Every Day Can Be Earth Day

Every day is Earth Day at some environmentally-conscious resorts.

In honor of Earth Day, here’s a look at 8 resorts’ sustainability efforts and how groups can participate.

At W Punta de Mita Earth Day, initiatives and programs are celebrated year-round, including recyclable straws and take-out containers. Guests can participate in beach cleanups and activities like the Cocoa Ceremony to reconnect with Mother Earth.

The Westin Puntacana Resort and Club has a reputation as a pioneer in local sustainability programs and your attendees can visit the vegetable garden and pick fresh produce during the Sustainability Agriculture Tour or visit the recently remodeled Center for Marine Innovation and view coral reef restoration and conservation programs, turtle conservation, fish nurseries, take a guided nature walk and more.

Hawaii’s Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa is only one of two LEED Gold-certified resorts on the island and is a leader in sustainability efforts. Some of their work includes repurposing cardboard, egg cartons, toilet paper rolls, paper bags and corks to make toys for over 40 parrot species living on the property, donating untouched fruits and vegetables from banquets to the parrots as treats, installing one of the largest rooftop solar panel systems in Hawaii and much more.

In the USVI, Lovango Resort & Beach Club is a luxury resort that keeps the environment at the forefront of its efforts. Some initiatives include the “Rescue to Restore” program with the University of the Virgin Islands Reef Response Program to create a coral nursery offshore, using solar and generator power throughout the resort, converting seawater to drinking water and more.

The Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya in Mexico is a luxury property with a number of programs, from coffee with the resort’s biologists to chat about the rehabilitation of the local coral reef that includes the decoration of one of the concrete bases used to hold the coral, a turtle conservation program with an authorized turtle camp (yes, guests can release the hatchlings!), use of electric boats and carts on their Eco-Cruises, a weekly hosted Andaz Explorers Bike Tour and more.

The Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino Resort have an established Wildlife Ambassador program that focuses on animal welfare. The current animal ambassadors include parrots, black swans and Japanese koi, with plans for expansion later this year.

Fairmont Mayakoba has long been committed to sustainability and giving back to the planet and the community in Mexico’s Riviera Maya. The resort has had a reef restoration program in place since May 2015 and has nurseries established with Oceanus AC, a local organization dedicated to reef conservation. Attendees can participate via a snorkel tour to get up close and personal with the coral reef restoration program.

Grenada’s luxury Mount Cinnamon Resort focuses on environmentally friendly efforts such as energy conservation, recycling and using fresh herbs, fruits, flowers and vegetables from its garden. It is also the recipient of the Gold Green Globe Certification and sponsors the West Indies School of Hospitality (a portion of guest spending goes toward scholarships for this educational program).