Latest news with #EarthHour
Campaign ME
23-05-2025
- Business
- Campaign ME
Al-Futtaim IKEA reveals rollout of Start at Home campaign for Earth Weeks
Al-Futtaim IKEA has launched its 'Start at Home' campaign in celebration of 'Earth Weeks'. The campaign aims to empower and inspire individuals to adopt more sustainable habits where they matter most – right at home. Launched across the UAE, Oman, Qatar, and Egypt – in partnership BigSea Productions and Memac Ogilvy, which handled the creative, social and PR – the campaign rollout was designed to be integrated and reach the community through several channels, using both traditional and digital means. In conversation with Campaign Middle East, Carla Klumpenaar, GM Marketing and Communications, Al-Futtaim IKEA UAE, Qatar, Egypt and Oman, said, 'We wanted to demonstrate that sustainable living doesn't have to be a daunting or overwhelming task, and can be achieved through small, impactful everyday actions.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by IKEA UAE (@ikeauae) As such the campaign was structured around four key sustainability themes, covering a range of focal points from reducing energy and water usage to reusing products and cutting down food waste. This included: Week 1: Love it longer – promoted repair, resale, and recycling. – promoted repair, resale, and recycling. Weeks 2 & 3: Use less energy and water – offered practical conservation tips. – offered practical conservation tips. Week 4: Reuse it – spotlighted reusable items like IKEA 365 bottles and containers. – spotlighted reusable items like IKEA 365 bottles and containers. Weeks 5 & 6: Create less waste – focused on food waste reduction and waste sorting. The 'Start at Home' campaign messaging was first launched through billboards. The brand then activated a series of social media initiatives that were carefully timed to coincide with key days during 'Earth Weeks' to keep the conversation going. View this post on Instagram A post shared by IKEA UAE (@ikeauae) Klumpenaar added, 'This year, we wanted to approach Earth Hour with true empathy and inclusivity. We understand that not everyone can participate, whether it's due to university deadlines, work, or even reading to children at bedtime. That's why we introduced the 'Switch-Off Trade Off' — an activation where our coworkers volunteered to switch off the lights in our offices and showrooms on behalf of those who couldn't. It was our way of showing that even when life gets in the way, sustainability can still be a shared effort.' The brand also took a special moment during Mother's Day to honour mothers as the original sustainability heroes. 'From reusing, repairing, and repurposing to teaching children to care for their surroundings, mothers play a quiet but powerful role in building sustainable households. I think a lot of us, especially in this part of the world, can relate to seeing our mothers embed sustainability in their daily lives, without even knowing it,' Klumpenaar said. Al-Futtaim IKEA also released the 'Wait for the Drop' playlist – an online audio track designed to sound like running water. It encouraged people to play the sound instead of actually turning on the tap, a small change that can prevent waste. View this post on Instagram A post shared by IKEA UAE (@ikeauae) 'Running water at full flow can waste two to three gallons per minute, and research shows that nearly one in five people run taps just to mask other sounds. By swapping the faucet for a playlist, we're helping people make small but impactful behavioural shifts that conserve water and energy,' Klumpenaar explained. The brand also hosted a sustainability-driven event where its leadership team met with media representatives and eco-conscious influencers to talk more about its sustainability agenda, and the role of companies in encouraging more sustainable behaviour in the community. Klumpenaar said, 'We collaborated with a range of passionate, eco-conscious influencers who genuinely share Al-Futtaim IKEA's vision for a more sustainable future. They really brought our sustainable products and solutions to life, showcasing how they're not only environmentally friendly but also affordable and accessible. The content they created generated a lot of engagement and interest, really demonstrating the growing appeal of sustainable living.' The success of the 'Earth Weeks' campaign was defined by a combination of factors – both the business results and the positive impact on the environment. 'We kept a close eye on sales of our sustainable products. That really showed us the growing demand for eco-conscious solutions. We also tracked engagement with our social media content and influencer collaborations, measuring reach, impressions, and overall sentiment. It was important to understand how our message was resonating with the community,' Klumpenaar explained. 'Ultimately, for us, the real success of the campaign came down to its ability to raise awareness and understanding of sustainability within the community, empowering individuals to feel like they could make a positive difference through small, impactful everyday actions,' she concluded. The 'Start at Home' campaign was a six-week initiative, covering the period of 'Earth Weeks', which ran from March 14 to April 25. CREDITS: Client: Al-Futtaim IKEA Production house: BigSea Productions Creative, social and PR agency: Memac Ogilvy
Express Tribune
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Green police: Punjab breaks the mold
