also serves as an educational tool, as the brand relays information to the supply chain about sustainable practices. Santo Collection has also created a framework for sustainability to be utilized locally, which helps address issues pertaining to energy use reduction, onsite food production and more.

The Foundry Hotel, Asheville, NC

This steel foundry turned luxury boutique hotel in Asheville’s oldest African American district, offers guests the option to book its “Digital Detox Adventure Package.” The package includes a puffer jacket by The Arrivals, which features a pocket that blocks 100% radiation from cell signal, and a guided hike on a route without cell service at Wild Cat Rock, courtesy of Asheville Wellness Tours.

Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach, Bali

For Earth Day this year, Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach will be having its second Mangrove Clean Up in partnership with Sungai Watch. The organization was founded in 2020 in Bali and consists of 90 river warriors who work daily to stop the plastic from making its way into the ocean.

Roshae Hemmings is an arts and culture magazine journalist from St. Louis, MO. A graduate from the Missouri School of Journalism, Roshae has bylines in the Columbia Missourian, Vox Magazine and 5280 Magazine discussing topics ranging from pop culture, social justice and eat and drink. She is a foodie at heart and enjoys eating food as much as learning about the story behind it. When she’s not working on a story, Roshae enjoys cooking, watching and analyzing reality TV, and spending time with family and friends.

This story was originally published April 21, 2023 at 10:29 AM with the headline "For these 5 hotels, Earth Day lasts all year."