Sustainable Hospitality: Doing the Right Thing

By chance, I found myself stepping into the hospitality industry, starting from waiting tables in a restaurant and working in cocktail bars to opening my own hostel. Now, I’ve taken on the challenge of designing an environmentally conscious management system for a 3-star boutique hotel. Over time, I’ve grown passionate about the industry—not just for its potential to create memorable experiences but also for the responsibility it bears toward sustainability. Traveling has always been a love of mine, especially the joy of meeting people from all walks of life. However, working in hospitality over the past five years has opened my eyes to a glaring issue: the staggering amount of waste generated in hotel operations. This blog is my reflection on the waste I’ve seen and what hotels can do to make things better.

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Rethinking the "We Paid for It" Mentality

The mindset of “We’re taking it because we paid for it” is common among hotel guests, and it’s understandable. But as a hotel manager, it’s our responsibility to think beyond the immediate and ask, “Where do all these empty mini plastic bottles go after they’re used?” We can’t rely solely on guests to recycle, so why not eliminate plastic waste altogether?

An episode in "Friends" when Ross asking for all the freebies to take home.

Making a Difference at POR Thapae Gate

At POR Thapae Gate, we decided to break away from the cycle of providing single-use plastic amenities while still delivering everything a hotel should offer. I was initially skeptical about how guests would react, but our reviews turned out to be overwhelmingly positive!

Here are some steps we’ve taken:

1. Recycled Paper Packaging: All our amenities come in eco-friendly, recycled paper packaging.

2. Refillable Soap and Shampoo Bottles: This reduces the waste from single-use plastic containers.

3. Bamboo Toothbrushes: A sustainable alternative to plastic toothbrushes.

4. Glass Water Bottles: Eliminating plastic water bottles entirely.

5. Water Refill Stations: Available on every floor, encouraging guests to refill their tumblers and reduce plastic waste.

6. Coffee and Tea Machines in the Lobby: Available 24/7 with freshly ground coffee from a local supplier, reducing carbon emissions and waste from instant coffee packets.

POR Thapae Gate's Eco-friendly amenities

Eco-friendly packaging and amenities do cost more, but we believe it’s the least we can do to reduce our impact on landfills. While we dream of providing fully plant-based toiletries in the future, budget constraints mean we’re not there yet. With your support, we hope to reach that milestone one day.

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Managing Waste Beyond Amenities

Waste doesn’t stop at what hotels provide—guests bring their own waste, too. To address this, we’ve educated our housekeeping team on proper waste segregation. Initially, we faced a major setback: our separated waste ended up in the same landfill due to local collection practices. But after some research, we partnered with GEPP, an organization in Chiang Mai that ensures recyclable waste is sent to the correct facilities. Small steps like these are building the foundation for a more sustainable routine.

The Bigger Picture

Thailand is one of the world’s top travel destinations, and with this popularity comes an overwhelming amount of waste. The hotel industry contributes significantly to this problem, driven by the need to cut costs while meeting guest expectations. Cheap plastic amenities may be cost-effective, but they’re a disaster for the planet.

The competition to attract guests often pushes hotels to offer more amenities and services, many of which lead to unnecessary waste. Televisions, towels, slippers, WiFi, hot showers, mini toiletries, and complimentary beverages have become standard. And while guests often overconsume because “we paid for it,” it’s crucial for hotel operators to rethink how these amenities are provided without compromising on quality.

The Start of Awareness

Cheap prices may be good for the wallet, but they come at a cost to the environment. As hotel operator, we must balance profitability with sustainability. Guests consider photos, location, price, and reviews before booking—and while price and reviews are key, they can still align with eco-conscious practices.

A Commitment to Change

At POR Thapae Gate, we believe small changes today will lead to a significant impact tomorrow. As someone who loves both traveling and working in hospitality, I’m committed to ensuring Thailand remains as beautiful for future generations as it is today. I hope our journey inspires others to make sustainable choices, both in the hospitality industry and beyond.

If you’re considering booking with us, thank you for supporting our mission to become an eco-friendly hotel. Every guest who chooses to stay with us plays a part in this journey. Together, we can create a future where traveling doesn’t come at the expense of our planet.

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