Ribno Alpine Resort, the first European “zero-waste” resort

In the heart of nature, in the immediate vicinity of Bled, you can find Ribno Alpine Resort, the first European “zero-waste” resort. They show their consideration for the environment and nature through careful waste and drinking water treatment and through respect for food, making sure that as little as possible is discarded. Ribno is living proof that it is possible - and also extremely pleasant! - to vacation without waste.

© Jon Razinger

By changing their mindset and operating policy, this pioneering hotel in Slovenia first underwent a two-year period of implementing measures to reduce waste quantities and collect them in a more efficient manner, which allowed them to separately collect 92% of waste and obtain the “zero-waste” title as the first hotel in Slovenia. In their vision of creating a zero-waste resort, they were assisted by “Ecologists without Borders”, a national organisation and member of the Zero Waste network. The owners of the hotel say that the decision for pursuing this objective was the only correct and logical step to take, especially as we look around and realise that natural assets should not be taken for granted.

The first measures were introduced in the kitchen, recognised as the space where the most waste is generated; the next step consisted of appropriately communicating with guests, in order to honestly and clearly explain the measures implemented to achieve these objectives. Before their arrival, guests are informed that they will be staying in a Zero Waste hotel, and learn more about what that actually means. Messages are also posted on information signboards around the hotel, while receptionists are always willing to provide guests with current information and further incentives.

As far as accommodation facilities in Ribno are concerned, no less than 75-80% of waste consists of food. This is why they started raising the awareness of their guests in terms of a reasonable use of the self-service buffet, encouraging them to come back for more instead. As it turned out, this way of operating and pursuing business transactions yields results since they were able to improve the quality of their offer, without sacrificing their services in other areas. Ribno Alpine Resort does not aspire to achieve perfection but wishes to implement a prudent approach that can be adapted to the wishes of their guests.

The owners of the hotel underline that such an approach to their business transactions is also a lifestyle that their employees are meticulously applying in their home environments. Educating their staff has turned out to be the key component, since small steps lead to permanent changes - one just has to start somewhere.

The mindset governing the Ribno Alpine Resort can be best resumed by the following thought: “The best waste is the one that is not produced”. We invite you to internalise it yourself, by helping us follow the green heartbeat of Bled, distinguished by its unique nature that we love so much.

Nika Pirnar

Public relations for Bled Tourist Board