#USA #Hollywood #Hard Rock #Ocean Conservancy #Global Sound Waves

Hard Rock International Partners with Ocean Conservancy for Second Annual Global Sound Waves Program

In a continued effort to address environmental concerns, Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming have once again collaborated with the nonprofit organization Ocean Conservancy to launch the second annual Global Sound Waves initiative. This program epitomizes a commitment to protecting marine ecosystems while actively engaging communities across the world.

A Partnership for Change

The partnership, driven by Hard Rock's ethos of "Save the Planet," aims to tackle ocean conservation through strategic upstream waste management. By focusing on reducing water, food, and material waste, the initiative prevents potential pollution of ocean waters. Through meticulous waste audits and data-driven assessments, Hard Rock International and Ocean Conservancy evaluate waste management practices, uncover diversion opportunities, and implement meaningful waste reduction goals throughout Hard Rock’s global operations.

The Highlights of 2025

The program for 2025 was filled with impactful initiatives:

Innovation Challenge

One of the standout elements of the program was the Innovation Challenge, which generated 51 ideas from team members across nine countries and three continents. Here are a few notable contributions:

• - 1st Place: A team from Seminole Classic Casino created two impactful programs focusing on food waste composting and glass recycling, aimed at reducing their landfill footprint while enhancing community ties.
• - 2nd Place: The Hard Rock Hotel Maldives designed a unique solution for broken beach umbrellas by converting them into high-demand wet bags for guests.
• - 3rd Place: Hard Rock Casino Rockford introduced a gamified approach to minimize single-use plastic cups, merging fun with environmental responsibility.
• - 4th Place: A proposal from Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati aimed for reusable cups incorporating smart return technology, ensuring loyalty rewards while combating plastic waste.

Community Cleanup Events

From September to November, Hard Rock and Seminole Gaming rolled out a series of global community cleanup events designed to promote biodiversity and reduce waste. Various locations, including the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood and Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya in Thailand, mobilized over 1,700 participants, gathering more than 6,400 pounds of waste removed from local beaches.

The events were diverse in nature: Hard Rock Casino Rockford launched an e-waste collection and organized a neighborhood cleanup, whereas Hard Rock Hotel Punta Cana incorporated environmental education into children’s programming, nurturing the next generation of ocean advocates. Other participating venues spanned the globe, from Orlando to Bali and beyond, underscoring Hard Rock’s worldwide commitment to sustainability.

Team Member Education

To further enhance their commitment, 143 team members engaged in a global trivia event aimed at elevating awareness and understanding of sustainability initiatives. This was a fun yet educational approach to instilling values that can foster meaningful environmental change.

Leadership Statements

Paul Pellizzari, Vice President of Global Social Responsibility at Hard Rock, remarked, “This partnership reflects Hard Rock's deep commitment to the areas we serve, with each surrounding environment being such an important part of team member and local community life and guest experiences.” He emphasized the powerful responsibility of businesses in supporting environmental causes.

Similarly, Jenna DiPaolo, Chief Brand and Communications Officer at Ocean Conservancy, expressed gratitude for the partnership, stating, “Ocean conservation requires collective action, and Hard Rock’s dedication to sustainability demonstrates the significant impact that businesses can have when they prioritize our planet.”

Conclusion

The Global Sound Waves initiative is not only a testament to the combined efforts of Hard Rock International, Seminole Gaming, and Ocean Conservancy but also a powerful movement towards healthier oceans and sustainable beaches. As this partnership evolves, it trains a spotlight on the pressing need for environmental sustainability and the crucial role each organization can play to mitigate challenges facing today’s oceans. For more information on their initiatives, visit Hard Rock’s Social Responsibility page.