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 I
very much welcome the production of the Irish Hotels Federation Waste
Management Strategy CD-ROM. The issue of waste management is a very
difficult and complex one, affecting businesses throughout the country
from small operators in the service sector through to industry players.
Adopting ‘best practice’ to deal effectively with our waste
is a considerable challenge. All elements of society both consumers
and businesses have a role to play to protect our environment. It is
encouraging to see that the Irish Hotels Federation, representing the
largest sector in tourism, has taken on a responsibility to lead by
example and safeguard the green clean image of Ireland.
The publication
of the IHF Waste Management Strategy is very timely in view of the recently
published draft packaging regulations which will impose significant
new obligations on producers of packaging waste. All manufacturing and
retail businesses, including those in the hospitality sector, will be
obliged to segregate their packaging waste into specified waste streams
and ensure that this waste is recycled. The regulations are due to come
into force on 1 March 2003. Combined with the €15 per tonne landfill
levy which was introduced on 1 June 2002, the hotel sector now has a
very strong incentive to review their waste management practices.
Through the IHF
Waste Management Strategy CD-ROM, proprietors will be in a position
to adopt best practice techniques of waste management which are environmentally
friendly, cost effective and satisfy the disposal requirements of local
authorities.
I would encourage
all members of the Irish Hotels Federation to embrace these guidelines
so that their waste management includes minimisation, reuse, recycling
and reduction practices. I would like to applaud the IHF, with the support
of Musgrave Foodservices, for undertaking this initiative and congratulate
them on the production of an excellent and informative waste management
strategy.
Mr Martin Cullen
TD
Minister for the Environment and Local Government
 On
behalf of Musgrave Foodservices it is with great pleasure that I bring
a message of support and endorsement to the IHF Waste Management Strategy
CD-ROM.
As the first privately
owned Irish company to publish an environmental charter and produce
an annual environmental report to international standards, the Musgrave
Group is well aware of the complexities involved in addressing waste
management issues.
The environmentally
safe disposal of waste and the mounting costs of managing the process
are increasingly more of a burden to everyone in the Food Industry.
In the next 5 years disposing of our waste is projected to cost us collectively
in excess €50 million.
Aligned with our
ethos of taking the costs out of business and improving efficiency,
Musgrave Foodservices see a huge need for information in how to manage
and control the waste management costs you incur.
We feel this CD-ROM
is an excellent, practical tool, showing you what you are legally obliged
to do and how best to do it in a costeffective manner. It comprehensively
covers all the types of waste you have to deal with in your business,
giving you step by step instructions on auditing and safe disposal.
I would like to
commend the Irish Hotels Federation for taking this first step towards
informing and assisting its members to reduce their waste management
costs. I wish you every success as you implement this strategy across
the hotel industry in Ireland.
Best Wishes
Ray Holland
Marketing Manager, Musgrave Foodservices
 President's
Welcome
I am delighted to
be able to present this Waste Management Strategy CD-ROM to members
of the Irish Hotels Federation, and to any other hospitality organisation
who may find the principles applicable to their operation. Recent events
such as the discovery of unlicensed dumps and the general level of litter
are tarnishing Ireland’s hard fought green image abroad. As hotels
and guesthouses are the mainstay of the Irish tourist industry, we need
to lead the way in ensuring that we operate ‘best practice’
in waste management. This will help us to improve and maintain Ireland’s
vital green image.
The Federation,
with the support of Musgrave Foodservices have produced a comprehensive
and easy to follow set of guidelines to help members adopt ‘best
practice’ in waste management. The strategy will enable members
reduce, recycle and reuse what is perceived as waste, but is actually
a resource, and also to properly dispose of residual waste. It will
be a living document published on our website (www.ihf.ie) and updated
as legislation changes or new best practices are developed.
I would urge all
members to study this strategy and commence implementing its recommendations.
Not only will you find it economically sound but you will also be contributing
to the improvement in our environment by your actions.
The IHF has always
aimed to lead from the front where tourism is concerned – this
is our opportunity to demonstrate that we take our responsibilities
seriously and are committed to improving our environment in order to
maintain and improve our attractiveness as an international destination.
Jim Murphy
President, IHF
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