I. Introduction
Beach 100 Toolkit: Advancing Venue Sustainability with Oceanic Global's Blue Standard
About this toolkit: Corona and Oceanic Global have partnered create this Educational Toolkit to assist Beach 100 Venues with advancing their sustainability and impact to help protect our global beaches and ocean. This toolkit was developed using the framework in Oceanic Global's Blue Standard for sustainable business operations. This guide contains resources to help your venue implement plastic-free swaps, adopt deeper sustainability practices, and add consumer education onsite.
Context:
Oceanic Global & Corona:
Global Sustainability Impact
- Since 2021, Oceanic Global and Corona have worked in close partnership across sustainability and environmental conservation initiatives.
- Through the Blue Standard, Oceanic Global has Blue Verified 15 Sunsets World Tour festivals, Corona’s sustainability activations at the 2024 Olympic Games, and the world’s first plastic-free, Blue Verified Island—Corona Island.
- The partnership has also supported sustainable startups through the 100+ Accelerator and committed over $1mm in funding through a Grants Program supporting global river restoration.
Supporting Sustainable Practices at Beach 100 Venues
- Together with non-profit partner Oceanic Global, Corona is providing participating Beach 100 bars, restaurants and venues with complementary educational resources, trainings, and tools to advance their sustainable operations, and engage local consumers and tourists in local conservation.
- As Corona reaches its 100th anniversary, we celebrate the brand's impact on global beach culture and work to support the protection of beaches for years to come.
- Sustainability is core to ensuring the Beach 100 campaign helps to protect the very beaches and coastal communities that it highlights.
- By working with local Beach 100 Venues to integrate sustainability into their operations, Corona is setting a foundation to continue protecting paradise for future generations.
About Oceanic Global & the Blue Standard:
Oceanic Global’s Blue Standard (Blue) offers a three-star verification program to help businesses both operate sustainably and credibly communicate their achievements to their teams + visitors on-site.
By going Blue, businesses receive: hands-on advisory in transitioning away from single-use plastics and other harmful products, sourcing sustainable alternatives, enhancing waste management, hosting sustainable events, and more to guide them in achieving Blue Verification.
By going Blue, businesses receive: hands-on advisory in transitioning away from single-use plastics and other harmful products, sourcing sustainable alternatives, enhancing waste management, hosting sustainable events, and more to guide them in achieving Blue Verification.
02:35
YouTube
The Blue Standard by Oceanic Global
Meet Blue. A first-of-its-kind, cross-industry standard that establishes universal accountability for sustainable business leadership and ignites measurable impact that protects our blue planet. Video edited by award-winning filmmaker, Jeff Orlowski Video voiceover by Anne Leone (Instagram @anne_leone)
Celebrate Your Impact:
Blue Verified businesses are awarded with official seals that celebrate their respective level(s) of achievement.
Businesses also receive marketing assets that can be displayed on-site and via the company’s website, social media, and marketing channels.
How to Blue Verify Your Business:
1
REGISTER YOUR BUSINESS
at bluestandard.com/get-verified or contact us at [email protected]
2
COMPLETE SUSTAINABILITY ASSESSMENT
to assess your operations using the Blue Standard Assessment
*consulting support available
*consulting support available
3
ACHIEVE BLUE VERIFICATION
display Blue Verified signage onsite & on digital platforms
Learn more at bluestandard.com.
II. Benefits of Business-Led Sustainability
III. Responsible Tourism & Beach-Goer Education
About this section: Bars and venues are not just service spaces — they are cultural influencers. Staff interactions and hospitality choices play a powerful role in shaping how guests experience and respect the beach environment. This section offers tangible, team-driven ways to foster a culture of conscious, respectful tourism at your venue and surrounding beaches.
