Hotel went dark for Earth Hour 2014 as part of worldwide movement for environment.
BALI, Indonesia – It was lights out for Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort. The resort joined millions around the world in turning off lights for Earth Hour 2014 to illuminate a powerful message about environmental awareness and action.
Earth Hour 2014 took place on March 29 at 8:30 p.m. local time. Created by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Earth Hour is the largest movement for the planet in human history, spanning 7,000 cities, over 150 countries, with a digital reach of 200 million.
This year’s theme is “Use Your Power”. With that in mind, Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort has activated a range of energy-saving measures during Earth Hour by turning off exterior signage lighting; dimming and turning off non-essential interior lighting; using candlelight in appropriate public areas such as restaurants and bars; doing the measurement of how much energy saved during the earth hour compared to regular day; inviting all the associates to participate on this program by switching off all electrical usage and to minimize the usage of electrical appliances such as vacuum cleaner and laundry; and using in-room voicemail messages and in-room television messages to inform guests about Earth Hour observances. On the day before, the resort has also organized a small initiative to make the Social Courtyard even greener by planting trees with the guests.
In conjunction with this massive global movement, Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort was also inviting the resort’s guests to gather and join the fun procession of the Earth Hour celebration on the pool deck to enjoy the soothing performances by Traditional Balinese Rindik ensemble while savoring the complimentary pass-around organic canapés and sipping the complimentary cocktails, such as Paddy-infused Gin & Tonic and special mocktails with the Earth Hour theme. The main venue was also decorated with beautiful ornaments of candles and colorful LED-light stones, and of course the sound of the Indian Ocean breezes perfected the evening.
Last year, Earth Hour broke records to cement itself as the largest voluntary action for the environment. Iconic buildings and landmarks from Asia Pacific to Europe and Africa to the Americas switched off. People across the world from all walks of life turned off their lights and came together in celebration and contemplation of the one thing we all have in common – our planet.
“It is a privilege for us to support such a powerful movement with such a simple gesture,” said Dario Orsini, General Manager of Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort. “Earth Hour also reflects a philosophy we try to practice year-round: The small steps each of us takes can make a big difference together.”
Starwood’s pioneering Global Citizenship philosophy reflects the same dedication to sustainability among its 181,400 associates worldwide. In 2013, nearly 600 hotels participated in Earth Hour in various ways. This year will mark Starwood’s sixth annual participation in Earth Hour, making it one of the largest worldwide companies to make a pronounced global statement with a voluntary hour of darkness. Earth Hour is just one of the many ways Starwood acts in support of its 30/20 by 20 goals, which is the company’s commitment to reduce energy consumption by 30% and water consumption by 20% by 2020 across its entire portfolio.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
