This month Clean the World caught up with one of our Global Hospitality Recycling Program partner Six Senses Douro Valley Portugal, to discuss all things sustainability and their reasons for joining Clean the World’s hospitality recycling program.
First, a little about the fantastic hotel.
Nestled in the heart of Portugal’s enchanting Douro Valley, Six Senses Douro Valley is a sanctuary of tranquility, luxury, and natural beauty. Amidst rolling vineyards and the majestic Douro River, you will find an unparalleled blend of world-class amenities and authentic local charm.
Six Senses Douro Valley are committed to eco-conscious luxury. Their sustainable practices and community initiatives ensure that they protect and preserve the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Douro Valley for future generations. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a serene solo retreat, Six Senses Douro Valley offers an array of activities and experiences to suit every traveller. From guided nature hikes and river cruises to yoga sessions and digital detox programs, there’s something for everyone.
The 57-room hotel recently re-joined Clean the World’s SOAP only program recycling their in-room soap.
Sustainability Objectives of the Hotel
Eliminate Unnecessary Plastic:
- Achieve zero unnecessary plastic use across all operations.
- Phase out the “18 Most Unwanted” plastics from our supply chain.
- Implement and share innovative best practices for sustainable packaging and materials with industry partners.
Support Local Communities:
- Strengthen local communities through employment, education, sanitation, and healthcare initiatives.
- Increase local employment opportunities over the next years.
- Establish educational programs focused on sustainability and environmental stewardship in local schools.
Environmental Conservation and Habitat Protection.
- Preserve and enhance natural habitats and ecosystems through responsible operations and conservation efforts.
- Reduce water and energy consumption through improved efficiency measures.
- Collaborate with local conservation organizations to protect and restore natural habitats in our operating areas.
Investment in Local Sustainability Projects:
- Allocate sustainability funds at each property towards impactful local environmental or social projects annually.
- Fund local projects focused on environmental conservation or community development.
- Measure and report the social and environmental impact of funded projects annually.
Minimize Environmental Footprint:
- Minimize the environmental impact of operations to preserve natural beauty for future generations.
- Implement energy-efficient technologies and practices, such as passive cooling and electric transport, across all properties.
- Transition to biodegradable cleaning products and eliminate harmful chemicals from operations.
Six Senses Commitment to Sustainability and Community
André Buldini, General Manager, Six Senses Douro Valley comments on why Six Senses Douro Valley joined Clean the World’s hospitality recycling program.
“At Six Senses Douro Valley, our commitment to sustainability and community well-being is at the core of everything we do. Partnering with Clean the World is a natural extension of our efforts to reduce waste and promote environmental stewardship. By participating in their Hospitality Recycling Program, we not only minimize our environmental footprint but also contribute to improving hygiene and health in communities around the world.”
“Our hotel decided to join the Clean the World program as part of our deepened commitment to sustainability. We recognized that the soaps provided to our guests, often used only once or twice, represented a significant waste. By partnering with Clean the World, we are able to recycle these barely used soaps and contribute to a larger cause. This initiative not only helps us reduce waste but also supports hygiene improvement in impoverished areas, aligning with our ethos of responsible luxury and community support”
André Buldini, General Manager, Six Senses Douro Valley comments on why Six Senses Douro Valley joined Clean the World’s hospitality recycling program.
“We’ve been following Clean the World on social media and were impressed by their work in promoting hygiene in countries that lack it. We were even more amazed to discover that our hotel had a previous partnership with them. As a result, we have decided to restart this partnership.”
Looking Forward
We look forward to supporting Six Senses Douro Valley in their sustainability practices.
If you are a hotel in Portugal interested in joining Clean the World’s hospitality program, please reach out to europe@cleantheworld.org and a member of our team will be happy to support you.
Together, let’s make the world a better place.