✈️ The Impacts of Tourism
4.8 million tons
of solid waste is generated annually by the tourism industry, much of this ending up in the ocean
80%
of tourism happens along coastlines, putting direct pressure on marine ecosystems and threatening beaches
✅ Actionable Steps for Venue Teams
Corona & Oceanic Global recommend taking the following actions and behaviors at your business to actively promote responsible tourism on-site and around your local beach.
Train Staff as Eco-Stewards:
Brief teams on simple ways to promote responsible tourism — such as encouraging guests to clean up after themselves, protect wildlife, and respect local customs. Include this in onboarding and pre-shift meetings.
Integrate Sustainability Into Guest Interactions
When giving directions to the beach or offering beach-bound items (e.g. takeout, drinks, towels), include a friendly nudge like: “Enjoy! And don’t forget to leave the beach as beautiful as you found it.”
Offer Low-Impact Beach Kits or Tips
Provide (or suggest) reusable essentials like water bottles, tote bags, or reef-safe sunscreen for beachgoers. If possible, bundle these with Corona purchases as part of a “pack in, pack out” beach set.
Encourage Respect for Local Nature & Culture
Educate staff on local ecological sensitivities — such as dune systems, nesting zones, or marine life — so they can share these insights naturally with guests. This deepens connection and care.
Lead by Example
Demonstrate care for the environment through team actions — such as participating in beach visits responsibly, cleaning up after venue-hosted events, or modeling respectful behavior at the shore.
✅ Responsible Beachgoer Practices for Guests
Corona & Oceanic Global recommend taking the following actions and promoting these responsible beachgoer practices to your guests to encourage and educate them to help protect the beach.
1
Leave Only Footprints
Take everything you bring to the beach back home with you, leaving nothing behind but footprints in the sand. Lend a hand to the shoreline and pick up litter as you go, leaving the beach cleaner than you found it. Every action counts when we act together.
2
Say No to Single-Use
Avoid single-use plastic wherever possible. If they are available to you, pack your beach bag with reusables: water bottle, cutlery, tote, and containers.
3
Choose Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Let your sun protection be kind to the sea. Whenever you can, choose mineral-based sunscreen without harsh chemicals like oxybenzone, octinoxate, or nano-particles, which damage coral reefs and ocean life. Look for brands labeled "reef-safe" and opt for lotions over sprays. Healthy skin, healthy seas.
4
Respect Local Wildlife
The shore is more than scenery—it’s a habitat. Watch seabirds from afar. Don’t touch the starfish. Give sea turtles their space. Don’t feed the wildlife. Take in the magic, and leave the wild undisturbed. Respect the rhythms of nature.
5
Stay Off the Dunes
Dunes and coastal vegetation are essential for preventing erosion and supporting biodiversity. Stick to marked trails and boardwalks to protect these fragile systems. Even a few footsteps in the wrong spot can cause long-term damage.
6
Leave Natural Objects Where They Belong
Shells, coral fragments, and driftwood all play important roles in coastal ecosystems. Taking them as souvenirs might seem harmless, but over time it disrupts habitats and depletes natural resources. Take photos, not pieces of the beach.
7
Flatten Sandcastles and Fill Holes
Before you leave, smooth out any structures or pits you’ve made in the sand. These can pose hazards to nesting turtles, birds, and other beachgoers. A quick cleanup helps keep the shoreline safe for everyone.
8
Respect Local Communities and Guidelines
Pay attention to posted rules—whether it’s about fires, glass bottles, or restricted zones. Be mindful of noise levels, dress codes, and local customs. Respect the local environment and the community. Smile and embrace local culture with curiosity and care.
9
Support Local & Sustainable Spots
Where you spend your money matters. Choose eateries, accommodations, and surf schools that prioritize sustainability and give back to the community. Look for businesses that avoid plastic, use local ingredients, or support conservation programs.
10
Conserve Water and Energy
Tourism can put serious strain on coastal resources. Take shorter showers, reuse towels, turn off lights and air conditioning when you leave your room, and avoid excessive water use. Especially in small island communities, every drop counts.
📚 Resources
IV. Consumer Communications & Signage
Purpose: Bars and venues play a powerful role in shaping how guests treat the beach. This section supports teams in using in-venue communications to gently educate and inspire beach-friendly behavior, reinforcing Corona’s Beach 100 values through integrating clear, positive, and consistent messaging across everyday touchpoints.
✅ Tangible Ways to Promote Responsible Tourism
Use Your Menus + Tables for Messaging
Include quick sustainability tips (like “Respect marine life,” “Pack out what you pack in”) on menus, coasters, or tabletop cards. Add QR codes linking to the Corona Beach 100 Pledge or a 30-second responsible tourism video.
Post Up Eco-Reminders in Key Areas
Install small, stylish signs near restrooms, doors, or windows with reminders like: 🟡 “Going to the beach? Bring only what you’ll take back.” 🟡 “Reef-safe sunscreen only, please.” 🟡 “Stay on paths — protect the dunes.”
Invite Pledge Participation
Encourage customers to scan a QR code to take the “Beach Respect Pledge” — an interactive digital commitment to mindful tourism. Offer a small incentive like a free lime wedge, sticker, or social shoutout.
Share Tips via Staff Talking Points
Equip staff with a few talking points about the importance of clean beaches — especially when serving beach-bound guests. A quick line like “Heading to the beach? Don’t forget your reusable water bottle and reef-safe sunscreen!” makes a difference.
Leverage Screens + Speakers
Use digital displays or audio messages (if available) to play short, upbeat reminders about leaving no trace or protecting local wildlife.
Share Responsible Content on Social
Post stories or reels with sustainable tourism tips, local beach facts, or customer pledges. Use #CoronaBeach100 to join the global movement.
📣 Key Messaging Themes
Consumer-facing signs, coasters, menus, and digital screens should emphasize:
Connection to the Campaign:
“Proud partner of the Corona Beach 100 — protecting beaches, together.”
Simple Calls to Action:
“Take only memories, leave only footprints.” “Reef-safe sunscreen only, please.” “Want to help? Skip the straw, take your trash, and protect our oceans.”
Interactive Engagement:
Scan to take the Beach Pledge.” “Learn 5 ways to be a beach-friendly traveler.”
🪧 Provided Signage [Mockups]
Corona will be providing XYZ signage to Beach 100 Venues:
📚 Resources
For businesses interested in displaying additional signage onsite, we have provided the following resources for you to explore:
V. Single-Use Plastic Reduction
Purpose: Reducing single-use plastics is one of the most impactful actions a venue can take to protect coastal ecosystems. This section guides you through how to assess your current usage and switch to more sustainable alternatives in line with Oceanic Global's Blue Standard.
♻️ How To Reduce Single-Use Plastic:
1
Step 1: Assess Current Status
Conduct a venue-wide audit of all single-use plastic items to establish a baseline.
📚 Additional Resources
The Blue Standard
Restaurant Guide - The Blue Standard
Blue sets a new standard for the restaurant industry to operate sustainably at scale. Oceanic Global believes knowledge should be open-source. This is a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to implement sustainable best practices in the restaurant industry, with a strong focus on reducing single-use plastics and optimizing waste management. Oceanic Global sees tackling plastic and waste […]
VI. Waste Management
Purpose: Managing waste responsibly is essential to protecting coastal ecosystems because plastic waste often ends up in waterways, polluting beaches and harming marine life. By aligning waste systems with local infrastructure, venues can reduce what ends up in landfills or the ocean. This section guides you through how to assess your local waste services, set up effective sorting systems, and train staff in line with Oceanic Global’s Blue Standard and the goals of the Corona Beach 100 Initiative.
🚮Common Waste Management Methods:
COMPOST
Involves decomposing organic waste to produce nutrient-rich soil for food waste & natural, fiber-based materials.
- Home / Municipal Composting
- Commercial / Industrial Composting
RECYCLE
Collecting, processing, and converting waste materials into new products for aluminum, cardboard, paper, etc.
LANDFILL
Involves disposing of waste by burying it in designated areas. Landfill must be included as a bin alongside other waste sorting stations to ensure proper sorting and no contamination with other streams.
🧩 3 Key Action Steps To Improving Waste Management
Assess Local Infrastructure
- Research what recycling, composting, and landfill services exist in your area.
- Contact your local waste hauler to verify accepted materials.
- Identify gaps between what your venue uses and what’s actually processed. Adjust your procurement accordingly.
Set Up Sorting Systems
- Create clear, color-coded bins for waste, recycling, and compost (if applicable).
- Place bins in both front-of-house and back-of-house locations.
- Use visual signage with icons to minimize contamination.
Train Staff
- Run short, regular trainings on how to properly separate materials.
- Teach teams what “contamination” means and how to prevent it.
- Empower staff to guide guests when needed (e.g. table touchpoints, signage).
⚠️ Important Reminders:
Rinse and dry items before recycling
Contamination can cause entire batches to be rejected, so make sure to properly prepare items.
"Biodegradable" ≠ Recyclable
Don't be fooled by labels like "biodegradable" or "compostable" - these are different waste streams.
Check local guidelines
Always confirm recycling rules with your town or city's website for region-specific info.
📚 Additional Resources
The Blue Standard
Waste Management - The Blue Standard
Waste management is a key component of ensuring your business is embracing sustainable practices. When sourcing products, the end-of-life consideration is as important as the product itself. For example, compostable products are only a viable alternative to plastics when the appropriate composting infrastructure is available—whether that’s home composting or at the industrial/commercial. Waste management can […]
VII. Sourcing & Responsible Procurement
Purpose: Conscious sourcing reduces the environmental footprint of your venue, supports ethical labor practices, and strengthens local economies. This section guides you through how to align purchasing decisions with Oceanic Global’s Blue Standard and Corona’s Beach 100 initiative.
💡 Responsible Sourcing Considerations
Local Sourcing
Source ingredients, materials, and products from local/regional vendors where possible to support the local economy and reduce carbon footprint.
Sustainable Suppliers
Choose suppliers that demonstrate sustainable practices through certifications, low-impact packaging, and ethical labor standards.
Packaging Reduction
Eliminate purchasing of products with excess packaging or harmful materials that negatively impact the environment.
Vendor Policies
Create procurement policies and preferred vendor lists that align with sustainability values and environmental goals.
📚 Additional Resource
IX. Energy & Water Conservation
While this section is optional, implementing these measures can significantly reduce your venue's environmental footprint. The toolkit provides an energy audit checklist, water-saving best practices, and example utility tracking templates to help you monitor and improve your performance over time.
💡 Top Tips
Energy Efficiency
Install LED lighting and motion sensors throughout your venue to reduce electricity consumption. Use energy-efficient appliances and bar equipment to minimize your carbon footprint while maintaining quality service.
Water Conservation
Monitor water usage carefully and address leaks or overuse promptly. Implement water-saving practices in all areas of operation, from kitchens to bathrooms, to preserve this precious resource.
Tracking & Improvement
Use the provided utility tracking templates to monitor progress over time and identify areas for further improvement in your venue's environmental performance.
📚 Additional Resources
X. Local Community Integration & Legacy Building
Purpose: The core goals of this section are to ensure long-term impact and respect for the local community while creating opportunities for ongoing improvement and cultural integration. Resources provided include partnership ideas and templates, as well as sample event formats such as beach cleanups and educational workshops.
🌐 Best Practices for Community Engagement
Local Partnerships
Collaborate with local environmental groups or beach cleanup initiatives to create meaningful impact and build lasting relationships within your community.
Cultural Integration
Highlight local artists or educators through programming or venue décor to celebrate and preserve the unique cultural heritage of your coastal location.
