Go green for the circular economy

As the leading country in solar and wind capacity, China has been investing efforts in producing clean energy.  Whilst it may be challenging to reverse the damages we have inflicted on our planet, scientists are saying we need to act now. CGTN Host Louisa Lee meets with three groups of visionaries who are partnering up to explore the "circular economy" business model, which has proven to be "earth-friendly".

The Swire Hotels group has been driving the sustainability notion. With their green agenda in full swing, they have been cutting down plastic usage, reducing energy usage, and working with partners that truly care about the planet. They also have big plans to achieve a waste diversion rate of 54 percent at their China properties by 2025.

As part of the Swire Hotels group, EAST Beijing's General Manager Christian Kronast tells Louisa that three parties are involved in their latest "circular economy" project.

The process of reducing waste and optimizing resources does not come easy. First, EAST Beijing buys coffee from Arabica Coffee Roasters, a coffee company that sources its beans in an environmentally, socially and economically sustainable way from China's Yunnan Province and other parts of the world. Then, the Hemei Organic Farm, a government certified green farm, collects coffee grounds from EAST Beijing. The collected coffee grounds are mixed with the farm's compost and used as fertilizers. Lastly, EAST Beijing completes the environmentally virtuous circle by buying produce from Hemei Farm.

Besides collaborating on this green project, Stuart Eunson, managing director of Arabica Coffee Roasters, has also been taking part in the efforts of renowned conservationist and animal lover, Jane Goodall. Through Jane Goodall Institute's Roots and Shoots Program in China, Eunson has been working with Goodall to educate the young, inspire positive change, and raise awareness about protecting the planet we call home.