Goodbye Plastic: How Every Guest Choice Shapes A Cleaner Ocean
Every wave tells a story, but too often, it carries traces of plastic that don’t belong. At Six Senses Con Dao, we believe every guest has the power to help rewrite that story. From choosing reusable bottles to saying no to single-use plastics, small decisions made here ripple far beyond the shore—shaping a cleaner ocean for generations to come.
From the turquoise waters of Con Dao to remote shores around the world, our oceans are home to vibrant ecosystems — coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves, and nesting beaches for endangered species. Yet, even in protected areas, ocean currents can carry plastic waste from far away, threatening marine life and coastal habitats.
Every year, over 11 million tonnes of plastic waste enter the oceans, harming marine animals, breaking down into microplastics that enter the food chain, and disrupting ecosystems. Every traveler has the power to make a difference. By reducing single-use plastics, you not only help protect fragile environments but also support the communities that depend on them. Here are some mindful practices to consider wherever your journey takes you:
Travel Light on the Planet
Whenever possible, choose low-impact ways to get around — trains, buses, shared shuttles, cycling, or simply walking. A scenic walk isn’t just good for the planet, it slows your pace and lets you truly connect with the land — from the scent of wildflowers on a coastal path to the chatter of a local market. For short distances, swapping a taxi ride for a stroll or bike ride can significantly cut your carbon footprint. And in places like Côn Đảo, where roads hug the sea and wind through lush forest, the journey becomes just as rewarding as the destination.
Refill, Don’t Replace
Instead of buying single-use plastic water bottles, carry a durable, reusable one throughout your journey. Many destinations — including eco-conscious resorts — offer filtered water refill stations or safe drinking taps. Each time you refill, you’re preventing another plastic bottle from entering the waste stream, where it could take hundreds of years to decompose.
At Six Senses Con Dao, filtered water is served in reusable glass bottles for all guests — a simple shift that helped prevent 85,425 plastic bottles from being used in 2024 alone. In coastal areas like Con Dao, it’s not just a matter of waste reduction — it’s a direct step toward keeping plastic from drifting into the ocean, where it harms sea turtles, seabirds, and other marine life.
Skip the Straw
A plastic straw may be used for just 15 minutes, yet it can linger in the environment for centuries. Instead, choose to sip directly from your glass or ask for eco-friendly alternatives. At Six Senses Con Dao, we offer straws made from natural materials like bamboo and grass — fully compostable, chemical-free, and made by local artisans.
Choosing these not only eliminates plastic waste but also supports the community’s traditional craftsmanship. Imagine enjoying a fresh passionfruit juice or coconut water on the beach, knowing that the straw in your drink will return harmlessly to the earth.
Support Plastic-Free Packaging
Choose vendors, markets, and restaurants that use biodegradable, compostable, or reusable packaging. In Vietnam and many coastal regions, you might find fruit wrapped in banana leaves, fish sold in woven baskets, or snacks served in paper rather than plastic. By actively supporting these businesses, you encourage the local economy to invest in eco-friendly alternatives — and your purchase becomes a small vote for a cleaner planet.
Dispose of Waste Responsibly
Always seek out designated bins and follow local recycling guidelines, even if it means holding onto your waste until you find the right place. Seemingly harmless items — a straw, a food wrapper, or even a single bottle cap — can cause injury or death to marine animals if they end up in the ocean. By making responsible disposal a habit, you help ensure your travels leave no harmful trace.
Support Local Businesses and Communities
Every choice to go local weaves you into the fabric of your destination. Relish seasonal flavors from nearby farms or taste the day’s catch brought in by local fishers. Wander through bustling markets and artisan workshops, where every handcrafted piece tells a story. Let local guides lead you beyond the obvious, sharing traditions, folklore, and places close to their hearts. And in every encounter, carry respect—learn a greeting, observe customs, and embrace the culture that welcomes you with open arms.
Every journey leaves a trace—on the places we visit, the people we meet, and the planet we share. By traveling mindfully, choosing local connections, and treading lightly, we become part of something far greater than ourselves. Whether it’s savoring a market’s morning bustle, refilling a glass water bottle, or pausing to greet a neighbor in their own language, each small action adds to a story of care and respect. The beauty of travel isn’t just in the places we see, but in the positive impact we leave behind.
Figures as of June 30, 2024
