PROTECTING the environment is Moine Kandil’s mission – and as a result the general manager of the Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi and his team are constantly looking into initiatives to turn the hotel into an even more environmentally friendly property.
The hotel recently won The Best Environment Hotel in the MENA Travel Awards 2009. Next on the ecological agenda are green weddings – these are even more creative than white weddings he says, and it is perfectly natural for environmentally aware couples to want to incorporate a green aspect to their special day.
“Holding a wedding that isn’t wasteful or polluting is nowadays appealing to more and more couples,” said Kandil.
“And because this event is very important in a couple’s life, they can integrate their principles without any compromises into their big day; they can move beyond the usual decadence and consumption to create a celebration that people will remember for years by giving them a range of options to choose from.”
Green tips he suggested included limiting the number of guests, serving a sit-down dinner (a lot of food is wasted with buffet style receptions), using local and seasonal organic food as they require less processing, refrigeration, packaging and even transportation, and having fewer meat items.
“The meat-processing industry emits plenty of toxins and consumes energy,” he said. Also, if seafood is the menu choice, it is better to use locally sourced seafood not threatened by over-fishing.
“In addition, we can donate the leftovers from the wedding to the needy and the homeless.”
Left over bottles of water can be used for watering the hotel plants. Table and venue décor can be made from wire and beaded crafts, flower decorations can be potted plants or silk flowers or organically grown herbs. Balloons made of 100 per cent natural biodegradable latex are also ideal.
Choosing a centrally located venue for a wedding is also a green idea as transport and fuel useage would be reduced generally.
Located on Khalifa Street, Millennium Hotel’s modern exterior of mirrored glass, makes a striking impact on its natural surroundings. Rising 16 floors with its 325 luxurious rooms and suites, each guestroom has satellite TV, an electronic safe, IDD telephone and voicemail, fax, trouser press and mini bar. The hotel also has rooms for the physically challenged and non smoking floors.
Conference facilities include two boardrooms, two meeting rooms, a ballroom and a business centre.