Edition #1: MTR Teams Up with WWF and Foodpanda, Taking Flight With Sustainable Fuel, & Plastic Tableware Ban

Dive into the latest sustainability news with the March GREEN Hospitality newsletter, where we spotlight Cathay Pacific's sustainable aviation fuel journey and Hong Kong's decisive move to start phasing out disposable plastic tableware. Stay informed and inspired with insights on ESG practices, MethaneSAT's climate accountability, and MTR’s collaboration for a greener future!

Cathay Pacific Takes Flight with Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Cathay Pacific has announced its plan to incorporate Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for a significant portion of their fuel needs by 2030. This initiative will support their commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and contribute to Hong Kong's reputation as a sustainable aviation hub.?

In their effort to foster a green future in aviation, Cathay Pacific extends an invitation for public engagement and dialogue on the topic. By staying connected through platforms like LinkedIn and tuning into specialized podcast discussions, interested parties can gain a deeper understanding of Cathay Pacific's sustainable strategies and their impact on the aviation industry.?

Please check the link here for more information about this initiative.

Hong Kong's Plastic Tableware Ban: Industry Implications and Actions

Beginning in April 2024, the Hong Kong government will implement a ban on single-use plastic tableware. This measure will have profound implications for businesses within the hospitality industry, including restaurants, hotels, and guesthouses.

Actionable Steps for Businesses

Businesses in the F&B and hospitality industries have a crucial role in advancing Hong Kong’s climate action goals by reducing and phasing out the use of single-use plastics. Here are what you can do:

1. Engaging Leadership and Staff: Engage the leadership and staff of your organization in any sustainability endeavours. Communicate with them the positive impact that can result from your shared goal and collection actions.?
2. Sourcing Alternative Materials: Investigate and invest in biodegradable or compostable options for single-use items. Refer to the Green Tableware Platform for information on plastic alternatives suppliers.
3. Developing Reusable Solutions: Design and implement reusable dining ware and amenity kits for guests.
4. Educating Your Customers: Inform your clientele about the new policies and the eco-friendly measures your business is adopting.

For detailed insights on Hong Kong's disposable plastic tableware ban, please here. Learn more about the state of plastic pollution in Hong Kong and the APAC region as well as plastic reduction case studies and solutions for hospitality businesses on GREEN Hospitality’s website.

Tune In: ESG Insights on GREEN Pursuits Podcast

The latest GREEN Pursuits podcast episode dives into the essential topic of ESG in our conversation with Melanie Kwok, Senior Sustainability Manager at Sino Group, who shares with us the Group’s ESG framework and showcases how it is interwoven with their corporate identity as well as its positive ripple effects on the community.

Tune in now and discover Sino Group’s approach to sustainability, understand the impact of robust ESG initiatives, and be inspired by how a well-designed ESG approach can drive positive change.

Subscribe to GREEN Pursuits for this insightful session.

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Google and EDF's MethaneSAT: A Game-Changer in Climate Accountability

Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, contributes significantly to global warming. In a joint effort to combat methane emissions, Google and the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) are launching MethaneSAT, an ambitious project aimed at detecting and quantifying methane emissions on a global scale.?

The satellite, powered by artificial intelligence, is expected to offer advanced precision in monitoring emissions. Combining Google's advanced computing infrastructure and AI capabilities with EDF's environmental expertise, MethaneSAT is claimed to have the ability to pinpoint methane hotspots with remarkable accuracy, thereby driving accountability and enabling informed actions amongst governments, companies, and individuals against climate change.

?Learn more about MethaneSAT here.

MTR Teams Up with WWF and Foodpanda in a Groundbreaking Plastic Reduction Initiative ??

MTR Corporation has rolled out the "Reusable Food Container Scheme at Hong Kong Station", in collaboration with WWF-Hong Kong and Foodpanda, as part of a larger effort to cut down on plastic waste. Almost all takeaway spots in the MTR network are on board with the Environmental Protection Pledge, ditching single-use tableware for good and encouraging folks to bring their own containers.

To make it super easy to be eco-friendly on the go, Hong Kong Station now boasts the city's first reusable food-container lending machine! You can pick up and drop off containers at this and other spots around Hong Kong Island. This push, backed by MTR's sponsorship for lending machines and an extra 2,000 reusable food containers, builds on WWF-Hong Kong’s existing reusable packaging programme, which aims to drive behavioural change for more sustainable daily routines.

Cheers to a future where each meal we enjoy helps keep our planet clean and green ????

Together, let's keep our eyes on the sky and our actions grounded in sustainability. ???