Eco-Friendly Accommodation
If you are someone now looking to explore ecotourism and are searching for eco-friendly accommodation in Spain, then try to look for places to stay that actively support the local environment and culture.
You can always ask what they do to adhere to energy-saving policies and practices.
The motto ‘Reduce, reuse and recycle' applies to many new environmentally friendly places to stay.
Eco-friendly accommodation comes in many forms, from quaint small converted farms to monasteries, hostels, convents and numerous other places that advertise their green credentials.
There are now a string of very good quality eco-friendly places to stay in Spain located in the most beautiful natural surroundings, these include the Finca de Arrieta Eco Cottages in Lanzarote, Macaronesian Eco Suites Caves Tenerife and the Cuevas Helena in Andalucia.
The Eco-Tourist in Spain is a non-profit organisation created in 2010. The Association of Ecotourism in Spain (AES) manages the Ecotourism Club in Spain and is focused on the sustainable development of Spanish Ecotourism destinations.
Other labels of interest include the Green Globe, which has, for more than two decades, provided sustainability certification across the sectors that make up the international travel and tourism industry.
And it's not just the smaller hotels making the move for eco-friendly tourism.
Discover Hotel Mas Salagros, located in picturesque Catalonia, the peninsula's first 100% eco-friendly EcoResort.
Design, nature, sensations, inspiration, and architecture are for total seclusion. The VIVOOD Landscape Eco Hotel is a pioneering network of sustainable getaway destinations that offers travellers the opportunity to experience something different.
Environmentally Friendly Transport
Transportation can always be a bit trickier when it comes to environmental sustainability. But it's certainly not impossible to greatly reduce your carbon footprint whilst on holiday in Spain.
Whilst air travel isn’t the most environmentally friendly option, at least Spain makes an effort with airports like La Prat, as mentioned above.
Spain does have a great train network, though, and the Alta Velocidad Espanola, or AVE as it is known, can get you around the country in a very short time. It is rapidly becoming part of daily life for many Spaniards, and they are continually expanding the network in the hope that all Spaniards will live within 31 miles of a high-speed train station by 2020.
Along with the rail network, Spanish buses are being adapted to run on bio-diesel, hydrogen fuel, electricity, and ethanol, all of which will help promote the eco-travel boom.
Many cities and tourist destinations also have a great bike hire network, which can be one of the best ways to see many parts of the country. This allows you freedom of movement whilst not impacting the environment, so you can experience the full range Spain offers.
Spain is making a lot of progress on eco-tourism and has been actively promoting it for nearly three decades.
Much of the country is a place of outstanding natural beauty, and even in the more urbanised areas, efforts are underway to ensure that tourism is sustainable and eco-friendly.
There are many great things to see for eco-tourists in Spain, making it one of the top ecotourism destinations.
Eco-Friendly Practices
There are many eco-options available to hoteliers and other accommodation providers to make their destinations greener.
Here are some of the best eco-friendly practices:
Energy Conservation
Many energy-saving systems can be installed to conserve resources. Using long-lasting LED lights and solar panels, and training staff to turn off non-essential lights and machinery whenever possible are just some of them.
Limit Water Usage
Water is a limited resource and should be used as efficiently as possible, which means less waste. Reuse water whenever possible, and use any excess for irrigation.
Limit or Eliminate Disposables
Many guest room amenities, such as shampoo, lotion, soaps, plastic cups, and coffee pods, are harmful to the environment. These can easily be replaced by natural organic toiletries in biodegradable or recyclable packaging.
Reuse Linens
Guests should always be offered the possibility to reuse linen for their stay.
Create an Eco-Garden
Creating wildlife habitats in the garden that attract birds and insects looks great and offers many ecological benefits. Installing plant feeders, rocks, trees, and ponds also helps local wildlife. A composting area will feed nutrients into the garden and is a great way to use biodegradable food waste. Grow your organic fruit and vegetables, which is positive for the environment on many levels, and offer delicious fresh food to the guests.
Serve Locally Grown & Organic Food
More and more eco-minded travellers want to dine on healthy, sustainable cuisine. Serving locally sourced ingredients ensures guests eat fresh, eco-friendly meals whilst offering an insight into the local community, its culture and customs.
Implement Eco-Friendly Cleaning
Replacing conventional, harmful cleaning products with safer options is a great option. There are now many bio-based cleaning products on the market that reduce pollution and benefit health and skincare.
Use Eco-Friendly Water Dispensers
Water filtration systems and countertop water dispensers are a great way to serve water. The guests not only enjoy clean, fresh water but also benefit financially, as it reduces costs for guests and business owners.
Guest Rooms
Guest rooms should be stocked with eco-friendly information on local attractions and activities such as cycling, hiking and transport routes. Offer guest incentives such as free parking for green vehicles. Use glass and ceramic cups instead of plastic cups, and offer guests the option to buy carbon offsets that can be passed on to certified companies.
Useful Resources:
» World Tourism Organisation
» Responsible Travel
» The Travel Foundation
» Tourism Spain