Community Events
Host awareness events, educational sessions, and consumer engagement activities that bring together locals and visitors in support of environmental protection.
📚 Additional Resources
XI. Staff Training & Engagement
Purpose: The core goal is to empower staff to implement and maintain sustainable practices throughout your venue operations. Resources provided include a training guide with scripts, a checklist for onboarding new staff members, and recognition ideas to celebrate staff champions who demonstrate exceptional commitment to sustainability practices.
Recognition & Rewards
Celebrate staff champions who excel in sustainability practices
Performance Integration
Include sustainability in staff evaluations (optional)
Sustainability Leadership
Designate a "Blue Champion" to lead initiatives
Comprehensive Training
Deliver onboarding using toolkit materials
📚 Additional Resources
The Blue Standard
Employee Training - The Blue Standard
Employee Engagement Sustainability initiatives are most successful when the full team has awareness and willingness to see them through. Long-term success depends on investing in your team, sharing education and awareness to motivate team members to be ambassadors and advocates for the mission. It is important to have at least one primary point of contact […]
IV. Consumer Communications & Signage
Purpose: Bars and venues play a powerful role in shaping how guests treat the beach. This section supports teams in using in-venue communications to gently educate and inspire beach-friendly behavior, reinforcing Corona’s Beach 100 values through integrating clear, positive, and consistent messaging across everyday touchpoints.
✅ Tangible Ways to Promote Responsible Tourism
Use Your Menus + Tables for Messaging
Include quick sustainability tips (like “Respect marine life,” “Pack out what you pack in”) on menus, coasters, or tabletop cards. Add QR codes linking to the Corona Beach 100 Pledge or a 30-second responsible tourism video.
Post Up Eco-Reminders in Key Areas
Install small, stylish signs near restrooms, doors, or windows with reminders like: 🟡 “Going to the beach? Bring only what you’ll take back.” 🟡 “Reef-safe sunscreen only, please.” 🟡 “Stay on paths — protect the dunes.”
Invite Pledge Participation
Encourage customers to scan a QR code to take the “Beach Respect Pledge” — an interactive digital commitment to mindful tourism. Offer a small incentive like a free lime wedge, sticker, or social shoutout.
Share Tips via Staff Talking Points
Equip staff with a few talking points about the importance of clean beaches — especially when serving beach-bound guests. A quick line like “Heading to the beach? Don’t forget your reusable water bottle and reef-safe sunscreen!” makes a difference.
Leverage Screens + Speakers
Use digital displays or audio messages (if available) to play short, upbeat reminders about leaving no trace or protecting local wildlife.
Share Responsible Content on Social
Post stories or reels with sustainable tourism tips, local beach facts, or customer pledges. Use #CoronaBeach100 to join the global movement.
📣 Key Messaging Themes
Consumer-facing signs, coasters, menus, and digital screens should emphasize:
Connection to the Campaign:
“Proud partner of the Corona Beach 100 — protecting beaches, together.”
Simple Calls to Action:
“Take only memories, leave only footprints.” “Reef-safe sunscreen only, please.” “Want to help? Skip the straw, take your trash, and protect our oceans.”
Interactive Engagement:
Scan to take the Beach Pledge.” “Learn 5 ways to be a beach-friendly traveler.”
🪧 Provided Signage [Mockups]
Corona will be providing XYZ signage to Beach 100 Venues:
📚 Resources
For businesses interested in displaying additional signage onsite, we have provided the following resources for you to explore:
Make Waves With Your Sustainability Journey
Transform your venue into a sustainability leader and community champion — starting with small steps that create lasting coastal impact.
Implement This Toolkit
Start with quick wins from each section.
Train Your Team
Empower staff as sustainability champions.
Connect Locally
Build partnerships within your community.
Measure Impact
Track progress and celebrate victories.
Apply to get Blue Standard Verified
Apply for Oceanic Global’s internationally recognized Blue Standard to verify your commitment and inspire others.
Learn more at bluestandard.com.
