Can’t it be more sustainable? A question many of our Green PearlsⓇ partners ask themselves all the time. As a result, hotels and resorts have implemented a variety of measures to reduce electricity, water and heating costs, as well as waste and CO₂ emissions. Many of these measures can also be implemented at home! The beauty is that it often only takes one step to live greener for many years to come.

Going green – Planning and implementation

Living sustainably involves so many things… Do you sometimes feel like you are inconsistent, getting bogged down, and maybe paying too much attention to the wrong things? You’re not alone! And rest assured, it’s almost impossible to be perfect in all aspects. But from time to time, it’s worth taking a look at your own behavior and identifying where you can improve. To that end, let’s take a look at a few areas of the home to see what improvements can be made and which ones will have the biggest impact.

10 tips for a more sustainable home

#1: Power supply

Before we look at the biggest power consumers in your home, you can start by looking at the sources from which you draw electricity. One of the easiest tips: Switch to green power! Switching to a new power provider is easy – particularly since it’s part of the provider’s service to help you do so.

When making the switch, make sure it is truly green electricity, 100% renewable and not nuclear or coal-fired. You can find comparisons of green power providers in your area on the internet. You will also find the electricity tariffs there – green electricity is usually a bit more expensive, but if you implement some energy saving measures (see point 2), it shouldn’t be noticeable.

Power plant on your balcony

Many of our Green PearlsⓇ partners generate their own electricity. Some accommodations, such as the newly opened OLM Nature Escape in South Tyrol, are completely energy self-sufficient. Many others generate at least a large percentage of their own power. Das Rübezahl, for example, a boutique hotel in southern Germany near Neuschwanstein Castle, has been generating about 90 percent of its electricity needs since 2021 with its own photovoltaic system and a combined heat and power plant.

If you want to be an active part of the energy transition, but don’t have the opportunity to install a full rooftop solar system or geothermal probes right now, you could consider a balcony power plant. This is particularly worthwhile if you have a south-facing balcony. A Balcony Power Plant is a small, plug-and-play solar system that allows you to generate up to 600 watts of electricity (soon to be 800 watts) without the need for permits or bureaucratic hurdles.

• The installation of a Balcony Power Plant is simple and can be done by anyone. The system can be connected to a household outlet (via the supplied inverter and cable).
• The electricity is not stored or fed into the grid. This means that it must be used directly. Therefore, it is particularly worthwhile for the operation of refrigerators and freezers.
• According to the Consumer Advice Centre, a standard 380-watt balcony system (optimally positioned) can generate 280 kWh per year. This corresponds to the annual consumption of a refrigerator and washing machine in a two-person household and saves around 56 euros in electricity costs.
• The cost of a single module is between 360 and 600 euros. This means that it will take several years to recoup the investment. So, make sure that you can position it optimally to get the most out of its output. Otherwise, it is just a nice gimmick that makes you feel good.

#2: Power consumption

You can reduce power consumption in every area of your home. This not only conserves resources, but also saves you money. Electricity is often used unnecessarily anyway due to standby functions, etc.

These are the top 10 energy wasters in the home, according to EON:

1. Old heat pumps
2. Electric stove
3. Freezer
4. Fridge
5. Lighting
6. Dryer
7. Dishwasher
8. Washing machine
9. TV
10. W-LAN

Although televisions and wireless LANs are at the bottom of the list, it’s estimated that our entertainment devices consume about one-third of all electricity! So it reallly pays to use energy efficient devices.

• When choosing a TV, check to see if it has HDR (High Definition Range). This feature makes the picture look more vivid but uses a lot of power. You can safely turn off HDR, especially when watching things like news, YouTube channels, or cooking shows!
• You can also save power by using a power strip with a red off button. This way, you can turn off all devices from standby with the push of a button.

Sleep without “electrosmog “

All electrical devices (including household appliances, telephones, etc.) emit a certain amount of radiation. It is not really “smog”, which is a very high level of pollution in the air, but is commonly referred to as “electrosmog”.

Even though radiation from household appliances is scientifically considered harmless to health, some people are concerned about the effects.

In the Green Spirit hotels in Paris, there are rooms that use an alternative technology to shield their rooms specifically against electrosmog. 

If you too want to sleep “without radiation”, simply remove your cell phone from the bedroom at night and unplug other electrical devices.

