Banners to bags to brilliance

Charmaine FERNANDO

The Cinnamon Grand Colombo launched the `Banners to Bags’ concept this week to get rid of used banners, converting waste into a utility in demand.

Imagine a simple thought and concern sparking a brilliant idea which lead to a workable practical business solution? It did Cinnamon Grand Colombo conceptualized a an eco friendly activation. Its significance is magnified due to the adverse financial and environmental solutions it addreses.

Professor Mohan Munasinghe, Co-Laureate 2007 Nobel Peace Prize and Vice Chairman, Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change, was the Chief Guest at the ceremony and congratulated Cinnamon Grand on this very significant initiative which he claimed, embodied the principles of sustainable development triangle: Reduce - Reuse and Recycle. Economic dimensions are what that gets moving waste in to utility he insisted.

“This is the sustainability we need.” He suggested that he will present this project to global echelons of enterprise for recognition.

Bags have utility value and sturdy lasting qualities. It comes in multiple hues, sizes and shapes. The shades were elegant and had exciting abstract one of a kind designs.

This fashionableware, the end result of waste recycled and value-added, is a definite selling proposition and in turning out the initial 350 bags Cinnamon has provided sustainable livelihood to unemployed tailors and retired poor people.

Being a John Keells company, Cinnamon is assured of a continued flow of raw material from their 70 subsidiaries ensuring the sustainability of the project. This project sets off such positive chain reaction and poses immense benefits to community and environment. It also mitigates damage to environment through brilliance, business sense, social responsibility, corporate leadership and sustainable development at long term.

It’s a solution to garbage disposal; an economic uplift to the socially marginalised; prevents health hazards through pollution and non-biodegradable landfill; mitigates the spread of harmful diseases; supports an ailing economy and inspires corporates to seek 360 degree perspective for viable alternate avenues to walk the talk.

This innovative project shows the hotel’s commitment to the environment as a responsible citizen and caring leader, leading from the front driving innovation.