5 Ways Taal Vista Hotel is Going Green

When I attended the Pollution Control Officer (PCO) Summit 2024 at Taal Vista Hotel last week where Zed was a speaker, I noticed something beyond the stunning views and cozy ambiance: the hotel is leading the way in Philippine sustainability and sustainable tourism. From the food they serve to the way they manage waste, Taal Vista is committed to being eco-friendly. Here are five simple but impactful ways the hotel is making a difference for the planet.

1. Nature-Inspired Views: A Reminder to Protect the Earth

The first thing you’ll notice at Taal Vista is its breathtaking views of Taal Lake and the volcano. But beyond being a perfect backdrop for your Instagram, these views are a gentle reminder of why protecting nature is so important. The hotel’s gardens are filled with local plants that don’t require much water, which helps reduce the need for heavy irrigation. Instead of artificial landscapes, Taal Vista embraces nature as it is, blending the beauty of the surroundings with its green practices.

By showcasing the natural beauty of Tagaytay, Taal Vista subtly encourages guests to think about how we can preserve these wonders for future generations, aligning with Philippine sustainability and promoting sustainable tourism.

2. Plate for the Planet: Eating with a Purpose

At Veranda, sustainability is served on every plate. Their “Plate for the Planet” initiative focuses on using local, organic ingredients. What’s great about this is that the hotel isn’t just serving up delicious food—it’s also supporting local farmers in Tagaytay and Cavite by cutting down on the carbon emissions caused by importing goods from far away.

During our stay, we tried dishes that were made with ingredients sourced from nearby farms, which made the meals feel even more special. By choosing local produce, Taal Vista not only helps the planet but also boosts the local economy. It’s a win-win for everyone!

3. Growing Their Own Greens: Urban Farming

Taal Vista Hotel has its own little garden where they grow herbs and vegetables used in their kitchens. This means fresher ingredients on your plate and less carbon pollution from transporting food. It’s all part of their push to reduce their environmental impact while showing guests that anyone can grow their own food, even in small spaces.

The hotel’s urban farming project is inspiring, proving that you don’t need a lot of land to grow your own fresh produce. It’s a simple but powerful way to live more sustainably and is a step forward for Philippine sustainability practices. We especially enjoyed our meals because of the crisp and healthy lettuce from Taal Vista's very own backyard.

4. Reducing Food Waste with ORCA

Taal Vista Hotel has gone the extra mile to tackle food waste through their partnership with the ORCA Digester. This isn’t about reducing plastic—it’s about how the hotel deals with leftover food. The ORCA Digester is an innovative system that breaks down food waste quickly and efficiently, turning it into water that can be safely drained. By using this technology, the hotel cuts down on the amount of food waste that would otherwise end up in landfills.

During our three day stay, I was impressed to learn how Taal Vista ensures that any uneaten food doesn’t go to waste. This forward-thinking solution not only helps the environment but also sets an example for other hotels to manage waste more responsibly.

5. Hosting Sustainable Events: The PCO Summit 2024

The biennial PCO Summit 2024 hosted by PCAPI itself was a great example of how events can go green. Everything, from the food packaging to the materials provided, was eco-friendly. The hotel’s energy-saving practices, like efficient lighting and water systems, also played a role in minimizing the event’s environmental impact.

Taal Vista is setting an example for how hotels can host large events without leaving a big carbon footprint. It was inspiring to see how simple changes, like using less plastic and conserving energy, can help make events more sustainable and further promote sustainable tourism.

Conclusion

Taal Vista Hotel isn’t just a beautiful place to stay—it’s a hotel that cares about the planet. From the food they serve to their waste reduction efforts, they’re showing that sustainability and comfort can go hand in hand. After attending the PCO Summit 2024 there, I left feeling hopeful about the future and inspired by how small changes can make a big difference, especially in the broader effort toward Philippine sustainability and sustainable tourism.