THAT MORNING, in the kitchen of the Xantos Eco Resort, the pungent aroma of spices clashed with the pungent stench of garbage. In a corner of the warehouse, Toni, the Housekeeping Manager, stared in frustration at a pile of black plastic bags towering as high as his shoulders.
“It’s been two days, sir. Two days after the Global AI Tech Summit ended, and this trash hasn’t all been taken care of,” Toni complained to Mr. Made, the senior janitor. “The volume of trash is four times that of a normal conference. Hundreds of plastic mineral water bottles, used flexi banners, Styrofoam plates from outside catering…”
Mr. Made shook his head, his face wrinkled with concern. “The beach behind the Resort is starting to get polluted again, Ton. The wind is carrying Styrofoam scraps onto the sand. We’ve tried to sort them, but the amount exceeds the capacity of the village’s communal trash bins.”
The problem reached the desk of Mrs. Risa, the Resort’s General Manager, that afternoon. Sitting across from her was Rian, an event organizer (EO) from Jakarta who would be managing the Asian Corporate Gathering (ACG) next month.
“Honestly, Rian, we’re facing a reputation crisis after yesterday’s AI Tech Summit,” said Mrs. Risa, pointing to a photo of a pile of trash on her tablet. “The village has lodged a strong protest. We can’t let ACG become another environmental disaster. This resort was built on the promise of sustainable tourism.”
Rian, a young professional in a light green tie, nodded. “I understand, Mrs. Risa. That’s precisely why our EO, ’Green Wave Events,’ is a green-certified EO. We’ve taken this into account.”
“What’s your plan? Just sorting more?” asked Mrs. Risa skeptically.
“No. We’re implementing a Zero Waste Meetings Concept,” Rian replied firmly. “ACG is a major client, but we require them to comply with the resort’s sustainable MICE SOP. Starting with registration.”
Rian pulled out a document. “First, a total ban on single-use plastic. All delegates will receive a tumbler with the ACG and Xantos Eco Resort logos. Drinking water stations will be available everywhere. Second, locally-based and recycled decorations. No large-print flexi signs. We’ve contacted the ‘Seni Bambu Lestari’ (Sustainable Bamboo Art) MSME in the neighboring village to create all the backdrops and signage from woven bamboo and dried leaves.”
Mrs. Risa’s eyes lit up. “Sustainable Bamboo Art? That’s a great idea. They can benefit directly economically.”
“Exactly,” Rian continued. “Third, food consumption and waste. We’re asking the resort to offer a zero-waste menu. Your chefs must use every ingredient, and any unused leftovers will be sent to the village’s women’s compost farming group to be processed into fertilizer.”
Toni, who had been called in for the meeting, was stunned. “So, what about the additional costs for all this, Rian? Clients usually refuse to pay for the ‘green charge.’”
“ACG has agreed to a green levy charge of 15% of the total venue cost,” Rian explained. “These funds are not for the benefit of the event organizer or the resort. They are allocated specifically for: 1) Funding the Women’s Compost project, 2) Transportation costs and wages for the Bambu Lestari MSME, and 3) Purchase of a projector and low-energy lighting system for the resort’s efficiency.”
Mrs. Risa stood and shook Rian’s hand firmly. “This is more than just an event, Rian. This is a change in business model. I hope it succeeds.”
******
Three weeks later, the Asian Corporate Gathering took place. The atmosphere was completely different from the previous event.
Outside the ballroom, an elegant woven bamboo backdrop blended beautifully with the dim low-energy lighting. Delegates brought their own tumblers to the water station. During the coffee break, the PKK women served local coffee in ceramic cups and market snacks without plastic packaging.
Behind the kitchen, Toni found his trash shed nearly empty. Two small trash bins specifically designated for food scraps had been emptied by a special truck and headed to the Women’s Compost area.
“Ton, look at this!” “Mr. Made exclaimed, holding a small piece of leftover fabric from the decorations. “They don’t even throw away the leftover fabric. The Bambu Lestari MSME takes it to process into bag accents.”
Toni smiled with relief. There was no longer a pungent odor or towering piles of plastic. The resort looked clean, the air fresh.
At the end of the event, the head of the ACG delegation gave a closing speech. “We are proud to be part of this Zero Waste Convention. We came to do business, but we left inspired. Our company’s brand value has increased because we participated in a responsible event. Thank you, Xantos Eco Resort.”
Mrs. Risa, Rian, and Gede from the village (who is now the compost delivery coordinator) looked at each other. They knew this wise solution had created a virtuous circle. The resort not only saved its beach from pollution but also channelled economic benefits to the local community, while enhancing the event organizer’s professional image and the brand value of MICE clients.
Commitment to the environment, it turns out, is the best investment for business and community. (*)
