Hard Rock International, Karisma Hotels Go Plastic-Free Next Month

INTERNATIONAL REPORT—Hard Rock International and Karisma Hotels & Resorts’ plastic-free initiatives take effect next month. Both brands also have additional sustainability projects in the works.

Hard Rock International’s “Save the Planet” Effective Next Month

Hard Rock International will eliminate plastic straws at properties worldwide effective Sept. 1. in addition to existing “green” initiatives already in place at the Hard Rock Cafes/Hotels/Casinos globally. Aside from the straw initiative, Hard Rock International will transition to paper only to-go bags.

“One of Hard Rock’s founding mottos is to ‘Save the Planet’, and this is only an extension of the commitment we made to do just that 47 years ago,” said Senior Vice President of Purchasing at Hard Rock International, Tracy Bradford. “Our vendors and partners have been and will continue to be instrumental in activating this endeavor across the globe, and we are proud to help make a difference in conscientious sustainability practices as a business—it’s the right thing to do.”

The Hard Rock brand will be announcing more “Save the Planet” initiatives in the next few months, including partnerships with charity partners that share the values of the business to help protect the earth’s natural resources and environment. Durable, earth-friendly straws will still be available upon request by end of year.

Karisma Hotels & Resorts Eliminates Single-Use Plastics

Karisma Hotels & Resorts will eliminate the production and distribution of plastic straws across all of its properties. In 2013, Karisma created the Passion for Sustainability Program, which includes initiatives promoting conscious tourism, preserving ecosystems, protecting wild and endangered species and responsibly using natural resources.

As part of its most recent sustainability initiative, Karisma Hotels & Resorts will only offer straws to guests upon request in an effort to eliminate single-use plastic products. In addition, as of September, Karisma will completely replace all plastic straws with straws made of biodegradable materials, while still maintaining the standard of only offering straws for frozen beverages or upon request.

Other highlights of Karisma’s initiatives in the Passion for Sustainability Program include water conservation policies, energy monitoring, waste management and recycling efforts.