#3: Heating

In order to save on heating costs, you can install smart heating thermostats on your radiators. The Naturhotel Outside in the Hohe Tauern Alpine National Park in East Tyrol, for example, recently made the switch. By optimizing heating curves, the hotel expects to save about 25 percent of its heating energy – without sacrificing warm rooms for guests.

#4: Light

Switching to LED bulbs is another way to make your home more sustainable. Unlike other bulbs, LED bulbs do not contain mercury. They also glow at full brightness when turned on and are extremely durable. Many hotels, such as the Biohotel Bella Vista Zermatt, have long used LEDs in combination with timers and motion detectors and thus save a lot of energy. And of course, remember to always turn the lights off when you leave the room 🙂

#5 Repair, renovate and restore

Renovating or restoring old buildings and furniture saves plenty of resources and contributes to significantly lower CO2 emissions than constantly buying and building new things. Best of all, old materials tell countless stories, decades and sometimes centuries old, creating an exceptional atmosphere. One such example is the Hotel Klosterbräu in Seefeld, Tyrol. The hotel was built on 500-year-old monastery walls and has been family owned for 200 years. The Seyrling family has skillfully highlighted the old walls through careful renovations.

Purchasing new furniture is often cheaper than keeping old furniture. However, you won’t get the same quality, and cheap pressed furniture can emit harmful substances like formaldehyde.

In my own experience, the cost of an upholsterer to restore an old couch is more than the price of a new one. But eventually, we were able to choose the exact fabric we wanted, the couch already fit perfectly in the corner, and he even made matching pillowcases and a throw for us. In the end, we supported local crafts and did something for sustainability.

The Gut Sonnenhausen eco-hotel near Munich is home to beautiful old, restored 18th-century farm cupboards.

Tip: For some great upcycling ideas for your home, check out this blog post on upcycling inspiration.

#6 Natural Materials

Being surrounded by furnishing made of natural materials simply makes you feel more comfortable. The local Swiss stone pine wood, for example, is said to have a calming and sleep-inducing effect, which you can learn more about in our blog post on Swiss stone pine wood.

At the Lifestylehotel SAND on the Timmendorfer Strand, you’ll sleep especially well on natural beds from Coco-Mat, which are hand-made in Greece using renewable raw materials such as cotton, algae, wool and wood.

In general, more and more hotels are starting to build entire hotel rooms from natural materials that are fully compostable or recyclable, in line with the principles of the circular economy.  The SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA recently received an award for its “Circular Living” hotel room concept. It won third place in the German Tourism Award and was also one of the three finalists for the “German Corporate Sustainability Award.”

#7 Saving water

Most of us don’t want to do without the warm shower – especially in winter. Thereby we accept that we use huge quantities of water just to enjoy it on our skin one minute longer. That is why the Hotel Luise relies on the showers by Orbital Systems, which the Swedish enterprise originally developed for NASA. Meanwhile, these showers are not only to be found in the Hotel Luise, but you can also buy them for your home. Due to a special technology the water is purified in a closed loop and continually reused while you are showering. Thereby you do not only save 90 % of water and energy, but you can also take your shower with a clear conscience.

#8 Clean – without chemicals!

Many of our partner hotels, like the HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio Allgäu or the Hotel Weihrerhof in South Tyrol, rely on Miro steam cleaners or micro dry steam cleaners. According to the Hotel Weihrerhof, they can also be used to clean upholstered furniture and curtains.

Advantages of micro-steam cleaning:

• Cleaning without chemical detergents
• Low water consumption
• Reduced physical demand

Steam cleaners are also available for home use. While smaller in size, they are a promising option for environmentally friendly cleaning. The list of natural cleaning products in supermarkets and drugstores is growing, making it easy for even the average consumer to do without dry cleaning. Most cleaning jobs can be done with just a few household products, such as vinegar essence, baking soda, soda, and citric acid.

#9 Zero-Waste kitchen

A large part of our daily waste is produced in the kitchen due to the packaging of pre-prepared food as well as fresh ingredients. On the weekly markets in your city you can usually buy regional and above all seasonal ingredients without plastic packaging that you can directly put into your shopping bag. There is also a lot of food that you can grow at home. Just keep in mind: where there is a will there is way. For example, the Gili Lankanfushi on the Maldives managed to create an organic garden by means of a special composting system: that way, potatoes, carrots and much more grow in a place where before there has only been sand. So, if you do not have a garden, you can be creative in your kitchen using vertical indoor wall gardens, flower boxes for your windowsill or simply a few herbs in a pot.

