Davidson Embraces Sustainability & Celebrates Plastic Free July

Plastic-free July is a global movement that encourages individuals and organizations to reduce single-use plastics and adopt more sustainable habits throughout the month. At Davidson, we are committed to sustainability and delighted to offer our hotels, resorts, and restaurants a variety of programs to help make a meaningful and lasting impact. Some examples:

Eco-friendly disposable packaging and sustainable product solutions

• Plant-based cutlery that is certified compostable and built to biodegrade in natural environments
• Wood plates crafted from renewable wood made to compost
• Agave straws made with residual agave fiber from Tequila production that are upcycled, certified compostable, and biodegradable.
• Bamboo cutlery
• Paperboard Bento boxes

Sustainable reusable program

Davidson has developed partnerships with manufacturers that offer melamine and acrylic reusable programs. Example: sustainable hydration system, eliminating single-use water bottles; and reusable packages in team member cafeterias,

We also developed a Sustainable Disposables Guide to help identify environmentally friendly alternatives to support sustainability efforts. Our recommendations are broken down into what’s good, better, and best for all categories, including bags; can liners (trash bags); cutlery & serving utensils; drinking cups & accessories; napkins & towels, and gloves.

Check out what Cape Rey Carlsbad, A Hilton Resort & Spa is doing

Cape Rey has replaced all plastic water bottles with reusable and recyclable aluminum water bottles for all the guest rooms. Marketing really wanted an obvious way to remind guests of the intent of this choice, as well as to make them aware of the filtered water stations on each floor, for their convenience. ENJOY. REUSE. REPEAT. was designed on a custom, die-cut bottle hanger to convey this plastic-free sustainability message to our guests, encouraging their usage of the water stations and thanking them for their part in doing so.

Cape Rey was thrilled to receive a Sustainability Champion Award in recognition of commitment to environmental stewardship, from the City of Carlsbad, CA. This award was based on the operational efforts of all departments, but especially food and beverage, to reduce the use of plastic overall and to bump up and promote the recycling of it and other items at the resort.

The team cafeteria, the restaurant, and the pool terrace areas each have three clearly marked recycling bins in use; for organic food waste, for recycling material, and for landfill. Each is separated and disposed of in similar receptacles provided by the city. As a result of these efforts, the Cape Rey program has moved the needle from a 22% diversion from landfill figure to the most recent 56.5% diversion from landfill figure. This significant increase was just one metric to receiving the recognition from the city.

Awards aside, the entire Cape Rey team remains devoted to the program and has more new ideas to continue the sustainability and plastic-free efforts into the future.

• Compostable Plates: We provide these eco-friendly paper plates specifically to hotel guests who want to share their meals with loved ones, allowing them to enjoy a collaborative dining experience without relying on traditional plastic tableware.
• Paper To-Go Bags: Branded paper bags featuring handles, used seamlessly for all takeout orders and guest conveniences.
• Insulated Coffee Cups & Sleeves: Our hot beverage service relies entirely on paper-based cups paired with protective cardboard sleeves to eliminate plastic coat linings.
• Bio-Based Cutlery Packs: Individually wrapped cutlery sets (including forks, knives, spoons, and napkins) made completely from plant-based materials rather than petroleum.
• Cardboard Box Containers: Durable, plastic-free folding boxes used for packaging leftovers, pastries, and grab-and-go food items.

Check out what Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe is doing

• In an effort to evolve from plastic bottles, the property is delighted to now provide a glass carafe and drinking glasses for refilling. Lake Tahoe’s tap water is 99.994% pure, exceptionally fresh, rigorously tested, and widely considered among the best-tasting water in the world.