Over 150 participants unite to remove 808 kg of waste in one hour
Globally, hotels generate an estimated 289,700 tonnes of plastic waste annually, much of it
from single-use items like toiletries, water bottles, and packaging (UNEP & WTTC, “Plastic
Waste in Tourism” report 2021).
As part of Plastic Free July and its ongoing commitment to sustainability, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru Maldives successfully organised a large-scale community clean-up in the Malé Industrial Zone on 12 July 2025, in collaboration with local environmental NGO CLEAN Maldives.
The clean-up brought together over 150 participants, including resort guests and associates from Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru, students from Ghiyasuddin School, and volunteers from Crossroads Maldives and Secret Paradise Maldives. In just one hour—from 3:00 to 4:00 PM – participants collected a remarkable 808 kilograms of waste, consisting mainly of PET bottles, hard plastics, aluminium cans, styrofoam, and rubber debris.
Despite the heavy rain, the event exemplified the power of collective action. From school students to hospitality professionals, individuals of all ages and backgrounds joined hands to protect the marine environment and raise awareness of the urgent threat posed by plastic pollution.
“Single-use plastics are among the major pollutants harming our marine environment—over 11 million metric tons enter the ocean every year. Over time, these plastics break down through photodegradation into microplastics, which can be ingested by marine life and enter humans through bioaccumulation. Every piece removed is a step toward a healthier, more resilient marine ecosystem. These mindful actions reflect our greater purpose: to embrace the environment, empower communities, and contribute to a regenerative future for the Maldives, our island home.,” said Nick Hardman, Regional Marine Lab Manager of Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru.
This initiative is part of Banyan Group’s Brand for Good sustainability framework. Across more than 90 resorts and hotels worldwide, the Group is observing Plastic Free July with a variety of initiatives aimed at reducing plastic use and inspiring positive change.
In the Maldives—where coral reefs shield shorelines and rising sea levels pose an existential risk—such clean-ups are more than symbolic. As part of Banyan Group’s ongoing environmental commitment, both resorts conduct a minimum of four community clean-ups annually, partnering with nearby islands and local organisations to foster long-term impact.
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