Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort has proudly become the first resort on the Coral Coast to fully implement the “I Recycle” program, a significant initiative by Waste Recyclers Fiji Limited (WRFL). This milestone coincided with the International Day for Biological Diversity, marking the resort’s commitment to protecting Fiji’s unique ecosystems amid growing concerns about pollution and poor waste management practices.
The “I Recycle” program aims to minimize waste going to landfills through well-structured recycling systems, which include data collection and community involvement. Outrigger’s comprehensive adoption of this program represents a substantial enhancement to their daily operations. The resort has introduced recycling bins in guest rooms and public areas, launched a bottling plant to reduce single-use plastics, and implemented an on-site bottle crusher to manage glass waste effectively.
Darren Shaw, General Manager of Outrigger, expressed that the resort’s extended recycling initiatives focus on conserving natural resources and fostering sustainable practices among guests and the broader community. Amitesh Deo, WRFL Director and CEO, praised Outrigger’s adoption of the program as a crucial example for the tourism sector, illustrating that sustainability can be seamlessly integrated into core business operations. He noted that such initiatives have the potential to drastically improve waste management practices across the industry.
The launch of the “I Recycle” program echoes similar sustainability efforts in Fiji, such as the “Lase Vou” program, which encourages the reuse and recycling of beer bottles within the tourism industry. This collective movement towards sustainability is essential for transforming Fiji’s waste management landscape.
As the initiative continues to gain traction, it demonstrates a hopeful path toward not only enhancing the environmental responsibility of resorts but also protecting the island’s pristine beauty for future generations. By leading by example, Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort and its partners are paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable Fiji, encouraging other resorts to follow suit in supporting these critical environmental efforts.
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