When we’re on holiday, pool inflatables bring fun and colour to our poolside experiences. From giant unicorns to flamingos and floating slices of pizza, these inflatables make for great photos and entertainment. But what happens to these items once the holiday is over?
For many, the answer is simple: they’re left behind. Unfortunately, most abandoned pool inflatables embark on a one-way trip to the landfill. The environmental consequences of this are more serious than we might think, impacting not only local waste systems but also our planet as a whole.
The Reality of Holiday Waste
Each year, millions of pool inflatables are discarded. Since most of these products are made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride), a plastic that is notoriously difficult to recycle, they don’t easily decompose. Instead, they sit in landfills for decades, slowly breaking down into harmful microplastics that seep into soil and waterways.
Even for holidaymakers who want to dispose of their inflatables responsibly, recycling options are limited. Few recycling centres accept PVC, meaning these items often end up in general waste. Abandoned inflatables, along with other single-use holiday items like plastic snorkels and beach toys, contribute to a significant waste problem for many holiday destinations.
From Resort to Landfill
When inflatables are left at resorts, staff are often responsible for disposing of them. For popular holiday destinations, this can lead to an overwhelming amount of plastic waste. Hotels and resorts must either pay to transport these items to a landfill or arrange for their disposal, which can put a strain on local waste management resources, particularly in small or remote communities.
Some eco-conscious resorts have started taking a proactive approach, partnering with recycling organisations or encouraging guests to take their inflatables home. But for many places, the problem remains unresolved, with inflatables piling up every holiday season.
A Solution in Sharing
The good news is that there are solutions emerging to address this wasteful cycle. One such solution is EcoFloats, an app designed to encourage holidaymakers to share and reuse pool inflatables. With EcoFloats, guests can list their inflatables at the end of their stay, allowing others to use them instead of buying new ones. This simple act of sharing not only reduces waste but also helps holidaymakers save money while making a positive environmental impact.
Sharing platforms like EcoFloats support a circular economy, where products are used to their fullest potential rather than discarded after a short period. By embracing such platforms, holidaymakers can help break the cycle of waste, and resorts can reduce the burden on their waste management systems.
Why Choose Sustainable Holidays?
When we choose to be mindful about our holiday habits, we’re not only helping the environment but also setting an example for others. Making sustainable choices — such as using platforms like EcoFloats, reusing pool inflatables, and choosing eco-conscious resorts — can significantly reduce the environmental footprint of our holidays. These small actions collectively create a big impact, ensuring that our favourite destinations remain beautiful and vibrant for future generations.
So next time you pack for a holiday, consider leaving single-use items behind, or plan to pass them on to fellow travellers. By opting for sustainable holidays, we can make a difference — one pool inflatable at a time.