Listen to article Every province in Pakistan possesses a nearly complete set of environmental laws, rules and regulations. However, their enforcement is largely absent. The primary reason cited by each province is typically the lack of a robust enforcement mechanism. Now, Punjab stands alone as the province that cannot offer this excuse. It has recently established its Environment Protection Squad, a team of uniformed personnel authorised to inspect every entity and individual within Punjab to ensure compliance with environmental laws. If significant violations are identified, this squad can impose immediate penalties and initiate legal proceedings against the offenders. It's highly unlikely that someone without a technical background, whether from the ruling political party or the bureaucracy, could have achieved this. These individuals often oversimplify technical issues for the sake of impactful rhetoric. Bureaucrats typically don't stay in a single department long enough to drive significant technical development, and politicians at the top, while desiring results, primarily focus on figures to satisfy superiors and critics. Therefore, it's a real mystery for those unfamiliar with environmental science to figure out who in Punjab took such a technical initiative, which has now finalised the environmental law enforcement system. Let's unravel the mystery and give credit where it's due for this remarkable achievement. It's a step long yearned for, one that eluded all provinces, including the former green leadership of Punjab, who hesitated due to the uncertain outcome of this unprecedented undertaking. But this time, the driving force behind it all was the provincial Environment Minister of Punjab Marriyum Aurangzeb. Interestingly, before entering politics, she was a vibrant member of Karachi's environmental civil society. She actively championed environmental awareness in Karachi, even organising a major Earth Hour event at Mazare Quaid-e-Azam. Soon after entering politics, she became closely associated with Maryam Nawaz Sharif, often engaging in political sparring with opponents, and her involvement in environmental activities seemed to wane. Those who had known her professionally anticipated significant achievements in her new role. However, many were hesitant to voice high expectations openly, perhaps fearing she might prioritise defending the Chief Minister, as she had done previously. Yet, despite supporting her political leader, she also dedicated herself to her Ministry. This resulted in several noteworthy initiatives, including the green squad. Another contributing factor could be the current political landscape, where the same party holds power both at the federal and provincial levels. While the 18th Constitutional Amendment has decentralised power, this perception of unified governance can still facilitate action at all levels, especially when members of the same family lead both administrations. Nevertheless, it would be unfair to overlook the Chief Minister of Punjab's role, as she has shown the courage to support every initiative that serves the greater public good. Alright, after all that sweetness, let's switch gears and talk about some of the less pleasant aspects. For starters, there appears to be a significant amount of disorganisation within the functional levels of this new squad. It gives the impression that instead of focusing on actual performance, their primary concern is with appearances, given the abundance of fancy uniforms and gear, along with a long list of sub-departments that make it seem like they're operating with a highly advanced system. Consider the separate squads designated to monitor and control different types of pollution. What happens if the squad authorised to control plastic pollution observes industrial emissions exceeding the permissible limits? Will they intervene in another squad's area of responsibility, or will they simply call the relevant team to handle the situation? Another key issue is that no rules or regulations defining the roles and responsibilities of each squad have been officially announced or made public. Their primary function is to safeguard public health by controlling pollution. However, if the public doesn't understand how these squads operate, their presence will be ineffective until these rules are communicated. Furthermore, what happens if people witness environmental violations? Are there procedures in place to ensure the anonymity of complainants when investigating such incidents? If these standard operating procedures (SoPs) haven't been established yet, the entire green squad force will essentially just patrol the streets as a symbolic gesture — a "green flag march" intended to reassure people that their environment is being protected. While these are minor issues, they clearly persist due to the sluggish bureaucracy within our government sector. A file crawls through numerous levels of authority before finally reaching approval. At each step, from Section Officer to Special Secretary, the same phrase — "the above paragraph may be approved" — simply travels along with it until it reaches its final destination. Interestingly, the highly qualified individuals at each level, mostly from the civil services, earn a substantial salary to essentially endorse these approval requests, known as 'note-sheets' in government parlance. So, how long will it take for the higher-ups to approve taking action against someone caught under this new enforcement system? However, we must commend the entire environment department of Punjab. They have realised a long-held dream for those who have been advocating for it for the past 25 years — ever since the formal establishment of the government environment sector in Pakistan — by creating a green police force to enforce environmental laws. Previously, this task fell to our widely renowned local police. Given their notorious ability to extract profit from even the most worthless items, it's perhaps no surprise that environmental oversight wasn't spared their unique methods of handling violations, the details of which need not be elaborated here.
