By KEYNA CORY
The Florida Recycling Partnership Foundation recently hosted “Preserving What Matters,” an exclusive sustainability program at one of America’s most iconic resorts, The Breakers Palm Beach.
Led by the hotel’s Environmental Impact Team, the experience offered attendees an inside look at the company’s innovative environmental efforts, practical resource-management strategies and long-standing commitment to conservation and stewardship.
The day began in the Gold Room, where the Environmental Impact Team provided an overview of the property’s reverse osmosis system and water management practices. Guests learned how The Breakers safeguards one of the world’s most precious natural resources through thoughtful planning, advanced technology and responsible operations.
The session continued with a visit to the resort’s herb garden, where chefs regularly harvest fresh ingredients for seasonal dishes. The garden serves as a tangible example of how environmentally conscious practices can be integrated into daily operations while enhancing the guest experience.
Additional presentations highlighted several impactful programs across the property. For example, the Environmental Impact Team shared details on The Breakers’ oyster shell recycling initiative, developed in partnership with the Palm Beach County Fishing Foundation. In its inaugural year, the effort collected more than 53,000 oyster shells from The Breakers’ dining venues, diverting them from the waste stream and supporting oyster reef restoration and local habitat renewal.
Participants also learned about the hotel’s collaboration with Clean the World Foundation, through which used soaps and personal care products are transformed into hygiene essentials for underserved communities around the world. Together, these initiatives demonstrate how materials once considered waste can be repurposed to create meaningful environmental and social benefits.
In the afternoon, the Environmental Impact Team led a discussion on waste diversion and resource recovery efforts throughout the property. They shared creative practices implemented by The Breakers’ Food & Beverage team, including the recycling of wine corks and Nespresso capsules. The Team then discussed the importance of responsible sourcing and the resort’s commitment to partnering with local vendors whenever possible. In addition to strengthening the regional economy, these purchasing strategies support more sustainable procurement practices.
Throughout the day, a common theme emerged: environmental responsibility is not defined by a single initiative, but by a continuous commitment to conserving resources, reducing waste, repurposing materials and making intentional decisions across every aspect of an operation. From water stewardship and oyster shell recycling to local sourcing and community partnerships, The Breakers has demonstrated how small actions can collectively create meaningful impact.
While this luxury resort is best known for its elegance, history and exceptional hospitality, this program offered attendees a deeper appreciation for the organization’s dedication to sustainability, thoughtful resource management and preserving what matters.
Keyna Cory serves as the Executive Director of the Florida Recycling Partnership Foundation, whose mission is to educate policymakers, business leaders and the public about recycling and how to recycle right.
