eco credentials

The Bottle Bank: By Flynn Harrison Wigmore, age 8

'go chic go green' icons are displayed at the top of each property information page to represent the 'eco friendly' credentials relevant to the accommodation and surrounding areas. 

Our aim is to avoid guilt trips both on the part of the property owners and the responsible tourist.

Sustainable living ideas and eco tourism ethics should be accessible on a variety of levels, reaching out to a wide audience. Some holiday makers and property owners will take bigger steps than others. The important point to remember is that every effort will make a difference.

Recycle Some owners have provided extra containers to recycle paper, plastic, Tin and glass. Almost all properties in the Canary islands have recycle bins nearby for guests to make use of.

Shower Head A Grey water system may have been fitted to a property for watering the gardens. Half flush buttons on the WC's or re use of rain water are other water conservation ideas which owners choose to include.

Light Bulb Low wattage bulbs or A+ white goods are easy and effective options which many property owners are happy to use for conserving electricity.

Turbine Wind Turbines are an extremely good source for aternative energy supply here in Lanzarote. Finca De Arrieta is a prime example of this. We hope to build on this by asking owners to consider adding turbines to their credentials list.

Solar panel Solar water heating systems for homes and pools are extremely effective here in the Canary Islands due to the all year round warm climate. Obviously we do get cloudy days which can affect the water temperature but in most cases the accommodation owner provides a backup system. For example in Finca De Arrieta there is new gas heating system which will only be used to aid the solar heating when needed.  Solar energy supply is also sometimes used, Fishermans cottage in Arrieta also has a backup system.

Coach Bus If this icon is displayed it would mean that a form of public transport is situated within an approximate 10 minute walking zone from the accommodation.

Bike This symbol can mean that bikes are on site at the accommodation or that there is a local bike hire company who provide a hire and delivery service. Please see property information page for further information.

Tree This symbol means that the property owners have made a keen effort to lay their gardens out with the correct plants to support the local native flora and fauna, and to maintain a traditional feel in keeping with the local surroundings.

Agritourism Promoting the use of local regional home grown food and drink options. Both within the property grounds or within the local surrounding areas, promoting local farms, wineries, gardens and vegetable production. In many cases there are local produce markets held nearby or in surrounding villages.

The brief summary next to each icon is purely a guide. For full details of the exact symbol meaning relevant to the accommodation you would like to book, please read the property description or contact the agent. We are always happy to advise and promote ways for property owners to build on the eco credentials which they offer. 

Eco-tourism

The growth of tourism over the past fifty years has changed the world for ever. Travel and tourism has contributed massively to global economic development, accounting for eleven per cent of the world`s GDP and twelve per cent of exports. But tourism has also caused lasting damage to the environment in many regions. Travel and tourism is responsible for around five per cent of global carbon emissions, a figure that is increasing as air travel continues to rise. Citizens worldwide are being asked to do their bit to cut carbon emissions and save the environment. Increasingly, this means taking action while on holiday and not just at home. More and more people are starting to question the environmental impact of travelling, which is leading to a rise in demand for eco tourism.

What is eco tourism?

Also known as sustainable travel or green travel, eco tourism is the name given to the type of tourism that makes a conscious effort to minimise the negative and maximise the positive impacts of travel. Minimising the negative impact of tourism means causing as little damage and disruption to the natural environment as possible, both in the short and long term. Maximising the positive impact means ensuring that local communities derive some benefit from tourism, either directly or indirectly.

How can eco tourism minimise the negative effects of travel and help save the environment?

Reducing carbon emissions. By offering carbon-efficient travel options, eco tourism helps reduce carbon emissions and energy usage. Eco tourism companies may offer customers alternatives to air travel, for example holidays which use train or ferry travel to take customers to their destination. Eco tourism properties and holiday accommodation take proactive measures to conserve energy and reduce carbon emissions. For example, by using renewable energy sources and training staff on how to be energy efficient at work. Managing waste effectively.

Eco tourism has a role to play in saving the environment by reducing and managing waste. For example - by recycling as much waste as possible, composting biodegradable waste and recycling waste water. Conserving water. Water is the world`s most precious commodity and tourism is a water-intensive business. Large hotels use thousands of gallons each day, whether to wash laundry, provide water for guest showers and baths, or just water the hotel gardens. Eco tourism organisations save water whenever possible and encourage their customers to do the same.

How can eco tourism benefit local communities?

Jobs and employment. Eco tourism can have a dramatic, positive impact on local communities at destinations. Eco tourism organisations often provide an important source of employment and income for local people - either directly in the form or jobs, or indirectly by buying food and other goods locally. This in contrast with traditional tourism outfits which bring-in their own employees and import goods and services from elsewhere.

Donations and ongoing schemes: Aside from offering employment, many eco tourism organisations choose to give something back to communities, for example by investing a share of profits into community development schemes, or by arranging training and education for local people. With so many organisations offering eco tourism these days, choosing from the different providers can be difficult. When you`re thinking about booking with a particular provider, look for their green credentials and be prepared to ask questions. With a little research, it is possible to find a holiday that helps, rather than hinders the environment.