Associated Press
23-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Royalton Bavaro Advances Sustainability with Green Globe Re-certification and Clean Energy Initiatives
A major step toward sustainability was the installation of solar panels in 2023, significantly reducing the resort's reliance on non-renewable energy. SANTA MONICA, CA, UNITED STATES, April 23, 2025 / / -- Royalton Bavaro, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort & Casino, is proud to announce its Green Globe re-certification, reinforcing its leadership in sustainable hospitality along the stunning shores of Punta Cana. Since its initial certification in 2021, the resort has continuously advanced its eco-conscious initiatives, seamlessly blending luxury with environmental responsibility. Sustainability is deeply embedded in the resort's operations with a comprehensive Environmental Management Plan ensuring resource efficiency while protecting the region's cultural, economic and ecological balance. By implementing innovative strategies, the resort has successfully met Green Globe Sustainability Standard v1.7 requirements, reaffirming its dedication to biodiversity conservation, reducing environmental impacts and safeguarding natural resources. A major step toward sustainability was the installation of solar panels in 2023, significantly reducing the resort's reliance on non-renewable energy. This clean energy initiative strengthens its commitment to lowering its carbon footprint while maintaining the high-quality experiences that define its all-inclusive offering. Complementing this effort, the resort actively promotes environmental awareness through guest engagement initiatives such as Earth Hour where visitors participate in energy-saving activities and educational programs. Beyond energy efficiency, the resort takes an active role in community-driven conservation efforts. Each month Royalton Bavaro organizes beach cleanup initiatives where staff, guests and suppliers come together to remove 10 to 20 kg of waste including plastics, cans and wrappers. This initiative has sparked broader sustainability campaigns, inspiring suppliers to join environmental awareness programs aimed at protecting the coastal ecosystem. Sustainable waste management is key to the resort's green initiatives with a comprehensive recycling system and Green Points ensuring proper disposal. Ongoing staff training further strengthens environmental responsibility. As part of Blue Diamond Resorts' broader environmental vision, Royalton Bavaro remains committed to integrating eco-friendly practices while supporting local communities. By continuously enhancing its sustainability efforts, the resort sets a benchmark for responsible tourism, ensuring an exceptional all-inclusive experience that aligns with a greener future. About Blue Diamond Resorts Blue Diamond Resorts encompasses over 80 properties, exceeding 20,000 rooms in eight countries located in the most popular holiday destinations in the Caribbean. Its nine leading hotel brands include the Award-winning, All-In Luxury® Royalton Luxury Resorts, where Everyone is Family. Whether guests come as friends, parents, kids, couples, weddings, corporate or incentive retreats, or solo travelers everyone is family in these properties that feature personalized services and signature amenities including All-In Connectivity™, DreamBed™, and the Sports Event Guarantee™. To refocus on valued relationships and friendships, Hideaway at Royalton offers an adults-only experience with exclusive dining and preferred accommodations to enhance Togetherness among their guests. Party Your Way at Royalton CHIC Resorts, an adults-only vibrant and effervescent all-inclusive brand to revel in the unexpected. Mystique by Royalton is Miles from Ordinary, offering their visitors the chance to connect with their surroundings in a boutique-style resort collection full of endless beauty and hip vibes. In Jamaica, Grand Lido Negril offers guests over the age of 21, a unique and all-inclusive Au Naturel vacation along with a secluded shore for the utmost privacy. Memories Resorts & Spa offers a vacation designed whether you´re planning a family vacation, reuniting with friends, or just have a relaxing moment with your significant other, while Starfish Resorts provides amazing value, breathtaking surroundings, and rich culture and heritage. Planet Hollywood Hotels & Resorts invites guests to Vacation Like A Star™ with an engaging and interactive experience, plus famous pop culture items from iconic movies, music, and sports while you will Dodge the Paparazzi at Planet Hollywood Adult Scene where your adults-only vacation will be the center of fascination and attention with glam and exclusivity. To learn more about Blue Diamond Resorts, please visit About Green Globe Certification Green Globe is the worldwide sustainability system based on internationally accepted criteria for sustainable operation and management of travel and tourism businesses. Operating under a worldwide license, Green Globe is based in California, USA and is represented in over 83 countries. Green Globe is an Affiliate Member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). For information, please visit Contact: Paulina Torres Regional Sustainability Manager Blue Diamond Resorts Carretera Federal 307 Cancun Tulum, No. Mza 03 Lt Int. 332+150 Tel: (52) 998-283-3939 [email protected] Brad Cox Green Globe +1 310-337-3000 email us here Visit us on social media: Facebook LinkedIn Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Time of India
