By Michelle da Silva Richmond

In keeping with their philosophy of aiding in the preservation of the planet, Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach has implemented several activities to accomplish this mission.

Earth Hour –

On March 25, the resort will participate in “Earth Hour,” an environmental global event organized by the World-Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), an international, non-governmental organization founded in 1961 to preserve the wilderness and “reduce humanity’s footprint on the environment.”

Every year, hundreds of millions of people around the globe turn off their lights for one designated hour to showcase their commitment to fight climate change.

In keeping with this tradition, the resort will dim the lights in some of the corridors and exterior areas from 8:30 – 9: 30 p.m. on March 25.

In addition, special activities will be planned during this time and children will e invited by the pool director to create illuminated figures, while guests will be given little candles and encouraged to participate in a group photo to honor the occasion.

The celebration of Earth Hour encompasses 7,000 cities in 162 countries on all seven continents, with 154 multi-national corporations participating.

Other Environmental Initiatives –

Throughout the year Grand Fiesta Americana Cancun is involved in several other environmental initiatives, many of which has garnered awards by Government Agencies:

Collection of vegetable oil: In 2016, the kitchen staff collected nearly 2,000 gallons of burned vegetable oil, a main ingredient in the production of biodiesel fuel. This program is conducted in cooperation with UGA Soluciones.

• Recycling of items such as paper, cardboard, aluminum cans, computers, cartridges, chargers and such has earned them recognition by several Government Ecology Agencies. Resort staff participates in ongoing training in these procedures. This program is overseen by the Municipality of Benito Juarez.
• Conservation of nature is also ongoing. Every year, in late September, the resort participates in International Beach Clean-Up Day to ensure that the ecology of the resort’s beach is maintained and the natural habitat is preserved.
• The Turtle Protection Program has resulted in the rescue of three marine turtles and the birth of 260 turtles throughout the years.
• The Energy Awareness Incentive is an ongoing training program to instruct staff on conserving energy by turning off lights, computers and other electrical devices as well as ovens, gas ranges etc. Employees are also encouraged to reduce the use of soap, shampoo, paper goods and water, while kitchen staff receives ongoing training about conserving water, as well as food.

Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun values environmental awareness and implements many sustainable programs throughout the resort year-round.