Sustainability
CONSIDERATE OF PEOPLE AND PLANET
Here at Blue Apple, we never shy away from talking about our sustainable practices.
Environmentally, Blue Apple currently operates on mains electricity with a back-up generator, and have solar as our primary provider during the day. We reuse grey-water for irrigation and we measure all our waste, recycling glass, organics, plastic, paper, metals and white goods. We do not serve anything in single use plastic and our office is paper free.
Socially, we monitor staff demographics and strive to provide opportunity to everyone, especially those from under-represented groups. We are working hard to make sure our social media and website paint a picture that is welcoming and inclusive.
We prioritise local and independent suppliers and think carefully about every peso we spend.
Most importantly, we have begun to document our journey so that we can share everything we learn with all the people we work with - clients, staff, neighbours, suppliers and our online audience.
We have a long way to go, but we are enjoying the journey.
GREEN APPLE FOUNDATION
In 2017, faced with poor refuse collection services here on the island, Blue Apple began to make changes to reduce waste and its impact on the environment - reducing plastic use, composting, recycling cooking oil, cardboard, metal and paper.
By early 2018, it was clear that what one small hotel was learning could make a difference to a whole industry - by teaming up with other restaurants and hotels in Cartagena.
Green Apple was born.
An independently operated not-for-profit, Green Apple helps Blue Apple and other businesses in hospitality be more responsible about waste disposal and recycling - by collecting used glass and organics and recycling them here on the island.
These activities are not only educational. They also provide much needed employment opportunities people from Bocachica. By providing employment, we demonstrate that recycling, composting and gardening are not just chores or obligations, but also valuable sources of income and good business opportunities for entrepreneurs.
Apart from recycling glass and organics, we assist participating businesses to sort paper, cardboard, metals, plastics and cooking oil, and we use our position in hospitality to inspire change in our sector, from customers and businesses to large suppliers.
Tackling the issue this way, involving everyone, from industry peers to local people, to international clients and brands - we are confident we can start a systemic change to everyone’s benefit.
We encourage you to visit Green Apple (just behind Blue Apple) to see what we do, and to ask other hotels and attractions you visit after Blue Apple to operate sustainably too.
A donation to Green Apple is included in your room rate.
Read all about Green Apple here: