PUNE: The Orchid Hotel, Pune, switched to eco-friendly paper bags on the occasion of International Women’s Day on Friday. They have eliminated plastic bags from their hotel in their bid to work towards a cleaner and green society. The hotel authorities claim that this has added to their image of being the country’s first Ecotel.

This sustainable initiative has been taken in collaboration with Mitti Ke Rang.

Amit Jain, Founder of ‘Mitti Ke Rang,’ an organisation that empowers women, specially widows, said, “Many of us haven’t ever visited a five-star property, however through The Orchid Hotel, Pune, we have had the opportunity to do so and also have the support in our noble initiative toward woman empowerment and environment protection.”

Ayon Bhattacharya, General Manager of The Orchid Hotel, Pune, said, “We believe that Women’s Day is not to be celebrated only today, but every day amongst the women of our family.”