This December The Headland achieved a 72% recycled waste rate – a significant milestone and a step forward in our sustainability journey.

The festive season is traditionally one of the busiest times in hospitality. With the increased activity, however, often comes increased waste. At The Headland, we’re committed to doing things differently. This year, we took proactive steps to ensure a more sustainable Christmas, showing that it’s possible to celebrate responsibly without compromising on festive cheer.

How We Made a Difference

Pre-ordering Christmas lunches
Guests were invited to pre-order their Christmas meals this year, enabling our team to plan menus with precision. This thoughtful approach helped reduce surplus food waste significantly, aligning with SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

Eco-friendly crackers
We replaced traditional crackers with fully recyclable, plastic-free alternatives, minimising the environmental footprint of our celebrations. This small but impactful change supports SDG 12 by promoting responsible resource use and contributes to SDG 13: Climate Action by reducing non-recyclable waste.

Team education and clear waste separation
A core part of our success comes from empowering our team. We’ve provided tools, training, and clear processes to help everyone recycle effectively and champion sustainability in their roles. This initiative not only supports SDG 12 but also reflects SDG 4: Quality Education, as we continue to build a culture of awareness and environmental responsibility.

Looking Ahead to 2025

Sustainability is not just a seasonal goal for us; it’s at the heart of everything we do. While we’re proud of our achievements this year, we know there’s always room for improvement. In 2025, we’re aiming to enhance our sustainability initiatives even further, with a particular focus on achieving EarthCheck Silver Certification. This globally recognised benchmark will demonstrate our commitment to the highest standards of environmental and social responsibility.

From reducing waste to embracing environmentally conscious practices, we believe in making positive changes that benefit both our community and the planet.

This festive season, we’ve proven that with thoughtful planning and teamwork, it’s possible to celebrate in style while minimising our impact on the environment. Our 72% recycled waste rate is just the beginning, and we’re excited to continue pushing boundaries in the years ahead.