According to the Sanitary Maintenance Magazine, accommodation providers save money in labour costs when they eliminate amenity bottles as housekeepers require less time to service rooms. This is because dispensers and amenity fixtures can be refilled once a week or once every couple of weeks, and are thus not labour intensive. Additionally, according to the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), U.S. hotels threw away nearly a million individual amenity bottles in 2009. AHLA stated that an easy way for lodging companies to save money would be to install dispenser systems, as bulk liquid soaps are less expensive, it lessens the costs associated with waste management, and saves labour costs.

In a case study performed by AHLA using the example of a 300-room hotel, installing two dispenser systems in each room (one in the shower, the other near the sink), savings were estimated at $10,512 a year. This factored in a dispenser cost of $32 for each unit, installation costs estimated at $8 per room and a 60 percent occupancy of the hotel. The total investment was estimated at $12,000, meaning payback would occur a little after a year.

While initial investments in sustainable alternatives may seem higher, they can reduce costs in the long run by minimizing waste disposal fees, product costs, saving staff time and attracting eco-conscious travelers.

 As part of Surfrider's Ocean Friendly Business program, we find that single-use amenities have been one of the top single-use plastics used by accommodation providers. While we do not often find these on beaches, they are often sent to landfill. Considering businesses are already adopting the solution, the solution makes more sense economically, it should be straightforward for the Government of BC to regulate single-use amenities.

As discussed at the top of this page, we need widespread adoption of reusable systems in every sector. This campaign can help us bring awareness to this need, demonstrate the success of reusable systems, and ideally lead to more reuse policies (see the recommendations above).

We also do advocacy work on the top items we collect on shorelines including: expanded polystyrene, cigarette butts, fishing and aquaculture gear, and pre-production pellets.

Sustainable alternatives are designed with hygiene and convenience in mind. Refillable dispensers, for example, can be properly sanitized, and biodegradable items can be just as convenient as their plastic counterparts.

Sustainable alternatives, such as refillable dispensers or biodegradable items, can enhance the guest experience by showcasing the accommodation provider's commitment to the environment. The products used in the dispensers can also be sourced locally, contain zero toxic ingredients, and thus be superior for human and environmental health.

Additionally, many travellors are becoming increasingly environmentally conscious and appreciate sustainable initiatives. Clear communication about the reasons behind the changes can help manage expectations and even enhance guest satisfaction.

To support businesses who haven't made the switch from single-use to reusable amenity systems, we've created a business resources, which chronicles the process (see in the business section above)

Additionally, it usually takes 1-2 years for new regulations to come into effect. Hopefully, we will win this campaign in 2025, but businesses would still be given a grace period to make the transition.

We're here to support you as much as possible, so please reach out to us with any questions!