Saving it with Flowers: The Leela Palaces launches flower Recycling Initiative
In a luxurious initiative, The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts, a beacon of Indian luxury hospitality is upcycling floral waste in an opulent drive towards sustainability.
“The Rolls Royce of Indian hospitality” is a phrase often ascribed to The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts, whose portfolio includes five Palaces in Bengaluru, Chennai, Jaipur, New Delhi, and Udaipur, along with two resorts in Kovalam.
And their new eco-conscious initiative, combining luxury with global impact, is just as classy as the allusion to that great British brand suggests. In another righteous move towards helping the planet, the award-winning chain, in collaboration with the NGO Phool, has unveiled a unique flower recycling initiative,
Under the unique project, women from marginalised Indian communities are transforming leftover flower petals from the hotel’s elaborate floral arrangements into hand-rolled incense sticks and cones, with the ultimate aim of repurposing more than 10 tonnes of flower waste annually.
This will not only create exquisite and ethically produced incense but will also foster a sustainable circle of environmental responsibility.
It’s just the latest move from a group recognised for their embrace of conscious luxury, a vision incorporating sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, which include transitioning to renewable energy, integrating smart technology to avoid wasting food, electricity and water, ‘net zero’ hotel designs, and supporting local communities by sourcing materials, including fabrics and consumables from local famers, cooperatives and artisans.
They’ve also earmarked over ₹400 million in Capex to shrink their carbon footprint, targeting net-zero reliance on fossil fuels by 2030. Other initiatives include recycling grey water, rainwater harvesting, and drip irrigation.
Additionally, The Leela is investing in in-house water bottling plants, aiming to eliminate 3.2 million plastic bottles – equivalent to a reduction of 157 tons of carbon emissions per year.
While the recent introduction of its signature fragrance, Tishya by The Leela, a 100% vegan, paraben-free range of bath amenities in 100% recyclable packaging, is anticipated to save 2.2 million single-use plastic bottles annually.
Elsewhere, in a joint-mission with Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi, the Leela has sponsored 11 ‘Bal Mitra Grams’ or child-friendly villages through the Kailash Satyarthi Children’s Foundation. In its first year, more than 2,100 households were positively impacted in the scheme, resulting in over 4,200 children being protected and 2,200 children receiving education.
Rooted in the rich culture, history, and rituals of India, the wellness-oriented brand places a premium on the importance of guest wellbeing. Their guiding philosophy is "Atithi Devo Bhava": ‘Guest is God.’ Furthering the analogy, they might well add: ‘Globe is God.’