Finding Inspo AT SO/Bangkok

We love learning about new, sustainable hotels, because they always inspire us! And SO/Bangkok is no exception

By Diane Small

Found in the heart of Thailand’s animated capital, SO/Bangkok is the embodiment of sustainable luxury hospitality. This award winning establishment has successfully demonstrated how environmental stewardship and social responsibility can harmoniously coexist within the industry.

In 2024, SO/Bangkok’s passion and commitment to comprehensive sustainability initiatives earned them an International Sustainability Award, cementing their status as a frontrunner in creating a greener and more inclusive world.

I know what you’re thinking: that’s all fine and well. But I’m not planning a trip to Bangkok any time soon. Well, keep reading! The hotel can inspire us to take on some of their eco friendly practices in our own homes, too.

Promoting Sustainability

SO/Bangkok actively promotes broader concept of sustainability to all who stay there. By engaging guests with interactive and educational initiatives, the hotel fosters a culture of environmental awareness. Guests are encouraged to embrace eco-friendly practices during their stay. For example: recycling various materials, reducing water use and choosing local foods. They’re also encouraged to carry these habits into their everyday lives.

Through community involvement and industry collaboration, SO/Bangkok disseminates sustainability knowledge, inspiring other businesses and individuals to adopt eco-friendly practices. The hotel actively participates in sustainability conferences and forums, sharing its experiences and best practices with the wider industry.

By acting as a catalyst for change, SO/Bangkok contributes to the collective effort of creating a more sustainable future for the hospitality sector.

Eco-Friendly Practices You Can Copy At Home

The hotel aims to inspire guests to make sustainable changes in their lives. Here are a few of those changes that are easy to take home – even if you’re not a guest!

Zero Plastic Use

SO/Bangkok’s dedication to eradicating plastic usage marks a significant stride towards mitigating environmental pollution.

The hotel has replaced single-use plastics with eco-friendly alternatives. For example, shampoos, soaps and conditioners come in refillable glass bottles. This drastically reduces waste and sets a powerful example for other hotels to follow.

What you can do at home: Choose personal care brands that use eco friendly and/or recyclable packaging, such as AEOS or REN.

Sustainable Events

Acknowledging the immense waste generated by Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE), (such as flowers from wedding receptions) SO/Bangkok has taken a proactive approach by prioritising sustainability in event setups. The hotel efficiently uses resources, minimises waste, and incorporates eco-friendly materials, ensuring that events are not only successful but also environmentally responsible.

What you can do at home: Refuse to buy styrofoam or plastic plates and utensils next time you have a large gathering. Instead, use washable, reusable cups and plates, or biodegradable paper ones if you must use something disposable.

Sustainable Valentine’s Gesture

In a uniquely thoughtful gesture, SO/Bangkok replaces traditional cut roses with DIY garden kits for guests on Valentine’s Day. This initiative promotes sustainable living by encouraging guests to cultivate their own plants, symbolising the growth of love in an eco-friendly manner. It exemplifies how small gestures can have a significant impact on environmental awareness.

What you can do at home: Realise the impact of cut flowers is higher than you think! It’s always much better to decorate events and gift planted flowers, cacti, seeds or other plants. Or better yet: treat your Valentine to a special experience, like a massage!

Future Plans: Expanding the Green Vision

SO/Bangkok’s future plans are as ambitious as they are inspiring. The hotel aims to integrate renewable energy sources by incorporating solar panels and other technologies to further reduce their carbon footprint.

By enhancing waste management strategies, implementing advanced waste reduction and recycling programs, SO/Bangkok aspires to achieve zero waste to landfill, setting an industry benchmark for sustainable waste practices.

What you can do at home: Learn how to go about zero waste living. It’s easier than you think! Some tips include:

refuse plastic bags at the supermarket. Instead, bring your own reusable bags.
as mentioned above, buy refillable or recyclable bottles when purchasing shampoo and other personal care items.
compost all possible waste food and spread in a garden. Even if you don’t have a garden yourself, you can spread it on any nearby green space.

Increased Green Spaces

The hotel also plans to expand green spaces within its premises, including vertical gardens and rooftop greenery. These additions will not only enhance biodiversity but also provide guests with serene natural environments, fostering a deeper connection with nature. SO/Bangkok is committed to working closely with suppliers to develop sustainable supply chains, ensuring that all products and services are sourced ethically and sustainably.

What you can do at home: Add more real and preferably local plants to your home wherever you can. Not got a garden? Fill window boxes or your patio with greenery. Not got a patio or window box? Create a green wall and buy plenty of floor plants. Pot them in beautiful containers and use an app like Greg to learn how to take care of them.

Community Connections

SO/Bangkok’s loyalty to sustainability extends beyond its own operations. The hotel plans to launch community engagement programs that focus on environmental education and sustainable development within the local community.

By sharing knowledge and resources, SO/Bangkok aims to empower the community and drive positive change on a broader scale.

What you can do at home: Find a local charity or environmental group and get involved! This could be anything from guerilla gardening to plastic pick ups. You’ll feel good and do good, and who knows? You may even make some new friends!

By staying at the forefront of sustainable advancements, SO/Bangkok continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in sustainable hospitality, whilst inspiring us to do the same at home!

Visit here to find out more about the award-winning hotel.

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Diane Small

A University of Texas journalism graduate and serious chocolate enthusiast, Diane was a sub-editor at the Houston Chronicle before falling pregnant. Today, she is the proud mom of two kids under the age of three, and freelances for Eluxe in between nappy changes and feedings.