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A Greener Stay: How Dripdrop Umbrella’s Help Protect Our Planet

At Hotel Indigo Manchester, we want to make sure that each stay at our wonderful hotel is not only memorable, but mindful. By each of us taking small yet meaningful steps towards sustainable living, we can start along the path to a greener planet.

Our neighbourhood-inspired hotel is rooted in the historic fabric of Manchester, and we’re committed to honouring the city’s future just as much as its past, by reducing our environmental footprint and supporting sustainable initiatives wherever possible.

One of the ways we’re doing this is through our Dripdrop umbrella programme. If you’ve borrowed one during a rainy Manchester day (and let’s face it, we get a few), you’ve already contributed to a real, measurable environmental impact.

From Reforestation to Ocean Protection: The Journey So Far

Originally, Dripdrop umbrellas helped fund global reforestation efforts through the Eden Reforestation Projects. With the help of our wonderful guests, Hotel Indigo Manchester – Victoria Station contributed 1,124 trees planted, supporting local communities, restoring forests, and capturing carbon around the world. This contributed to the milestone total of 1 million trees planted.

But rePurpose Global isn’t done yet! With their original goal achieved, they have moved on to address one of the most urgent and ever-growing challenges of today, plastic waste threatening our oceans.

We are proud to now support rePurpose Global, an organisation dedicated to tackling plastic pollution, where it poses the greatest threat in coastal regions, where waste is most likely to enter the ocean.

Who is rePurpose Global?

rePurpose Global is an environmental organisation that partners with community-led waste collection initiatives around the world. Their programmes are designed to:

  • Recover plastic waste before it reaches the ocean
  • Improve waste management systems
  • Create safe and fair income opportunities for local waste workers
  • Ensure that plastic is recycled responsibly and doesn’t pollute our ecosystems again

You can learn more at repurpose.global, but here’s how your stay directly helps.

How a Simple Umbrella Rental Makes a Difference

Available in our lobby, every time a guest rents a Dripdrop umbrella from us, a cut of that rental price will go towards rePurpose Global’s fantastic environmental projects. These initiatives work to recover plastic waste that would otherwise end up in our oceans, to protect marine ecosystems and support local communities.
Let’s break down the impact:

  • One umbrella contains around 297g of plastic
  • Throughout its lifetime, that umbrella has been used approximately 12 times
  • In that time, it enables the recovery of 1.3kg of plastic waste
  • That means 4.5x more plastic recovered than used

And per rental?

Each umbrella rental removes the equivalent of 6 plastic bottles’ worth of waste. A practical everyday object used because Manchester weather keeps us on our toes becomes a catalyst for environmental action.

Where the Project Takes Place & Why It Matters

This particular recovery project is located in West Java, Indonesia, an area where large volumes of unmanaged waste risk flowing into the ocean. Despite being one of the most biodiverse marine regions in the world, it is also one of the most affected by plastic pollution.

How It Works

  • Local waste collectors are trained and paid fair wages to gather neglected plastic waste
  • Informal waste sites are upgraded into safe, compliant sorting facilities
  • The collected plastic is then transported to recyclers
  • Recycled plastic is turned into functional products like park benches and crates, giving it a new purpose rather than letting it pollute coastlines

This approach not only protects coral reefs and marine life but also supports livelihoods, strengthens community infrastructure, and creates long-term positive change.

Why Sustainability Matters to Us And To Our Guests

Manchester is a city built on innovation, responsibility, and progress. As a hotel inspired by the heritage of the local area, we are committed to being part of Manchester’s sustainable future, not just by meeting new industry standards, but by actively contributing to positive environmental change.

More travellers than ever are seeking hotels that align with their values. They want experiences that feel good and do good. And we’re incredibly proud to offer something meaningful, a small action that leads to a big impact.

Our Commitment:
“A greener planet starts with small steps, and we’re thrilled to be part of something this impactful.”

Your Stay Makes a Difference

So next time the clouds roll in (they often do), pick up a Dripdrop umbrella from our lobby. You’ll stay dry and play a part in protecting our oceans. Your choice matters, your stay supports change and together, small steps become something powerful. Stay inspired. Stay mindful. Stay part of something meaningful.