#10 Become a little more vegan

Now that we’ve considered zero-waste, electricity and water consumption, let’s take a look at what we eat. It is a well-known fact that animal products in particular cause a lot of climate-damaging greenhouse gases. One alternative is to opt for a vegan diet. The LA VIMEA Hotel in South Tyrol is the first purely vegan hotel in Italy – you won’t find any animal products here. Other hotels are less radical but have added vegan alternatives to their menus and breakfast buffets. How about homemade hummus for a change, or vegan chocolate brownies? Both recipes stem from Hotel Paradiso Pure.Living on the Alpe di Siusi, which caters to vegans and vegetarians.

Did we forget anything? Most certainly! Please let us know in the comments what other tips you might have for going green at home.

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Community-based tourism for authentic experiences

In the tea region Assam, you can find the “Eastern Himalayan Botanic Ark”: a nature park home to an impressive flora and fauna featuring a sustainable tourism concept. Wild Mahseer unites an eco-hotel, homestays and love for nature.

If you really want to experience the authentic tea region of Assam and the culture of India, Wild Mahseer is happy to organize a night with a host family. During a homestay in one of the small communities, you can not only explore the village, but also enjoy the delicious, home-made cuisine, help with agricultural work or give traditional handicrafts a try. You can also enjoy the impressive, untouched nature and learn more about how conscious the locals treat nature.

It’s all about tea!

Among some other states Assam is one of the so-called sister cities of India: they are only connected by a thin corridor with the rest of the country and are located east of Bangladesh. Even today, most people probably still know the region because of the famous black tea. The Wild Mahseer is located on a former tea plantation.

The history of the Wild Mahseer is closely related to the history of tea: from 1864, the area was used by the British Assam Tea Company for the tea trade in the colonial era. The original buildings form today’s nature hotel and have been restored with great attention to detail, preserving as much as possible. The rooms are located in the partially 145-year-old buildings, where the colonial masters used to live. As you enter, it feels as if taking a step into bygone times.

The eastern region of the Himalayas is still characterized by tea cultivation and its extensive plantations. Located in the tea growing area of Addabarie, the Wild Mahseer also offers a variety of tea tourism activities and experiences, ranging from the history and culture of tea-drinking to tea-tastings, workshopsto learn about the different qualities of teaand even the opportunity to create your own personal tea blend to take back home! If you love tea, you won’t be bored here 🙂

Mindfulness & relaxation in nature

Together with the Balipara Foundation, who founded Wild Mahseer, the hotel campaigns for respectful tourism, environmental protection and species conservation in the eastern Himalayas. Incidentally, the Balipara Foundation recently planted 284,722 trees in 78 villages in 30 minutes along with other organizations! A great project to protect the ecosystem, to support the communities and at the same time to draw attention to the great importance of the forests.

Stroll through the dense forests of the Eastern Himalayan Botanic Ark to bring body, mind and soul into harmony while jungle bathing. Inspired by the Japanese forest bathing (Shinrin-Yoku), you slowly stroll through the jungle, listen to the sounds of the animals and hear the rustling of the trees, feel the ground under your feet and the bark of the tree at your fingertips, finding relaxation and your inner self.

By the way, here you can find our articles on forest bathing as well as forest bathing in our partner hotels. 

The untouched nature is also the ideal place for a yoga retreat. At Wild Mahseer, you can participate in various yoga practices such as hatha and vinyasa yoga, pranayama or moon yoga.

Whether you want to explore the diverse flora and fauna, get to know old traditions and cultures or just relax in your bungalow and enjoy the delicious, regional cuisine – the Wild Mahseer is simply a special, sustainable and relaxing place.

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In the Western world, Ayurveda has become increasingly well-known and popular in recent years, especially in connection with wellness. Many of the Green Pearls® hotels focus on the Ayurveda principle in the wellness area and in the kitchen as well. In this article we have introduced you to the Indian CGH Earth Hotel SwaSwara, where Ayurveda plays a particularly important role. Now we want to dive a little deeper and find out more about the holistic concept.

All things are interrelated

Ayurveda is a combination of thousands of years of experience, knowledge and philosophy that focuses on the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of our lives. Since everything is connected with each other, the ancient Indian art of healing has a holistic approach: central elements are massage and cleansing techniques, nutritional science, a spiritual yoga practice and herbal medicine.

