Sustainability at De Palm Island: Our Commitment to a Greener Future
At De Palm Island, we believe that sustainability is not just a trend but a responsibility. As a destination surrounded by Aruba’s natural beauty, we are committed to protecting the environment through innovative conservation efforts, responsible waste management, and eco-friendly operations. Our goal is to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the island’s pristine waters, rich marine life, and unique landscapes.
Our sustainability initiatives focus on water conservation, waste reduction, eco-friendly cleaning, responsible fuel management, and marine conservation.
Water Conservation & Smart Usage
Water is a precious resource, and we take multiple steps to reduce waste and optimize its use:
- Water-efficient fixtures: Instant-stop faucets, water-saving showerheads, and water-free urinals in our new bathrooms significantly reduce water consumption.
- Advanced filtration system: Our Benson Defender system enhances water quality while reducing the need for harsh chemicals.
- Eco-friendly disinfection:
- Copper oxidation helps control bacteria.
- Silver oxidation prevents algae growth.
- UV light disinfection ensures safe and clean water.
- Reclaimed water usage: All water collected from our air conditioning units is repurposed for irrigation, keeping our plants healthy without additional water consumption.
Reducing Waste & Eliminating Single-Use Plastics
De Palm Island has taken significant steps to eliminate unnecessary waste and limit plastic usage:
- No single-use plastics: Snack packaging has been replaced with cartons, and all meals and drinks are served with reusable cups and plates.
- Sustainable beverage distribution:
- Soft drinks are dispensed from machines, eliminating plastic bottles.
- Liquor is distributed from a controlled dispensing system, reducing glass bottle waste.
- Comprehensive waste separation and recycling:
- Plastic is recycled by Plastic Beach Party.
- Food waste is collected by local pig farmers.
- Metal waste is processed by Daltra.
- Cardboard and paper are recycled through Ecotech.
- General waste is responsibly managed by Ecotech.
These initiatives contribute to a circular economy by ensuring that materials are repurposed rather than discarded.
Eco-Friendly Cleaning & Chemical Safety
Maintaining a clean environment is essential, but we ensure that our cleaning practices are sustainable:
- Eco-friendly cleaning products: We source cleaning supplies from ARUPRO, which provides environmentally safe products and collects empty containers for refilling.
- Safe chemical storage and handling:
- All chemicals are securely stored on spill pallets to prevent contamination.
- Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are readily available for all employees.
- Employees handling chemicals receive training and have access to necessary protective equipment, including gloves, safety glasses, and masks.
Fuel Efficiency & Pollution Prevention
To minimize pollution risks, we have changed how we manage fuel on the island:
- We no longer store or transport fuel, reducing the potential for spills and environmental hazards.
- Our ferries are refueled on a scheduled basis by a trusted supplier.
- Gasoline for fun riders is purchased at Varadero, ensuring safe and controlled fuel handling.
By eliminating unnecessary fuel storage and transport, we improve safety while reducing emissions.
Protecting Marine Life & Coastal Cleanups
As an island destination, we take marine conservation seriously. Our efforts focus on maintaining clean waters and protecting delicate coral ecosystems:
- Bi-weekly coral reef cleanups: Every two weeks, professional divers clean the reefs in front of De Palm Island, removing debris while preserving marine life. All waste collected is documented for analysis.
- Spanish Lagoon Restoration: Over three years, we successfully removed waste from the entire lagoon, restoring its natural beauty.
- Coastal Reef Cleaning Initiative (2024): This project focuses on removing underwater and island debris, with all collected materials recorded and submitted to The Ocean Conservancy and International Coastal Cleanup initiative to contribute to global research on marine pollution.
These initiatives are about more than just removing trash; they represent our commitment to long-term environmental stewardship and the protection of Aruba’s marine ecosystems.
A Sustainable Future for De Palm Island
Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do at De Palm Island. From reducing plastic waste to protecting our coral reefs, our initiatives are designed to minimize our environmental footprint while enhancing the experience for our guests.
We encourage visitors to join us in these efforts by embracing sustainable travel practices, respecting the natural environment, and supporting eco-friendly tourism. Together, we can preserve Aruba’s beauty for future generations.
Sustainability is not just a goal, it’s our way of life.