21-04-2025
- General
- Time of India
Plantation drive to improve ground water levels in Palamu
Daltonganj: On the eve of Earth Hour, the Medininagar forest division here said it is set to launch an afforestation drive and intensify its efforts to preserve water bodies in the forests of Palamu district by curbing illegal stone quarrying, which has damaged groundwater tables. As per the India Forest Report of 2023, forests make up for 1,217.92 square kilometres across the district. Illegal stone mining has severely impacted local water bodies, with water coverage plummeting from 46 hectares in 2011 to just 8 hectares currently. This dramatic decline is attributed to unregulated quarrying, which has permanently damaged underground water tables and disrupted natural aquifer recharge processes, leading to widespread vegetation death and ecosystem disruption. Divisional forest officer Satyam Kumar said, "The destruction of water tables through illegal and haphazard mining must cease immediately. Quarry operators cannot remain blind to this crime against humanity." Despite these challenges, Palamu has witnessed a modest 2.36 % increase in forest area over the past decade. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Google Brain Co-Founder Andrew Ng, Recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo The department is implementing strategic measures to prevent the degradation of moderately dense forests into open or scrub forests. Kumar said 10% of new plantations will feature species beneficial to both humans and wildlife. "We're moving away from monoculture plantations," Kumar said. "Species like jackfruit, which appeals to both humans and elephants, and jamun, favoured by humans and bears, will be prioritised. This diversified approach aims to create a more sustainable and harmonious ecosystem." The initiative represents a significant shift toward ecological balance, addressing both environmental preservation and community needs. By focusing on multi-purpose vegetation, the department hopes to establish a more resilient forest system, Kumar said.
Korea Herald
18-04-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
Earth Day Every Day: 5 Eco-Conscious Hotels That Maximise Comfort, Minimise Footprints
SINGAPORE, April 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- While Earth Day reminds us to celebrate our planet, working towards sustainability is a year-round commitment. Across the globe, meet five remarkable hotels that make environmental stewardship their daily mission. Set in historic cities to lush tropical landscapes, these properties prove that fun and sustainability can go hand in hand, offering unforgettable experiences while trying to protect the destinations they call home. Centara Reserve Samui, Thailand Set amidst lush gardens along the tranquil coastline of Chaweng Beach, Centara Reserve Samui harmonises luxury with sustainability initiatives. As a flagship property of Thailand's leading Centara Hotels & Resorts, the resort is committed to trying to protect Samui's delicate ecosystem, with its energy-efficient architecture and efforts to minimise single-use plastics in line with the group's sustainability goals. Food waste is transformed into biogas to fuel kitchen operations, while a specialised in-house water treatment facility enables the safe bottling of still and sparkling water—cutting down on plastic bottle use. Moreover, the hotel participates in global initiatives such as Earth Hour and promotes resource conservation through its Going Greener and My Green Day programmes. These programmes focus on reducing water consumption and chemical use by reusing guest room linens. Through the Centara Earth Care programme, the resort replaces plastic items with more sustainable alternatives, enabling guests to contribute to these efforts during their stay. Discover more hotels in Thailand and flights to Thailand. Oasia Hotel Downtown, Singapore Oasia Hotel Downtown, Singapore by Far East Hospitality stands out as an example of urban hospitality with its distinctive biophilic design. The property was selected for 2024 Asia's 100 Instagrammable Hotels. Completed in 2016 by WOHA Architects, the 27-storey building incorporates 21 species of tropical plants and flowering vines across its vertical façade, measuring approximately 160m in height. This architecture not only regulates the building's temperature but also fosters natural ventilation, reducing the need for air conditioning. The lush, vertical green skin provides a natural habitat for wildlife, including birds, bees, dragonflies and butterflies (even squirrels), contributing to a harmonious coexistence between nature and the building's residents and guests. Additionally, the façade absorbs and reduces noise, providing a restful, wellness-infused atmosphere for guests. The interior design complements the architecture, with pools integrated into plant life and rooftop spaces designed for relaxation. This