All applications and life practices are aimed at increasing our well-being and preventing disease. Detoxification and purification of the body are among the main goals. Stress management, improving fitness, and connection to nature also play an important role in Ayurveda. From all these elements, a holistic and sustainable lifestyle emerges, characterized by respect for the environment and mindfulness in dealing with your own body.

Three Doshas in Balance

A central term in Ayurveda is “dosha,” which is used to describe the basic energies of the body. Two of the five elements are assigned to each dosha:

• Vata (air and ether)
• Pitta (fire and water)
• Kapha (water and earth)

They determine our individual constitutions and regulate the various physical and mental functions. If there is an imbalance, it can lead to discomfort and illness. Accordingly, at the beginning of an Ayurvedic treatment, the individual constitution of the doshas is first determined in order to subsequently bring them into balance.

At this point you should keep in mind: We all have a different composition of the doshas, which has developed from our experiences and our lifestyle in the course of life. So most of us have a tendency towards one or even two doshas and are therefore called e.g. Pitta-type or Vata-Kapha-type. Ayurvedic massages, treatments, yoga and nutrition take this into consideration.

In order to restore balance between the doshas and to eliminate accumulated toxins and waste products, nutritional therapy, various herbs and oils, as well as certain cleansing procedures, known as Panchakarma, are used. Panchakarma includes fasting and (steam) baths. Enemas, therapeutic vomiting and bloodletting are also among the traditional practices, though these are found in Ayurveda hotels only in a weakened or modified form (e.g., as a laxative cure). More common, are massages, yoga and breathing exercises, color and music therapies, and Ayurvedic cuisine with corresponding workshops, such as those offered at Hubertus Mountain Refugio, LA VIMEA, or CERVO Mountain Resort Zermatt.

The Ayurvedic way of life at a glance

The nutritional principles

Food plays a substantial role at the whole Ayurveda. This means that your choice of food should be tailored to your individual dosha constitution, as this also influences your digestion. Even the healthiest food is useless if your body cannot process it well. Therefore, in Ayurvedic cuisine raw food is rarely found, almost all dishes are cooked, sweet meals are often served before the main meal as they are more difficult to digest.

In addition, much emphasis is placed on ensuring that a meal requires you to perform all the functions of eating – biting, sucking, chewing, licking, swallowing – and that the taste sensations (“rasas”) sour, salty, bitter, tart and spicy are combined in a harmonious way. Again, attention is paid to your individual dosha composition.

In Ayurvedic cooking, there are ten royal spices that are said to have great healing powers, including cumin, turmeric, fennel and coriander. And it is also quite tasty, especially if you enjoy it with other people in a calm and relaxed atmosphere. Furthermore, it’s based on a particularly nice basic rule: “When you eat, eat.” So don’t play around on your cell phone 😉

Massages and treatments

Ayurvedic massages also focus on doing something good for your body holistically, purifying and detoxifying it and releasing blockages in the body and mind. For this purpose, besides the hands of the therapists, mainly sesame oil mixed with herbs is used in a variety of ways.

Ayurveda and Yoga

Gentle movement sessions in the form of a spiritual yoga practice are an integral part of Ayurvedic teachings. Depending on the Dosha, you can activate your body and charge it with energy or calm down the fire and restlessness in you. You can easily integrate such yoga exercises into your everyday life at home. For example, how about a short stretching session after getting up or after work?

Ayurveda as a lifestyle is a way to change your body and mind for the better. If you want to dive deeper into the topic, we would encourage you to go on an Ayurveda retreat or to book a stay in an Ayurveda hotel. The advantage there is that you are out of your everyday environment and can therefore learn and implement new behaviors more easily. Even more so when you are guided by the trained experts of our Green Pearls® partners.

Here you can find more on the topics of Ayurveda and Far-Eastern medicine:
India – the Cradle of Yoga and Ayurveda
Far-Eastern Medicine: TCM and Ayurveda

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Listen to the inner voice

SwaSwara means „inner voice“ – and this is the subject of this special place. Who comes here finds a place of well-being. Far away from the bustle of your everyday life you can dedicate yourselves to the rhythm of the waves and the meditative bird’s twitter, simply let go and focus anew. The SwaSwara is the right destination for those seeking wellness, healing, regeneration and the inner self. Picturesquely located on the west coast of India the resort offers a breathtaking view of the untouched hills and beaches of Gokarna – including direct access to the Om Beach. The white sandy beach invites for a meditative walk in the sunrise and of course also for occasional refreshment.

