Eco Holidays

posted by Catherine on Oct 20

Skiing can be a great eco holiday choice if you go to the right places!

Obviously, if you have a ski resort close to your home – then it will be a far better eco holiday choice than one in the sun on the other side of the world!

It’s far better to go to a ski center that is only a drive away rather than a flight; such as an Oregon ski trip for those in the States.  Rather than travel all those carbon miles to Europe or Chile – stay home! 

An eco adventure in the snow is also more likely, as there are animals and birds that you might not see if you travel to warmer climates – or travel to other continents even.

The Wildlife:
Some wildlife species that live in colder climates or up at high altitudes don’t get so many visitors and admirers as say dolphins and turtles – but they are equally important for biodiversity and the environment.

By visiting these areas on your vacation – you can be indirectly helping to make sure that they stay there. And this goes for plants and trees too!

There are certain plants and trees in and around ski resorts that are necessary to actually create the ski resort in the first place! Without certain land formations, plant cover and wildlife habits – the snow may lay differently, not settle on mountain sides – or be trampled before you get on the slopes.

And the fresh snow is great for finding animal footsteps!

photo credit: razvan.orendovici

The Resorts:
Some ski resorts do get a bit of bad press about the stresses that they put on the local area – but other smaller or less ‘tourist hotspots’ locations can give you equally great skiing – but without the eco disaster trail!

By searching for local ski centres, as well as discount ski vacations in your area (as new or expanding companies like to offer promotions), you could find a real gem of a resort or location – that is under-crowded!

Also, they may well be only just starting to make their business eco friendly – and you could help them with that! By making suggestions and acting responsibly – you could help shape their policies with regards to their eco activities.

By asking about their waste and recycling facilities, and showing a keen interest in the local landscape and nature – you could infact encourage them to offer certain services in the the future.

I mean if you ask then to show you the local geysers/mountains/forests/wolves/bears/waterfalls/etc are – then they will know that this is an area where they could improve the customer services they offer in an eco sense. And to offer a wildlife service – you need to make sure that the wildlife is there!

Needless to say – if you offer a whale watching tour you want all the whales to be healthy to make a living – so you might make sure that the water isn’t polluted and no new mines or factories open up in the area. The same can go for all wildlife – people keep an eye on them to make sure that they are OK!

The Equipment:
And finally – all that ski equipment you need. Well most great ski resorts – like in Oregon – have plenty of ski shops – crammed full with different equipment.

Whether you want to buy your own eco-label goods when you arrive, or whether you want to hire the larger items (to save the hassle of transporting them to site) – you can.

Obviously there are plenty of other services available at these resorts – and you can be as eco friendly as you want to be while you are there.

Whether you try to eat only the local foods and fresh caught game or whether you plumb for self catering and supply all your own foods is entirely up to you. Heated rooms by flame or by electricity – again – it’s all down to you.

Just remember that a holiday close to home is already more eco friendly than any other holiday – regardless of what environment you are in.

posted by Catherine on Apr 30

There is so much ‘greenwash’ about these days – how can you be sure you are choosing the right one?

Just searching for ‘eco friendly beach resorts’ or eco friendly family vacations’ on the internet can bring you up websites and resorts that are clearly not eco holidays at all!  They have just made sure that they use the ‘right’ words to get to the top of the search engines.

And even some websites that talk about eco lodges and responsible tourism might not actually have any proof of the ‘green ethics’ of the location.  It may be as simple as that they have recycling bins, wash your sheets less and heat their water using solar power – which is no real struggle if they are based in the tropics anyway!

So, How Can You Tell?
Well, just as with other products available today including electrical appliances, safety gear and organic food – there are certification programs to prove a company’s eco credentials – and to check the properly based on non-flexible criteria.

Rather than somebody reading Eco Friendly Hotel A’s website and then saying – ‘Oh, it’s lovely.  They take all your recycling away, cook only local food and have planted only native plants’, these certification bodies will actually go there and analyse those actions.

