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.
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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 but breaks down into small fragments known as micro-plastics.
These plastics are polluting our ecosystems including streams, rivers, oceans, savannas and forests. Plastic is detrimental for the Maasai Mara, its community, landscapes and animals.
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.
Though this is a sad situation, we can make a difference together!
Travellers, lodges, shops, governments, ... can all make small steps in our day to day lives that have a major positive impact.
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KENYA LEADING THE WAY BY
BANNING SINGLE USE PLASTIC
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On World Environment Day, on 5 June 2020, Kenya banned single-use plastic in protected natural areas such as beaches, forests and reserves... 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. You can spot animals all across our open savannas, rolling hills and forests along the river banks. 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.
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HOW TO TRAVEL PLASTIC FREE
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.
STRAWS & OTHER MEAL UTENSILS
Prohibited: Disposal cutlery, forks, knives, spoons, chopsticks, straws and beverage stirrers
Where: In protected areas such as the Maasai Mara
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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.
WATER BOTTLES
Prohibited: PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) bottles
Where: In protected areas such as the Maasai Mara
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Alternative: Emboo River offers reusable water bottles during your stay. You are also welcome to bring your own & to fill it with our fresh drinking water.
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.
PERSONAL HYGIENE
Prohibited: Plastic ear swabs, wet wipes, single use plastic dental floss, disposable sanitary items such as diapers, single use toiletries packaged in plastics such as soap.
Where: In protected areas such as the Maasai Mara
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Alternative: Innovative brands now offer zero waste ear swabs (for example here and here or general supermarkets offer bamboo or paper versions), and zero waste dental floss (for example here and here). Also diapers made from plant based materials such as bamboo or reusable cloth diapers are generally available (for example here and here). No need to bring your own toiletries as your room has lush soaps, shampoo, conditioner from Cinnabar Green.
FOOD PACKAGING
Prohibited: EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) containers.
Crisps packets, sweet wrappers and lollipop sticks.
Where: In Protected Areas such as the Maasai Mara
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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.