A place for all senses

You are accommodated in one of 24 traditional Konkan villas, with private gardens in the inner courtyard, surrounded by woods, with your own yoga deck. Perfect spot for relaxation. The tasty Ayurveda and organic kitchen provides everything to push your energy level. Yoga, meditation and art therapy refreshes your mind. Do not miss: guided bird’s observation tours and boat trips, a visit of the nearby temple town of Gokarna, or an interactive cooking, enabling you to take home many tips all around the healthy and tasty gourmet’s kitchen.

Arrive, relax, and adjust anew

It takes a while to forget about the everyday bustle, to find internal rest and be relaxed. The recommendation of the hosts of the Swaswara is a stay of five nights at least. You are offered three extensive health programs: Swa Wellbeing (from 5 nights), Ayurveda Rejuvenation (from 7 to 10 nights) and an Ayurveda Detox and Panchakarma (from 14 nights). You will see: It is definitely worth it. A stay at the SwaSwara is a special experience for body and mind – and a lasting experience at several levels.

In our next blog post we explore in more detail what Ayurveda and the holistic medicine is.

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Inform yourself in advance, respect the local culture

The more you know about a country’s cultural practices beforehand, the better you can adapt to them. An important issue concerning women is clothing: shoulders and legs should be covered in conservative countries such as India. The easiest way doing so is by wearing light cloth pants and traditional Indian tunics. Buying it locally provides you with a great souvenir on top.
A basic rule for your safety, not only when traveling is finding out about and avoiding places known for crime. Moreover, you should learn about the local courtesies and stick to them. It is always helpful to know some words in the native language to socialize and learn about the culture more easily. That way, you can simply emphasize saying no if necessary, or terminate a conversation you are not feeling comfortable with.

Travel with a positive attitude

You quickly miss kind gestures and attentions if you suspect threats everywhere and expect foreigners meaning mischief. Being dismissive toward your surroundings makes you automatically tense and insecure. A poor condition– not only for enjoying your journey and encountering others in an unprejudiced manner but also for appearing confidently and communicating clearly.
Generally, you should observe yourself and your surroundings with open eyes and pay attention to body language more than usual, especially your own. Behavior common at homelike touching someone’s arm while talking, might send another signal than intended abroad. A basic principle for your social interaction in a foreign country:being polite and approachable, yet keeping physical distance to prevent misunderstandings.

Enjoy Kerala’s diverse nature

For those traveling India for the first time (alone), the region of Kerala in Southwest Indiais highly recommended. Among the Indian states, Kerala’s social system is one of those most developed. At the same time, the region offers a lot to discover. Kerala is particularly famous for its “Backwaters,” a widely ramified net of waterways, lakes, and lagoons – various nature wonders entertaining you unaccompanied. Coconut Lagoon Resort’s team is on hand with help and advice, no matter if you need ideas for excursions, help with transportation, or have general questions.

Be open-minded towards the local culture

The Indian CGH Earth Hotels encourage you, and especially female solo travelers, to get involved with locals and their traditions. Here, it is easy to get in contact with the people and the everyday life on site: the lifestyle of the tribal village in Thekkady can be discovered in Spice Village where cooking classes are offered teaching you the secrets of the Indian cuisine. Directly at the sea, you can find Marari Beach architecturally inspired by the fishing culture of the surrounding villages. It collaborates with the residents supporting and maintaining traditional handcrafting and the way of living. If you are in the mood for yoga and meditation, you find the perfect spot for recovering your balance at SwaSwara in Gokarna, round 500 kilometers north.

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Educational excursions through the rainforest with Inkaterra

Puerto Maldonado is situated in the Southern Peruvian rainforest: it is the green gateway to one of the world’s most extraordinary landscapes. Right in the middle of it, you will find Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica – the perfect place for setting off to your jungle explorations. This is not only due to the brilliant location and because the premises are so beautiful, but also because of the qualified assistance: together with you, a travel guide designs an individual travel route according to your taste – be it a child-friendly tour or a challenging excursion. And for the time you do not spend on jungle tours we recommend watching birds from the balcony, listening to the sounds of the rainforest, stargazing or attending the exciting lectures on nature in the evening. In general, you can learn a lot here: the non-profit organization Inkaterra Asociación is committed to ecological research and sharing their knowledge with travelers. There is probably no more authentic and intense way to explore the Peruvian rainforest.