For example, they may say they separate all the recycling – but where do they send it and how?  What if they send it all down to their local tip (which may be a ruined piece of forest) or they just burn it on a distant patch of wasteland?

Then the local food could be a problem.  Are they growing crops that are ‘water demanding’ in a dry climate just to please the guests?  Are they catching rare wildlife for the plate, or fishing unsustainably in a polluted or degraded river or lake?  What species are they hunting and are they safe to eat?

By checking for these certifications you will make sure you get the real story.

Why Check For Certification?
Just as with membership to any exclusive club or society, association or certification with a well known responsible tourism or ecotourism body will allow your business to stand out from the crowd.

So, if a company, business, hotel or manufacturer can prove beyond a doubt that their products are certifiably eco friendly (having been tested by experts) then they know that they are among the best eco holidays out there – and have the backing of certification.

This obviously helps you as a consumer to choose the best holiday company or hotel based on your beliefs or desires.  Rather than having to research every hotels website looking for eco friendly attributes – you could just look for the logo that represents what you are hoping to find from your holiday.

For example, 1 logo might mean that the hotel is ‘minimizing their impact on the local environment and protecting wildlife’ (Natures Best), whereas others might be looking at whether a hotel is trying to ’reduce waste, energy consumption, water and facilitate use of public transport (Green Tourism).

Some countries have their own eco labels, whereas other certifications are internationally recognised.

How Does Certification Help?
Well, apart from reducing your holiday search from ‘all the hotels in Argentina that use the word ‘eco holidays’ in their search engine ranking’ to ‘Eco Logo A registered eco hotels in Argentina’, it also means that you will not feel disappointed with your choice of trip upon arrival in terms of responsible or eco traits - but also that you know that you are spending your money on something that really is making a difference to the location and the people that you wish to visit on your trip.

And, if more and more people start to ask for, or search for, those resorts and eco lodges that have these certifications – then more companies will want to become certified to improve their own business.

And, if a company are claiming that they are eco friendly or are ‘one of the best eco lodges in so-and-so’, then why wouldn’t they want to prove that by getting certified?  If they are doing all these things anyway – why not prove it?

Don’t be embarrassed to ask what their eco credentials are before booking.  I mean if you were a vegan and saw a tasty cake for sale - wouldn’t you want to check that it was free from animal products before you ate it?

posted by Catherine on May 28

I was reading about some of the best Eco Lodges in South America, and 1 name kept reappearing.  This relatively inexpensive resort in the Andes seemed to be winning all the awards and getting all the coverage – so I went to find out more.

The Lodge:
Perched on a mountain-side in the Ecuadorian highlands, this rural idyll couldn’t be better located for you to enjoy this great wilderness without leaving a trail of destruction behind you – only a carbon footprint the size of a baby mouse!

Set on the edge of a deep canyon, within site of a great volcano and high mountain peaks and right next to a cloud forest to boot!

One of ‘The Top 50 eco lodges In The World’ as voted by National Geographic in 2009, one of the ‘Top 10 EcoLodges’ by Outside Magazine. ‘Winner’ of the Ecotourism Awards in 2006, ‘Winner’ of the EcoClub’s EcoLodge Awards in both 2006 and 2008, ‘Highly Commended’ as ‘Best In A Mountain Environment’ by the Responsible Tourism Awards in 2005 and ‘Winners’ of the Sustainable Tourism Awards – need I go on?

Year after year through the past 5 years, this resort is getting awards and excellent customer testimonials!  Just check out the website for all the delightful comments this place receives!

What Do They Offer Then?
The website goes into great detail about all of it’s eco-credentials including the composting toilets, community projects and success stories, organic gardens, 100% vegetarian menus, reforestation activities and so much more – all with great photos of the action and those involved.

They even wrote to the Ecuadorian Government outlining 7 ways to promote and strengthen eco tourism in Ecuador, including using the Internet as a powerful tool, developing education in sustainability and conservation as well as improving waste management and finance packages for private eco-companies.

