In a significant effort to promote sustainability, the Pacific Recycling Foundation and Waste Recyclers Fiji Limited, in collaboration with Paradise Beverages Limited and Tourism Fiji, officially launched the ‘Lase Vou’ program at the Fiji Tourism Recycling Forum held in Nadi today.
The ‘Lase Vou’ initiative focuses on encouraging the reuse and recycling of empty PBL Beer and Tribe bottles within Fiji’s tourism sector. With the rising concern about empty glass bottles contributing to landfill waste, especially those produced by PBL, this program presents a novel solution for their recovery.
The initiative also calls on the tourism industry to take action towards creating a cleaner and more sustainable environment in Fiji. The Tanoa International Hotel in Nadi is the first to adopt the ‘Lase Vou’ program, setting a precedent in sustainability for other hotels and resorts across the country.
Amitesh Deo, founder of the Pacific Recycling Foundation, expressed excitement about the program’s potential impact. He stated, “The ‘Lase Vou’ program aims to engage hotels and resorts in a cooperative effort to minimize waste, encourage a circular economy, and ensure efficient collection and recycling of empty PBL bottles.”
Deo highlighted the goal of creating a strong network within the tourism sector where best practices in waste management can be shared, ultimately resulting in a reduced environmental impact from these establishments. He emphasized the importance of collaboration in fostering a sustainable model that benefits both the environment and the communities involved in tourism.
He also acknowledged the contributions of Paradise Beverages Limited and Tourism Fiji in launching the ‘Lase Vou’ program. Mike Spencer, General Manager of Paradise Beverages, underscored the program’s alignment with the company’s sustainability objectives.
Spencer remarked that sustainability should be viewed as a responsibility, stating, “The ‘Lase Vou’ program aligns perfectly with our commitment to reducing our environmental footprint and promoting a circular economy. We have already achieved a 92% collection rate for our large bottles this year, and we anticipate increasing the collection rates of our smaller bottles through collaboration with the Pacific Recycling Foundation and Waste Recyclers Fiji Limited.”
He expressed pride in participating in an initiative that addresses waste management challenges and contributes to maintaining Fiji’s natural beauty, which is vital for the tourism sector. Leigh Howard, Chief Operations Officer of Tourism Fiji, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of partnerships in making strides towards sustainability.
Narend Kumar, General Manager of Tanoa Hotel, conveyed enthusiasm for the ‘Lase Vou’ program, noting that it represents a commitment not just to enhanced service but also to reducing the hotel’s environmental footprint while providing an excellent guest experience.