Marriott International’s Sip for a Cause campaign turns coffee sales into Environmental Action
Ten hotels in Marriott International’s portfolio donated R10 for every cup of coffee sold in March to Generation Earth to plant 500 fruit trees and support environmental education.
Over 6,300 cups of coffee served at hotels in Marriott International’s portfolio are helping to support a greener future. Through Marriott’s ‘Sip for a Cause’ campaign linked to Earth Hour 2026, hotels raised funds to plant 500 fruit trees and environmental education in schools and communities.
Ten hotels across several brands in the Marriott portfolio, including Protea Hotels by Marriott, Marriott Hotels and Westin Hotels, participated in the campaign, donating R10 for every cup of coffee sold in March to Generation Earth Youth Programme and the Miss Earth South Africa Leadership and Empowerment Initiative.
“While Earth Hour is a symbolic moment, real change comes from sustained action,” said Johann Nortje, chairperson of Marriott’s Southern Africa Business Council. “By linking an everyday habit like coffee to tree planting and environmental education, this campaign helps turn awareness into tangible benefits for communities.”
Generation Earth and the Miss Earth South Africa Organization will use the funds to plant fruit trees in schools and community spaces, helping to improve food security, provide shade and create greener environments. The organisation will also deliver environmental education programmes focused on reducing waste, promoting recycling and empowering young people to take action on climate change.
Ella Bella Leite, co‑founder of Generation Earth and Miss Earth South Africa, said combining practical environmental action with education was key to long‑term impact.
“Planting fruit trees isn’t just about greening spaces — it’s about food security, climate resilience and community upliftment,” she said. “When tree planting is paired with education, it becomes a powerful tool for change. This collaboration allows us to engage learners and communities in meaningful climate action while creating lasting benefits.”
Now in its second year, 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.