Spice Village: a place in the midst of a botanical paradise

The check-in at Spice Village, located in Kerala, South India, does not take place at a reception, but in the most beautiful greenery, and you are welcomed with a delicious herbal drink. The comfortable mountain village is a highlight in itself and taking a walk through its surroundings is as educational as a botanical course. Just a stone’s throw away you will find the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Here, you can watch buffalo, elephants and other wildlife on a trekking tour with a local guide. But that’s not all: the rainforest is home to more than 69 different mammal species, 320 bird species, 27 amphibian species, 45 reptile species and 38 species of fish. Insider tip: make sure to attend one of the regular cooking classes to take the secrets of Kerala cuisine home with you. And before you return home, you should go on a shopping spree at one of the spice shops.

Surrounded by waterfalls at Hunas Falls by Amaya

Hunas Falls by Amaya is located in the midst of the lush green forest of Elkaduwa in the Hunnasgiriya Hills. From here, numerous hiking trails lead through this sensational landscape of Sri Lanka, which is known for its steep tea plantations and for spice cultivation. The peaks of Hunasgiriya are 1,490 meters above sea level and from here you can enjoy an impressive panoramic view of the Knuckles mountain range. Moreover, you will find picturesque meadows, creeks, wetlands, lakes, and forests in the direct vicinity. And there is a breathtaking scenery just outside the hotel door: Hunas Falls waterfalls rank among the most picturesque places in Sri Lanka. After a tour, you can let yourself be pampered with local herbs and vapors or relax in the lovingly designed garden. And the team of the restaurant Lake View makes sure that there is nothing to be desired in terms of a perfect vacation.

Glamorous camping at 4 Rivers Floating Lodge

The term glamping is redefined at 4 Rivers Floating Lodge on Koh Kong in Cambodia: in the midst of idyllic unspoiled nature, you will find 12 sustainable luxury tents, only accessible by boat. They are so incredibly comfortable that it is tempting not to leave them at all. But you should, because just in front of your tent, there is the protected rainforest ecoregion of the Cardamom mountains. It is home to hundreds of endangered species and with a bit of luck, you will spot a clouded leopard, a Java Rhino, an Indochinese tiger, an Asian elephant or even a Siamese crocodile, which was believed to be extinct. Have your cameras ready! Besides, Tatai River is the perfect place for an educational kayak tour through the mangrove woods – and for swimming in crystal clear water. And during a majestic sunset and a delicious Cambodian dinner you can conclude the day.

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“Because we still want to see icebergs in the future”

Contributing to climate protection with a stylish bag collection? That does not only rhyme, but is indeed possible, as Creativhotel Luise has demonstrated. Inspired by the picture of an iceberg on an old advertising tarp, Germany’s first climate-positive hotel launched a special campaign: in cooperation with sine design, it produced up cycling bags from pieces of the advertising tarp and scraps of artificial leather taken from the upholstering industry. The proceeds from the sale will be granted to the Earth Day Canopy Project, supporting their goal of planting 7,8 billion new trees in order to stave off the effects of climate change. The salehas been running since the end of last year and the first part of the proceeds was donated on Earth Day. If you want to participate, too, you can buy one of the stylish bags in Erlangen – or make a direct donation to the Canopy Project.

Education for the benefit of nature

The hotel group CGH Earth begins its environmental education projects at an early stage. On Earth Day, Spice Village invited schoolchildren and gave them a tour of the resort’s premises and its sustainable and eco-friendly measures. The children learned a lot about solar energy, responsible water management and above all about recycling and avoiding waste: Spice Village produces only a very small amount of plastic waste, for instance by using glass bottles, ceramic containers and paper straws. Some of the furniture is made of recycled pinewood from former packing cases and handmade paper is produced from old newspapers and magazines. With so many creative ideas, we are sure that some sparks of enthusiasm jumped across to the children.

Taking action against plastic waste

The goal of this year’s Earth Day – end plastic pollution – is particularly important to Gili Lankanfushi on the Maldives. By means of a strict “no plastic policy”, employee training, beach cleanings and cooperations with various environmental initiatives, the resort has been fighting for the prevention and recycling of plastic waste for years, organizing events like “Paddle against Plastic” on Global Recycling Day. Yet the problem is more present than ever in the island nation in the Indian Ocean. To further raise awareness, the Gili Lankanfushi team distributed cloth bags onEarth Day – one more little step towards plastic prevention.

