Managing Waste, ICRT Global Responsible Tourism Awards 2025

Описание: This award recognises businesses, destinations, and initiatives that have implemented effective waste management strategies, demonstrating a commitment to minimising waste, eliminating single-use plastics, and repurposing materials in ways that benefit the environment and local communities. Winners in this category will have proven, scalable solutions that reduce tourism’s environmental footprint and create economic or social value from waste.

The winners of the 2025 Managing Waste Global Responsible Tourism Awards sponsored by Sabre are:

GOLD WormingUp™ Malaysia
WormingUp is a youth-led, ISO 14001 certified social enterprise in Sarawak. It transforms organic waste using Black Soldier Fly larvae, creating natural fertiliser and insect protein, and diverts waste from landfills. It upcycles plastic into crafts - keychains, coasters, earrings - and converts textile waste into bags and apparel via women’s cooperatives. Used cooking oil is turned into artisan soap. It supports homestay communities by turning food waste into compost for zero-waste farming. It also operates retail pop-ups to market eco‑products. Judges praised its scalable, circular-waste model and wide engagement with businesses, schools, hotels, and shopping centres.

SILVER HBD Príncipe, São Tomé and Príncipe
HBD Príncipe operates with a clear vision of environmental responsibility on the island of Príncipe. Its ten-person waste management team leads a range of community and business-focused initiatives that reduce landfill and support reuse and recycling. The company has developed innovative programmes including "cans for schoolbooks," "plastic for cardboard cakes" (eco-friendly charcoal), and upcycling waste into items like jewellery, bowls, and furniture. Recycled glass is used in construction, replacing mined sand and reducing extraction. These solutions benefit both the environment and the economy by engaging local communities and artisans in sustainable enterprise. HBD also works closely with schools, integrating waste education and clean-up campaigns into the curriculum to foster a culture of environmental care from an early age. Judges noted the company’s practical, place-based solutions and the depth of its long-term commitment to island sustainability. Its holistic approach demonstrates how waste can become a resource and a catalyst for community pride.

SILVER TIEEDI Permaculture Foundation, India

TIEEDI is an environmental conservation organisation in Darjeeling which proudly proclaims it is waging a war on waste. Through permaculture-based zero-waste homestays, forest gardens, and eco-architecture, it has organised 3000+ workshops, diverted over 650 tonnes of waste from landfills in Darjeeling since 2016, transformed a 1.5-acre former municipal dumping ground into a thriving forest garden, converted 50 households into zero-waste homes within three months, and built community-led systems for composting and solid waste management.

FINALIST EcoCamp, Patagonia, Chile
EcoCamp, located in Torres del Paine National Park, Chile, demonstrates a comprehensive approach to waste management. It separates all waste streams—Tetra Pak, plastic, metal, cardboard, and glass—for recycling in Punta Arenas, with glass reused as candle holders. Organic kitchen waste is composted on site, while non-compostable food waste feeds local pigs. It uses composting toilets, where waste is processed into fertiliser through a heating and filtration system. Used fabric is repurposed into cloths, bags, and soft goods, and employee clothing is upcycled into blankets and toys. Wastewater from conventional toilets passes through a biofiltration system using natural materials and worms. Only biodegradable products are provided to guests. EcoCamp weighs its waste to track and improve performance. In a remote park where landfill is the default, EcoCamp offers a replicable model for sustainable waste handling. Its meticulous, circular approach protects the environment and supports the local economy, impressing judges across multiple award categories.