In their extensive and interesting listings, The Black Sheep Inn writers take the time to recommend local events and markets, local scenery and wildlife as well as locally-run activities to all their guests as well as offering discounts and incentive to guests who arrive by bicycle!  Certainly something not everyone can do if travelling direct from the US for example – but I suppose if you spend a night or 2 in a neighbouring village then arrive on a hired two-wheeler – the discount is yours and the money stays in local hands!

You can even take a peak at their inclusive packing list based on local weather and potential excursions for guests to encourage reduced reliance of western necessities and the excesses that we love!

What’s The Catch?
There is no catch – they are exactly what they say they are and years of awards and customers can’t be wrong!

Their prices are very reasonable and start from just $32.50 per person in shared bunk to £160 for a double room with private bathroom.  All prices include full board, tea and coffee on tap and purified water for all guests as well!  The same price if not cheaper than many standard hotels in the country – or the whole continent!

The longer you stay – the cheaper it gets as well!  By staying there for longer – not only will you save travelling around but you will also get to know the area a lot better and benefit the local communities.  So as a thanks for this, the Black Sheep offers 10% off for nationals, student card holders (ISIC) and the over 60′s, jumping to 15% discount for 4 nights or more.  Kids under 3 are free and under 9′s are half price!

What Else?
The website also allows you to donate to the community with funds or old computers and they are even advertising for a new manager for the EcoLodge itself – so check out the job description (and make sure you are fluent in Spanish) before applying!

What a life that would be!

posted by Catherine on Apr 25

The Mediterranean is where most Europeans go for their short sunshine holidays – and why not? 

28 countries border the warm waters of this inland sea, and many others are within a short journey or flight.  And, with the current trends towards taking holidays closer to home – it is likely to remain popular and possibly see some new visitors who would normally travel long haul.

Where To Choose:
Listed below are 4 eco-resorts in slightly unusual locations not normally thought of for eco resorts.  None of them are in the countryside or surrounded by forests or mountains, but they offer a little touch of ‘eco’ without going to extremes.

1) La Ferme D’Augustin: near St Tropez – Southern France.
This delightful little resort is only 5 minutes away from the bustle of St Tropez, but has it’s own little beach just steps away from your room. 

It offers an authentic feel, and grows and uses much of it’s own produce for your stay.  Homegrown vegetables and fruits play a huge role in your stay – and the relaxed peaceful atmosphere makes it much more natural an more a part of the local area.

Water and energy uses are montitored and staff trained to improve even more.  Much recycling is carried out and the hotels own food and garden waste goes back into the earth to grow more seasonal fruits for the breakfast table!

2) The Victoria Hotel: Sliema – Malta
This boutique resort is listed as one of Malta’s Eco-Certified hotels, which means it meets or exceeds the criteria set by that country for ‘eco-friendliness’ as they say.

The Hotel has an Eco Committee who’s job it is to update and implement eco practices, which already include seperation of waste, reduction of eco un-friendly cleaning products and increase in use of eco-friendly biodegradable products along with maintenance of electrical stock and appliances to reduce energy and chemical leaks.

They have also implemented low water usage bathroom and kitchen facilities, and improving irrigation in the gardens to conserve water alongside reducing pesticide use.

3) Locanda Della Avelle Nuova: Urbina – Central Italy
This accommodation is set in the heart of an organic farm who’s owners believe and work by the mantra: one should tread lightly on the earth.  It is also just a stones throw from the UNESCO Heritage Site of Urbina.

The owners currently grow most of their own crops, fruits and vegetables and raise their livestock 100% organically.  They make their own bread, pasta, jams and wines for guests meals.

Their green credentials include: solar power, composting, recycling, staff eco-training, reduced emissions, local conservation, using reclaimed materials and local staff and skills.  They also allow guests to use their horses to view the landscape rather than drive!

