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May 26th, 2009 As the importance of sustainable tourism continues to grow, travelers should be wary of “greenwashed” resorts and hotels that position themselves as environmentally friendly, but only have minimal green practices in place. Ewald Biemans, owner of Bucuti Beach Resort in Aruba, has been an environmental advocate for more than 25 years and has lead Bucuti to become a model resort in sustainable tourism throughout the Caribbean and the world. Biemans offers savvy travelers 10 tips to help identify authentically green resorts.
Ten things to look for in a green resort:
• Guest Participation: Can guests actively aide in environmental preservation through beach clean-ups, reusing linens, recycling and other reducing programs? Bucuti regularly hosts recycling contests so guests can learn the importance of recycling in an interactive way.
• Staff Training: Is the resort staff aware of the importance of implementing green practices? Do they practice what they preach in the on-site restaurants, housekeeping and even maintenance?
• Local Community: How does a hotel or resort give back to the community? Does the resort employ local staff and guides? Are local crafts and products sold in the resort gift shop?
• Native Environment: Does the resort help promote and protect local fauna and flora? Some resorts support native animal protection programs or are located on land preserves.
• Eco-Recognition: Does the resort maintain internationally recognized environmental standards like Green Globe 21and ISO14001? Has the resort received green awards from hotel associations and leading travel publications for its exemplary practices?
• Renewable Resources: Does the resort harness solar, hydro or wind power? Depending on where travelers are vacationing, different natural resources can be stored. For example, in the Caribbean solar power is used at the greenest resorts.
• Waste Reduction: Are bulk dispensers used throughout the resort to reduce waste? Does the resort use reusable glassware opposed to throwaway plastic materials? Are low-flow toilets, faucets and showers in place?
• Transportation: Does the resort support local transportation systems that use alternative fuel sources like bio fuels or electrical-powered vehicles to mitigate emissions? Does the resort offer access to public transportation and encourage employees to carpool?
• Construction: Is the hotel structure designed to allow for breezy, open-air areas to reduce energy consumption by using natural lighting and not running air conditioners? Are the rooms designed to be energy efficient? Does the facility use natural wood from a sustainable farm and local building materials and labor?
• Green Technology: Are there in-room sensors (for air conditioners, power sources, etc.) to determine if electricity can be conserved in an empty room? Is the resort at the forefront of green advances and following industry trends?
Many resorts brand themselves as “eco-friendly” but with a little digging, travelers can sift through the greenwashed resorts and find the resorts truly dedicated to being green. For more on all Bucuti Beach does in support of Mother Earth, visit www.bucuti.com/en/about_us/environment.
Bucuti will continue to be a leader in sustainable tourism while supporting environmental government lobbying, the Environmental Committee within the Aruba Hotel and Tourism Authority, community education programs and organizing island-wide cleanups. Since Bucuti implements environmental programs like these, it has been recognized with awards from notable organizations like Green Globe, the Caribbean Hotel Association, American Express, ISLANDS Magazine and the International Hotel and Restaurant Association.
