Tiny Hotel Toiletries Are Officially Going Extinct
In an effort to thwart those who can’t resist stocking up on free things operate in a more sustainable fashion, Hyatt is the latest international hotel brand to ditch mini bathroom toiletries. Yes, that’s right. No longer can you grab a few wee shampoos off of the maid’s cart every time you pass it.
Large bottles of shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, and lotion will replace single-use ones in 900 of the Hyatt's hotels internationally by June 2021. The brand follows InterContinental Hotels Group, which owns Holiday Inn, Kimpton, and other brands, and Marriott International in the switch. Disney hotels and cruise ships have also started using refillable toiletries.
“Plastic pollution is a global issue, and we hope our efforts will motivate guests, customers and, indeed, ourselves to think more critically about our use of plastic,” Mark Hoplamazian, president and CEO of Hyatt, said in a statement.
Hyatt isn’t stopping there. They’re adding more water stations, so people can fill up personal water bottles. For meetings and events, water will be served in carafes or other containers as opposed to offering bottled water. And don’t worry about pesky plastic straws. Those guys are already long gone in Hyatt hotels. Alternate options are only given upon request.
As Hyatt joins the eco-focused ranks of other large hotel giants, an industry-wide shift is on the horizon—and hotels not on board could soon no longer have a choice but to participate. California officially banned the use of pocket-sized plastic bottles in hotels, and the legislation goes into effect in 2023 for hotels with more than 50 rooms and in 2024 for hotels with less than 50 rooms.
If the hospitality industry, which is all about convenience and cleanliness, can head toward a less wasteful operation, let's hope others can follow. And if you're really going to miss the free hotel goods, you can low-key BYOB (bring your own bottle, travel-sized and reusable, of course) and stock up on their products. Or you can settle for grabbing a few extra towels when you pass the cleaning cart, instead.
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