Pacific Recycling Foundation and Waste Recyclers Fiji Limited, in collaboration with Paradise Beverages Limited and Tourism Fiji, have officially launched the ‘Lase Vou’ program at the Fiji Tourism Recycling Forum held in Nadi. This innovative initiative is aimed at promoting the reuse and recycling of empty PBL Beer and Tribe bottles, particularly within Fiji’s robust tourism sector.
With concerns growing over the disposal of empty glass bottles in landfills, especially those produced by PBL, the ‘Lase Vou’ program offers a proactive solution to facilitate the recovery of these bottles. The program also serves as a rallying point for the tourism industry to take proactive steps toward creating a cleaner and more sustainable Fiji.
The Tanoa International Hotel in Nadi has taken the lead as the first establishment to adopt the ‘Lase Vou’ program, showcasing its dedication to sustainability and encouraging other hotels and resorts in Fiji to follow suit.
Amitesh Deo, founder of the Pacific Recycling Foundation, expressed excitement about the program, emphasizing its potential to significantly impact the environment. “The ‘Lase Vou’ program is designed to enlist the support of hotels and resorts in a joint effort to mitigate waste, foster a circular economy, and guarantee that empty PBL bottles are collected and recycled effectively,” said Deo. He highlighted the aim to create a strong network within the tourism sector for sharing and implementing best practices in waste management to reduce their environmental impact.
Deo also acknowledged the support of Paradise Beverages Limited and Tourism Fiji in launching the program. Mike Spencer, General Manager of Paradise Beverages, reiterated the significance of the initiative in supporting their sustainability goals. He stated, “Sustainability is not just a goal but a responsibility. The ‘Lase Vou’ program correlates with our commitment to lowering our environmental footprint and furthering a circular economy. We have achieved a 92% collection rate for our large bottles so far this year, and through our partnership with the Pacific Recycling Foundation and Waste Recyclers Fiji Limited, we aim to enhance the collection rates for our smaller bottles.”
Spencer expressed pride in being part of a project that not only tackles waste management challenges but also helps preserve Fiji’s natural beauty, which is vital to the tourism industry. Leigh Howard, Chief Operations Officer of Tourism Fiji, shared similar sentiments regarding the importance of their partnerships in achieving significant sustainability advancements.
Narend Kumar, Area General Manager of Tanoa Hotel, expressed enthusiasm for the ‘Lase Vou’ program, stating, “For the Tanoa International Hotel, this initiative represents more than just an enhancement in service; it reflects a commitment to minimizing our environmental footprint while ensuring an outstanding guest experience.”