Coffee Campaign Brews a
Over 5,250 cups of coffee served at hotels across Marriott International’s South African portfolio in March are helping to fuel a greener future. Through its “Sip for a Cause” campaign tied to Earth Hour, Marriott raised funds to plant 500 trees and support environmental education in schools and communities.
Thirteen hotels from various brands in the Marriott portfolio – including Protea Hotels by Marriott, Marriott Hotels, and Westin Hotels —participated in the campaign, donating R10 per coffee sold to Generation Earth, a youth-led environmental organisation. Guests and hotels each contributed R5 per cup, with coffee suppliers Ciro, Aquaspresso, and Brew Coffee offering generous rebates.
“Earth Hour reminds us that small actions can lead to big impacts, but we wanted to go beyond just turning off lights for one hour,” said Johann Nortje, Chairperson of Marriott’s Southern Africa Business Council. “By turning a daily habit like coffee into a force for good, this month-long campaign allowed us to unite guests, hotel teams, and suppliers to create lasting environmental change.”
Trees will be planted in under-greened schools and communities across provinces, including Limpopo, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape, helping to support biodiversity and create healthier, more shaded spaces for learners and communities. Funds will also support Generation Earth’s educational programmes, which engage learners in sustainable practices, promote green career paths, and encourage young people to take ownership of the planet’s future. Tree planting will roll out over the next few months.
“In South Africa, only 10% of waste is recycled, and the rest ends up polluting our environment and harming our health,” said Ella Bella Leite, Co-founder of Generation Earth. “Campaigns such as Marriott’s Sip for a Cause campaign inspire people to act, showing that even small steps can add up and make a difference. After all, it’s not just about saving the planet – it’s about saving ourselves and our future. It has been an honour to work with the Marriott portfolio on this campaign.”
The “Sip for a Cause” coffee campaign supports Marriott International’s broader sustainability efforts. The company is dedicated to reducing its environmental impact through energy-efficient practices, sourcing renewable energy, and lowering carbon footprints across its global portfolio.