Over 150 Volunteers Remove 808 kg of Waste in One Hour at Plastic Free July Clean-Up

News

In a powerful demonstration of collective action, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru Maldives organized a large-scale community clean-up in Malé Industrial Zone on 12 July 2025, in collaboration with local environmental NGO CLEAN Maldives.

The event, part of Plastic Free July and Banyan Group’s Brand for Good sustainability framework, united over 150 participants, including resort guests and associates, students from Ghiyasuddin School, and volunteers from Crossroads Maldives and Secret Paradise Maldives.

Despite heavy rain, volunteers collected an impressive 808 kilograms of waste in just one hour (3:00 PM – 4:00 PM). The debris consisted mainly of PET bottles, hard plastics, aluminium cans, styrofoam, and rubber.

Why It Matters

Globally, hotels generate an estimated 289,700 tonnes of plastic waste annually—much of it from single-use items (UNEP & WTTC, 2021). In the Maldives, where coral reefs protect coastlines and rising sea levels pose an existential risk, plastic pollution is a major threat to marine biodiversity and food security.

Single-use plastics are among the most harmful pollutants, with over 11 million metric tons entering the ocean each year. Over time, these plastics degrade into microplastics, which can enter marine food chains and ultimately affect human health.

Banyan Group’s Broader Commitment

As part of Plastic Free July, Banyan Group properties worldwide are implementing initiatives to reduce plastic use and inspire positive change. In the Maldives, both resorts conduct a minimum of four community clean-ups annually, partnering with local islands and organizations to ensure long-term impact.