Here are some of the key updates that really struck me:

  • Cleaning and disinfection of dispensers

  • Recommended use of fabric (non-medical) masks

  • Risks of the use of disposable gloves

  • Recommended use of environmental cleaning techniques and cleaning principles

  • The importance of the environmentally sound management of waste

Let me elaborate, as these are important when it comes to the environmental impact some of these measures have had on the world in general, not just hotels.

As an example, back in June it was estimated that consumption of single-use plastic in the U.S. may have grown by around 300% since the virus took hold. By now, that figure is likely even higher. This increase is due not only to the mass use of disposable PPE items but also to an increase in packaging waste from more deliveries, and a return to disposable plastic items whose use had been decreasing prior to the virus.

However, scientists recently reassured the public that reusable containers are safe to use when employing basic hygiene. There is no reason a disposable coffee cup is any safer than a re-usable one.

By the same token, reverting to single-use, in-room amenities such as shower gel does not make the item any safer. A throwaway plastic bottle will still need to be cleaned, just as a larger refillable container would. Far better is to remove any unnecessary items from bedrooms and tables to reduce the number of touchpoints where contamination could occur.

So the fact that the WHO issued these updated guidelines is key, in particular with a view to the use of single-use items, such as disposable masks. The guidelines stress in various sections that fabric masks are perfectly safe for hotel staff use, eliminating the need to keep purchasing disposable ones. We all know that at a luxury hotel branded fabric masks, ideally made from recycled materials, are a lot more stylish and in-line with the service offering than the blue disposable mask.

There is also temptation to go for heavy-duty cleaning products containing chemicals dangerous for our health as well as harmful to the environment — an issue we are all extra conscious of right now. But there are alternatives. Many suppliers have developed chemicals and hand sanitizers without these chemicals, that are still proven to protect against the virus.

In July the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative, a collaboration of UNEP, UNWTO and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, of which Considerate Group is an active member, released its Recommendations for the Tourism Sector to Continue Taking Action on Plastic Pollution during COVID-19 recovery. This document further highlights how tourism and hospitality can protect against the virus while also limiting plastic waste — by considering alternatives and engaging with suppliers, staff and guests.

Communication, training and science should be at the heart of how we adapt our business operations and procedures at this time.