Sentosa Island in Singapore is taking a significant step towards
sustainability by partnering with the World Wide Fund for Nature
Singapore (WWF-Singapore) to launch the Sentosa Playbook for Reducing
Disposables.
This guidebook, the first of its kind in Singapore, aims to help
businesses on the island adopt best practices and sustainable
technologies to reduce single-use plastic waste. As part of this
initiative, members of the Sentosa Carbon Neutral Network (SCNN),
including hotels, attractions, and food and beverage operators, have
committed to eliminating single-use plastic bottled water from their
establishments by the end of 2023. It is estimated that this island-wide
policy will reduce the consumption of bottled water by at least two
million bottles annually.
The Sentosa Playbook, developed in collaboration with WWF-Singapore,
provides businesses with 16 measures across six categories to reduce
disposables, such as takeaway bags, food containers, and amenity kits.
The playbook serves as a practical guide, helping businesses monitor
progress and explore new sustainable technologies.
Several SCNN members have already implemented notable measures to
reduce single-use plastics. Capella Singapore has eliminated single-use
plastic bottled water since 2019, saving 80,300 bottles. They have also
removed plastic packaging from in-room amenities. Baristart Coffee has
partnered with Muuse, a Singapore start-up, to introduce an app-enabled
container program. Patrons can borrow containers for free, reducing the
use of disposable takeaway cups and boxes. Sentosa Golf Club has
successfully removed all single-use plastic bottled water since 2018,
reducing approximately 150,000 bottles annually.
Thien Kwee Eng, CEO of Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC),
acknowledges the challenges businesses face in balancing sustainability,
customer expectations, and operational efficiency. However, she
believes that by collectively making changes, they can inspire guests
and demonstrate the possibility of sustainable consumption. The Sentosa
Playbook will guide businesses towards waste reduction and contribute to
a Sustainable Sentosa.
Sentosa Island has been recognised for its commitment to sustainability, receiving the Global Sustainable Tourism Council - For Destinations (GSTC-D) certificate in 2022.
The Sentosa Carbon Neutral Network, consisting of 25 businesses and
partners, is actively working towards carbon neutrality and has achieved
a significant reduction in carbon emissions.