project demonstrates how ecological considerations can be combined with urban hotel operations, offering a sanctuary in the heart of Singapore. Discover more hotels in Singapore and flights to Singapore. Located in the scenic Dabie Mountains of Jinzhai, Anhui, the countryside retreat merges natural beauty with a more eco-conscious design. The property runs on solar power, with visible rooftop panels, and features electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Guests are invited to participate in a range of environmental education activities, including hands-on science experiments for children and real-time energy monitoring displays, making learning about sustainability both engaging and educational. Surrounded by the stunning Tianzhai Reservoir and Yanzihe Grand Canyon, the resort offers a mix of outdoor adventures and immersive travel experiences. Visitors can enjoy mountain views while participating in local cultural workshops, which range from traditional farming to artisanal crafts. This retreat aims to inspire travellers to connect with nature and local culture through interactive learning and firsthand engagement with technologies and practices. Discover more hotels in China and flights to China. Ascott Marunouchi Tokyo An urban upper-upscale hotel, Ascott Marunouchi Tokyo offers a subtle approach to more eco-conscious city living. Located around the Imperial Palace, Tokyo Station, and Ginza, the hotel provides a refined and more sustainable stay that blends seamlessly into everyday life. Designed for longer stays, the serviced apartments offer kitchens and a filtered water system, reducing the need for single-use plastic bottles. The hotel also offers a residential feel, with nearby offices and shops within walking distance. At Ascott Marunouchi, sustainability is woven into urban life through simple, effective choices, making it easier for guests to enjoy a greener stay without sacrificing convenience or comfort. Discover more hotels in Tokyo and flights to Tokyo. NJV Athens Plaza, Athens Situated opposite Syntagma Square and the Hellenic Parliament building, NJV Athens Plaza offers easy access to Athens' most iconic landmarks. Within walking distance of the Acropolis, Plaka's charming streets, and the city's vibrant cultural and shopping districts, the hotel combines a great location with a commitment to forward-thinking practices. The hotel incorporates more sustainable choices into its daily operations through practical measures. For example, it uses colder linen washing machine cycles to consume less energy and concentrated cleaning products to minimise chemical waste, with biodegradable toilet paper also reducing environmental impact. Guests are invited to participate in conservation efforts, such as opting for less frequent linen changes. Additional initiatives include energy-saving key card systems that automatically power down rooms when unoccupied—small but meaningful steps that reflect the hotel's dedication to more sustainable hospitality. Discover more hotels in Athens and flights to Athens. Caring for the Earth with These more eco-conscious hotels represent a forward-looking model proving that more sustainable choices can go hand in hand with enjoyable experiences. Moreover, has launched an Earth Day campaign on its Thailand and Singapore sites to inspire travellers on how to meld the two. One user shared on about her lower-carbon choices when visiting Promthep Cape, such as choosing bikes over cars, sticking to designated paths, supporting local artisans, and making more sustainable choices in an effort to protect fragile ecosystems. These individual efforts are complemented by platform-wide solutions like our Country Retreats initiative, which helps distribute visitor traffic to rural areas like Jinzhai (mentioned above). By creating jobs, providing tourism training, and promoting local culture, this programme empowers communities while reducing pressure on overcrowded destinations. We envision a future where such efforts—balancing legacy conservation with infrastructure progress—shape a more sustainable, long-term model for rural tourism. In 2024, launched the "Certified Sustainable" feature to help travellers identify hotels with credible sustainability certifications more easily. This initiative was introduced through a partnership with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), highlighting hotels' efforts in areas such as governance, social and economic benefits, cultural preservation, and environmental protection. The collaboration underscores the growing importance of more sustainable options in the travel industry and empowers travellers to make more informed, responsible accommodation choices. In addition to stays, also collaborates with the Travel Impact Model (TIM), recommended by Travalyst, to highlight lower-emission flight options for each route. Furthermore, the carbon offsetting programme, in partnership with CHOOOSE, enables you to compensate for the emissions from your flights. As part of our ongoing commitment, users can now use our AI tool, to find more sustainable options through its recommendations. With these new tools, travellers can compare environmental impacts and opt for greener alternatives throughout their journey.