There are never enough trees

Actually, one could think that there are enough trees on the grounds of Tongsai Bay on Koh Samui already. From the construction phase on, particular care was taken not to harm the existing ecosystem, and until today not a single tree has been cut down to build the resort. And yet staff and guests at Tongsai Bay planted coconut trees on Earth Day. The main reason was climate protection, as each tree increases the absorption of carbon dioxide and thus helps counteract climate change.

Protecting the nature during your vacation

Guests at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel in Peru also had the opportunity to plant trees, thereby participating in the reforestation of the cloud forest area. Due to numerous guided tours, you can explore Peru’s breathtaking nature all year round when you stay at an Inkaterra hotel. On Earth Day, some of them additionally organized hiking tours for staff and guests to clean the surrounding area from waste – perfect for exploring the fascinating nature and at the same time contributing to its preservation. This combination characterizes every vacation at the Inkaterra hotels, as their tourist activities also finance Inkaterra Asociación – a non-profit organisation that is committed to the research and preservation of the local flora and fauna.

Der Beitrag There is no planet B: Earth Day 2018 erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

Eating: a ceremony full of aromatic scents

Traditionally, the people in Kerala eat with their hands – and the food is served on a plate-sized banana leaf. This is not only eco-friendly, but also looks great. Vegetarians and vegans are attracted by the Indian cuisine with Pappadam, Sambar, Pachadi, Naan and Dahl. Those who like it also should try the fresh oysters, mussels and shrimps in Kerala. And of course: fish, fish, fish. Under the title “farm kitchen”, the chef of the restaurant at Spice Village will introduce you to the secrets of traditional cooking: At first, you will harvest fruit, vegetables and herbs from the organic garden covering an area of 12.000 square meters (!), then you will prepare them together. If you love Indian cuisine, you can learn a lot about it here and this way have something lasting to take home with you. Something else you should definitely integrate into your daily life, instead of a hectic snack in between: enjoy your meals like a ceremony, as the Indians do.

Wildlife: a breathtaking experience

The Periyar Tiger Reserve close to the Coconut Lagoon should be at the very top of your list of planned excursions. The rainforest is home to more than 60 mammal species and 38 species of fish, 320 species of bird, 26 amphibian species and 45 reptile species. On a trekking tour through the national park you will have the opportunity to watch elephants, bison, monkeys and, with a lot of luck, a Bengal tiger in their natural habitat at close range. Somewhat smaller: the butterfly garden of Marari Beach. Here, you can marvel at countless butterflies, among them the rare Southern Birdwing, and more than 50 dragonfly species. It is an idyllic place and perfect for relaxing amidst these beautiful creatures. Kemala is also a paradise for ornithologists: On a bird-watching tour you can discover rare and shy species of bird, whereas the more cheeky specimens will accompany and delight you every day.

The backwaters: natural spectacle as well as daily routine

Perhaps the biggest highlight in Kerala? A boat tour through the backwaters. The ramified water landscape covers an area of about 1,900 square meters and its wide rivers and narrow canals connect a total of 29 lakes and lagoons as well as numerous islands. Whether you decide for a multi-day houseboat tour or for a simple canoo trip, the backwaters are a unique experience. First, because of the spectacular flora and fauna, but also because it is a nice opportunity to watch the daily routine on the shore: people who are fishing, chatting, doing the laundry or bathing against the backgroud of colorful little houses; fishing boats, post boats or school boats passing by. A romantic atmosphere is guaranteed due to the sunsets that may be the pinkest ones you have ever seen. An impressive panorama in many ways– and anyway, a boat tour is incredibly relaxing.

Some more reasons for a Kerala trip on your bucket list

Enjoy the local’s hospitality, visit a tea plantation and indulge in an Aryuvedic treatment. Immerse yourself in the culture, discover the local craftsmanship and make sure that you visit a traditional Kathakali dance performance (or even take a course yourself). On top of this: Go on a shopping spree in one of the many spice shops before you return home. The visit alone is a highlight, because there is nothing that smells as wonderfully intense as an Indian spice shop.

Der Beitrag Three reasons why you should definitely travel to Kerala erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

Watching birds – and protecting them

In Peru, more than 1,800 bird species are registered; that is approximately 20 % of all bird species worldwide. Here, the Inkaterra Asociación is dedicated to the study and conservation of the local Flora and Fauna. On the huge property of Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, 214 different bird species live in their natural habitat, the property of Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica even counts 540 species. On different tours, each accompanied by a specialist in bird and nature observation, you can watch local birds, such as the blazing red Cock-of-the-Rock, and various kinds of migratory birds. And as Inkaterra Asociación is financed by tourism-activities, you also contribute to the conservation of this colorful variety.