4) Desert Lodge: near Cairo – northern Egypt.
This hotel is one of the few eco-designed locations in Egypt – and really is a sight to behold!  Built in a traditional style by local craftsmen using only local and natural materials, this stylish hotel is spacious and clean.

The lodge is located to allow easy access to all the sights and the local community.  With walking, cycling and camel-back tours available – you can really explore with minimal impact.

Due to it’s desert location, the resort takes great pains to conserve water, and reduce consumption without affecting comfort.  They supply their water for guests in glass bottles rather than plastic and all their cotton furnishings are 100% Egyptian!

posted by Catherine on Apr 14

What makes an Eco Lodge an Eco Lodge?

Most people would reply: A log cabin in the middle of a rain-forest clearing, with huge verandas and a river nearby. It would run on solar power and grow all it’s own food on-site. No doubt, monkeys and other animals would be wandering around outside and the local hosts would be teaching you the lingo!

However, we need to be a bit more realistic about what eco accommodation is, and where it is can make all the difference. Not only will the country you are heading to change the variables – but in what setting it is in can also alter the way it can be compared to other ‘eco’ properties.

For example, if the hotel is crammed in a busy town center, it cannot change its percentage land use or have extensive areas for wildlife to live and breed. However, if it is set within acres of rain-forest it can afford to have vast areas ‘untouched by development’.

In addition, if it is an existing accommodation being transformed into a more eco-friendly location it can only do so much with what it has – as demolishing it and rebuilding might be more wasteful than just modifying what it has! However, a new development has an empty canvas – so it can immediately have a beneficial impact on the environment.

However, is a new build resort that eco-friendly in the first place? Did it need to even be built when that land could have been left un-developed and a brown-field site used instead?

So many factors…….

Where to start:
I think you can only really set your own standards depending on the type of accommodation and the location you are hoping to travel to.

If you are visiting a city, then your expectations will need to be reined in and comparisons can only be made with other city accommodations – also less individual travel as the airport/bus station will be close.

However, if you want isolation and low impact countryside living, then development, alternative power, local impact and wildlife disruption need to enter the equation! And don’t forget the distance you have to travel on top of your international flight or bus journey to get to the middle of nowhere…..

You also need to decide whether the impact of your journey there is worth all the fuss – for example if you were to camp nearby to your home that would be a real ‘eco holiday’ (less travel, less resources, less impact) – but it really wouldn’t be an adventure.

However, if you want to impact positively on distant communities and experience different cultures then you must breach the whole ‘carbon emissions’ dilemma of getting there in the first place!

Comparisons:
Basically, whenever searching for accommodation for your eco holidays, make sure you take a good look at whats out there before booking.

Don’t be too hard on yourself to find the ultimate eco destination otherwise you could be taking all the fun out of your trip! However, make sure you set your lowest factors before searching (for example – no all inclusive packages or no international hotel chains, etc) and go upwards from there.

Making your impact there can be just as important. If you go to a city and select an eco hotel and then hire a car and eat in Burger King then why take ages choosing yourself an eco hotel?

At the other end – you could book yourself into a hotel that does the basic eco activities and then make your actions more ‘green’ For example you could stay longer, volunteer within the community, shop ethically, eat locally with local establishments, don’t drop litter or leave waste and use resources sensibly – more than making up for your accommodation using mains electricity.

The End Result:
Don’t forget that it is a holiday after all – so if you aren’t going to enjoy yourself – there is no point in going.

If the most eco friendly hotel isn’t in the place you wanted to go then you need to make a choice. If the hotel you love has everything you want and need but doesn’t recycle – again, the choice is yours.

I’m sure your house back home isn’t the most responsible house in the world – but you have done your best with what you have and what you think is important. Your hosts may have done the same.

Also – should you only support those companies already offering the best eco solutions or should you help fund those companies still trying to achieve them? Your money as a guest can make all the difference to a growing firm improving the whole area not just over-booking the one resort.

Don’t stress about it to much – vacations are for enjoying!
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