In a significant step towards promoting sustainability, the Pacific Recycling Foundation, in collaboration with Waste Recyclers Fiji Limited, Paradise Beverages Limited, and Tourism Fiji, launched the ‘Lase Vou’ program at the Fiji Tourism Recycling Forum held in Nadi today.
The ‘Lase Vou’ program focuses on encouraging the reuse and recycling of empty PBL Beer and Tribe bottles within Fiji’s vibrant tourism sector. With rising concerns about the disposal of empty glass bottles in landfills, particularly those from PBL, this initiative offers an innovative approach to their recovery.
The program serves as a rallying call for the tourism industry to embrace responsibility for a cleaner and more sustainable Fiji. The Tanoa International Hotel in Nadi has taken the lead as the first hotel to adopt the ‘Lase Vou’ program, showcasing its dedication to sustainability and setting a benchmark for other hotels and resorts in the region.
Amitesh Deo, founder of the Pacific Recycling Foundation, expressed his excitement about the program’s potential impact. He stated, “The ‘Lase Vou’ program aims to engage hotels and resorts in a collaborative effort to reduce waste, promote the circular economy, and ensure that empty PBL bottles are efficiently collected and recycled.”
Deo added that the initiative aims to establish a strong network across the tourism sector for sharing and implementing best practices in waste management, thus significantly reducing the environmental footprint of these establishments. He emphasized that through collaboration, it is possible to create a sustainable model that benefits both the environment and the communities vital to this industry.
Deo also expressed gratitude towards Paradise Beverages Limited and Tourism Fiji for their essential contributions to the program’s launch. Paradise Beverages, a key partner, underscored the program’s alignment with its sustainability objectives. Mike Spencer, General Manager of Paradise Beverages, stated, “Sustainability is not just a goal but a responsibility. The ‘Lase Vou’ program fits seamlessly with our commitment to reducing our environmental impact and supporting a circular economy. We currently have achieved a 92% collection rate for our larger bottles this year and are eager to boost the recovery and reuse rates of our smaller bottles through our partnership with the Pacific Recycling Foundation and Waste Recyclers Fiji Limited.”
Spencer also emphasized pride in participating in an initiative that addresses waste management challenges while contributing to the preservation of Fiji’s natural beauty, which is crucial to the tourism industry.
Leigh Howard, Chief Operations Officer of Tourism Fiji, echoed the importance of the partnership with the Pacific Recycling Foundation and noted the significant strides made towards sustainability. Narend Kumar, Area General Manager of Tanoa Hotel, expressed his enthusiasm for the ‘Lase Vou’ program, stating, “For Tanoa International Hotel, this signifies more than just a service upgrade; it reflects a commitment to reducing our environmental footprint while providing an outstanding guest experience.”