TRAVEL PLASTIC FREE
PLASTIC VS NATURE
You want to enjoy the beauty of the Maasai Mara National Reserve and watch elephants walk by while the Talek river flows peacefully in front of your room.
Keeping our unique ecosystem pristine and healthy requires team work, especially when it relates to plastic.
Around the world the demand for plastic products continues to grow and though we can reuse and recycle some items, there are still large amounts of plastic that continue to accumulate in nature because most plastic is non-biodegradable and instead breaks down into small fragments known as micro-plastics.
According to the Kenyan Ministry of Tourism, almost 50% of global plastic waste consists of plastic packaging designed to be used only once before being thrown away or recycled. This is referred to as single use plastics.
Plastics are polluting our ecosystems including streams, rivers, oceans, savannas and forests. Plastics are detrimental for the Maasai Mara, its community, landscapes and animals.
Though this is a sad situation, together we can make a change!
Travellers, lodges, shops, governments, ... can all make small steps in our day to day lives that have a major positive impact.
KENYA LEADING THE WAY BY
BANNING SINGLE USE PLASTIC
On World Environment Day, on 5 June 2020, the Government of Kenya banned single-use plastic in protected natural areas. These protected areas include all Kenya's beaches, forests, national reserves and other places... including the Maasai Mara National Reserve where Emboo River is located.
This follows Kenya’s ground-breaking step of a nationwide ban on single-use plastic bags in 2017.
The Maasai Mara National Reserve is a thriving ecosystem. Let's keep our environment clean!
Here are some tips on how to travel plastic free. If you have questions, just send us a message: click here.
HOW TO TRAVEL PLASTIC FREE
01
BAGS
Prohibited: Single-use plastic bags
Where: All around Kenya
Alternative: Bring your own reusable fabric bags or buy one at Emboo River's store from the Kenyan brand Kangarui.
02
PERSONAL HYGIENE
FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY
Prohibited: Plastic ear swabs, single use plastic dental floss, single use toiletries packaged in plastics such as soap.
Where: In protected areas such as the Maasai Mara
Alternative: Innovative brands now offer zero waste toiletries such as
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ear swabs, for example at international shop Last Object (here), at Greenthing Kenya (here) or at supermarkets that offer bamboo or paper versions
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dental floss, for example at the international shop Georgcanics (here)
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No need to bring your own toiletries as your room has lush soap, shampoo, conditioner from Cinnabar Green.
03
PERSONAL HYGIENE
FOR BABIES
Prohibited: Wet wipes, disposable sanitary items such as single use diapers.
Where: In protected areas such as the Maasai Mara
Alternative: Innovative brands now offer reusable items such as
04
WATER BOTTLES
Prohibited: PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) bottles
Where: In protected areas such as the Maasai Mara
Alternative: Emboo River offers reusable water bottles during your stay. You are also welcome to bring your own bottle and to fill it with our fresh drinking water.
05
STRAWS & OTHER MEAL UTENSILS
Prohibited: Disposal cutlery, forks, knives, spoons, chopsticks, straws and beverage stirrers
Where: In protected areas such as the Maasai Mara
Alternative: No need to bring your own cutlery to Emboo River and your cocktails come with reusable bamboo straws, which you can take home as a souvenir.
06
CIGARETTES
Prohibited: Cigarettes with plastic filters / butts
Where: In protected areas such as the Maasai Mara
Alternative: Cigarettes with non-plastic butts. Smoking is only permitted in designated areas.
07
FOOD PACKAGING
Prohibited: EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) containers., crisps packets, sweet wrappers and lollipop sticks
Where: In Protected Areas such as the Maasai Mara
Alternative: Emboo River's Chefs use reusable food packaging. No need to bring sweets to the Maasai Mara as we make delicious and fresh treats for you, or bring sweets that are packaged in paper.