You may have read recently about how Potters is leading the way in energy conservation, highlighting the massive impact a recent solar project is already having on the company’s carbon footprint. But plans to continue to become more sustainable are coming together.
Producing plastic bottles is both energy-intensive and reliant on non-renewable resources. According to the Pacific Institute, manufacturing a one-litre plastic bottle requires approximately six times the amount of water contained in the bottle, while also resulting in significant greenhouse gas emissions.
In contrast, reusable water bottles, particularly those made from materials like stainless steel, require less energy to produce and have a significantly lower carbon footprint over their lifetime. Recent studies suggest that the energy savings from using a stainless steel water bottle over its lifetime are equivalent to the energy required to manufacture and dispose of 100 disposable plastic water bottles.
The ripple-effect is that, while adopting reusable bottles positively affects consumption, research shows that those using them are more likely to engage in other eco-friendly behaviours. Their widespread usage can also influence others to make similar, sustainable choices.
Taking steps at Potters
Each year, Potters use around 300,000 bottles of water as part of its fully inclusive offering. So a new solution is being put in place, and we caught up with Group Operations Director, Kirstie Hood, to find out more.
“We’re looking to eliminate single use plastics, starting with water. From November, two new water bottle refill stations will be installed at Hopton-on-Sea. These will then be rolled out at Five Lakes in the new year. Our bottle fridges will then be removed completely and we will only offer glass bottled sparkling water behind our bars.
“Guests are encouraged to bring their own reusable water bottles for future breaks, which can be used 24/7 at these new stations. If you don’t own one yet, each station will provide recyclable paper cups, ideal for some quick hydration.
“However, guests can also purchase our new Potters-branded reusable water bottles, from the Pop-In-Shop or at Reception. They make a great souvenir, but are also a sustainable product to use well beyond your holiday.”
"By producing these, we are looking to further reduce our carbon footprint, not make a profit. As such, they’ll be sold at cost price."
- Kirstie Hood, Group Operations DirectorThat cost price means a stainless steel bottle will be available to buy at just £3.50. A BPA Free and PET plastic recyclable bottle will also be available from only £3.00.
You can purchase your own Potters refillable bottle at COST PRICENext steps…
But Potters’ efforts don’t end there, having already turned their attention to other items around the resorts.
“We’re always communicating with suppliers about single-use plastics. For example, our accommodation toiletries are already biodegradable and recyclable. But we’re now looking at fixed toiletries, to reduce bottles and wastage.
“Of course, these steps shouldn’t have an effect on the guest experience. And there’s an appreciation from guests of the steps we’re taking and the reasons. We continue to review every aspect of what we do, setting challenging targets to increase and improve sustainability.”
Want to read about how we’re reducing our carbon footprint through solar energy?
Click here for more details.
