HAPPY EARTH DAY FROM SKÅL AUSTRALIA

Earth Day is a reminder of the importance of environmental conservation and sustainability encouraging us to come together and take action for a healthier planet and brighter future.

This year, Earth Day's theme, Planet vs. Plastics, calls on all stakeholders - individuals, businesses and governments - to unite in combating plastic pollution and protecting our health.

This movement demands a 60% reduction in plastic production by 2040 and the elimination of single-use plastics by 2030, paving the way for a plastic free future. Earthday.org are taking on the Plastics Pandemic from every angle - political, cultural, and personal. Everyone deserves a healthy and thriving planet, free from plastic pollution and their commitment stems from a deep understanding that plastic pollution not only impacts our oceans, our land, our wildlife, but also directly affects our own health.

As we all know, tourism is a big contributor to the global plastic pollution crisis. One of the primary sources of plastic pollution in tourism is single-use plastics, including water bottles, straws, and packaging materials. These items then end up in landfills, or find their way into oceans and waterways having a detrimental impact on the environment.

Skål International Australia can set a positive example for industry, businesses and travellers, and tackle plastic pollution by taking the lead and encouraging tourism businesses to adopt a proactive approach to plastic reduction initiatives. Some great ideas to consider are;

- Reusable bottles - encourage the use of reusable bottles among travellers and staff. Buying a stock of reusable drink bottles with your own brand logo is a great idea and they also make great souvenirs and gifts (an extra revenue source whilst protecting the environment).

- Catering - serve catering in reusable containers and avoid single-use plastic cutlery and bags and use biodegradable products. Try to avoid handing out individually wrapped items from snacks, and souvenirs, to brochures, maps and amenities.

- Recycling program - implement a recycling program and donate the funds to environmental causes or organisations who fight plastic pollution. For those in Queensland and Western Australia Containers for Change is a great way to recycle and donate funds! Every State and Territory has the means to recycle and donate the rebates to many environmental organisations and charities, I encourage you to check them out.

Over the coming months, Skål Australia will make significant improvements in sustainability and reaffirm our commitment to a responsible and sustainable future. It will be an expectation that every Skål Australia club will appoint a Sustainability Champion to promote and encourage sustainable outcomes and projects within their club. In addition, Skål Australia will be forming an Australian Sustainability subcommittee to assist clubs, members and their businesses in road mapping and implementing a responsible and sustainable future for our organisation, and to help conserve our planet as much as we can!

Applications for the Skål International Sustainable Tourism Awards are now open and will close June 30. We encourage all members to participate in this prestigious award program to promote and enhance the visibility of our fantastic sustainable businesses across Australia!

Happy Earth Day!

Yours in Skål,

Ash Munn
President - Skål International Australia
Partnerships & Technology