A natural retreat

Other hotels, too, are committed to the protection of local nature. For example, during the construction of the Morena Eco Resort on Curaçao, 80 % of the natural vegetation on the ample property has been preserved. Numerous tropical birds and other native animal species visit Morena Eco Resort from the adjoining nature reserve. The situation is similar at Tongsai Bay on Koh Samui: the resort is surrounded by 28,5 acres of natural landscape, which is home to more than 60 different species of bird. Here, they can feel at ease, as Tongsai Bay attaches great importance to the protection of their natural habitat and provides medical treatment if sick or injured animals are found.

Where birds are welcome

The bird-friendly resort Coconut Lagoon has installed nest-boxes on branches of trees around its property to provide nesting facilities for local birds such as Magpie Robin or Common Myna. There are countless birds in the garden of Coconut Lagoon that do not only fascinate by their appearance but also by their extraordinary names: among others the Red-vented Bulbul, Purple-rumped sunbird, Crow-Pheasant and Black-headed Oriole have their homes here. Wetland birds are very active in the canals and the paddy-fields of the Coconut Lagoon. Naturalists will accompany you on your walks and provide you with details on the flora and fauna of the region.

Spectacular terrace view

From the restaurant terrace of Amaya Hunas Falls in Sri Lanka, with a bit of luck you can watch majestic birds such as the White Bellied Sea Eagle. The hotel is also a perfect starting point for trips to two amazing bird-watching destinations: Horton Plains National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Peradeniya Royal Botancial Gardens, Sri Lanka’s largest botanical garden.

Chance meetings and planned ones

You can usually look forward to encounters with some feathered friends when you stay at a hotel close to nature. And if you want to benefit from expert knowledge, it’s always worth taking a look at the hotel’s events calendar. For example, the Swiss hotel Schloss Wartegg offers a tour accompanied by the bird-watching expert Gieri Battaglia on April 28^th, 2018. And if you book a room facing the forest next to Schloss Wartegg, you can be sure of an early morning bird concert.

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Der Beitrag Of songbirds and feathered friends erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

Recycling: Paddle against plastic

The team of Gili Lankanfushi on the Maldives promotes a more responsible use of plastic through comprehensive initiatives. These include regular staff trainings and a strict “no plastic policy” on the island. Surrounded by the ocean, Gili Lankanfushi has long been aware of the danger that the large amount of plastic represents for the underwater world. On Global Recycling day, the resort’s marine biologists organized a special endurance event: stand up paddling, the Gili team covered impressive 14 kilometers, collecting plastic waste from the ocean surface. This way the resort stood up against the overuse of plastic on the Maldives and tried to raise awareness of this issue.

Recycling: Transforming waste into fashion

A few days before the Global Recycling Day, on March 16^th, a beach and ocean cleanup took place in Chumphon in Thailand. Led by Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports, Weerasak Kowsurat, and supported by numerous volunteers and 75 divers, the project was a complete success. The initiative “Upcycling the Oceans, Thailand” operates not only on Recycling Day, but throughout the whole year. You can read more about it here on our blog.

Making optimal use of food waste

Even though Recycling Day gives particular weight to this subject, actually everyday activities make the greatest difference. Particularly in hotel business a bit of creativity is very helpful, as the CGH Earth hotels in India demonstrate. For example in the Coconut Lagoon’s biogas plant food waste is transformed into gas that is used for cooking. Eco-friendly manure for the garden is produced from the remaining slurry in combination with dry leaves. The sewage at Coconut Lagoon is treated and used for the irrigation of the garden and for toilet flushing.

Stylish furniture made from packing cases

Spice Village is very resourceful as well: it manufactures furniture for the hotel rooms from old pinewood packing cases. At Spice Village, old newspapers and magazines are given a second life as well: by means of a century-old method, using adhesive made from the crown of pineapples, they are transformed into beautiful and individual stationery – writing paper, invitations, and manuals.

Read more: WATER, THE ELIXIR OF LIFE: ON THE SUSTAINABLE HANDLING ON WORLD WATER DAY

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Der Beitrag The “Seventh Resource”: Global Recycling Day erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.