The eco lodge movement is a sustainable initiative that was created in attempts to minimize harmful effects that arise from the hospitality industry.
While you wouldn’t think resorts, hotels, motels, and other similar travel accommodations have much of an effect on the environment, their collective impact could potentially pose a threat due to electricity and water consumption, heavy duty resources, and food waste, to name a few. Luckily, there’s the Eco Lodge Movement, a wordlwide trend to reduce CO2 emissions, noise pollution, smoke, food waste, water waste, and the burden of taking up local land.
How the eco lodge movement works
If you already live in such a way that heals the environment, a getaway at an eco lodge facility might seem ordinary to you. But for those that have never experienced one, the pressures of preserving the environment might seem daunting, especially during a vacation. However, staying true to the eco lodge movement doesn’t demolish the enjoyable factor of vacationing. In fact, knowing you’re not being harmful to your surroundings and discovering new traditions and experiences might actually make it to your list of the favorite vacations you’ve had.
Eco lodge accommodations are simple. Power is provided to properties by using renewable energy sources. They use energy efficient lighting and highly encourage water preservation. Recycling also plays a major role in the eco lodge initiative.
At eco lodge facilities you can find locally sourced food, as well as environmentally friendly cleaning products, and organic bedding, towels, and furniture.
Eco lodges are normally found in remote locations like beaches, forests, and mountaintops, surrounded mainly by locals that encourage travellers to get closer to nature and local traditions.
While the purpose of an eco lodge is to provide an eco-friendly and enjoyable experience both to travellers and the environment, travellers are also expected to maintain the same level of care for the environment. This includes being mindful of consumption of water, power, and natural resources, when necessary. Travellers should do their research prior to booking. Some things to watch out for are location, a property’s impact on the surrounding locals, neighborhood, and wildlife, and whether recycling and reuse of sheets and towels has been made a priority.
Enjoying your eco lodge experience
What if we told you you could travel while helping save the environment? With eco lodge facilities, it is possible and highly encouraged. While these locations are all about privacy, comfort, and an overall enjoyable experience, don’t expect to find a mile-long buffet, Jacuzzi, sauna, and other things you’d normally find in five-star hotels. In many cases you’ll be required to collect and prepare your own meals, while learning to be one with nature. However these activities aren’t as bad as they sound. In fact, travellers get the chance to explore cultural activities with the locals, learn new traditions, indulge in delectable cuisines, and most importantly enjoy peace of mind.
The Plage de Pampelonne Transformation
While some venues choose to make the jump toward eco friendliness, some were required to do it well after establishing themselves. Explore the world of sustainable possibilities through Plage de Pampelonne’s Transformation.
One of the world’s most popular beaches, The Plage de Pampelonne, underwent a major makeover last year when use of the destination was a threat to the home of a rare species of plants.
In 2019, Pampelonne beaches and clubs were required to transform into more natural properties. Following state regulations, buildings were moved back closer to the parking lots and further away from the sea. Beach clubs decreased in number, leaving more space for public beaches and a zero-concrete policy was implemented. The new beach clubs were rebuilt using lightweight natural resources.
While some of the changes are a tremendous shift away from what travellers know and love about the destination, a vacation that is both enjoyable and responsible towards the environment seems to be what’s trending these days.
With eco lodge properties located in some of the most stunning remote beaches, mountains, and forests in the world, who wouldn’t want to escape their daily routine for an environmentally friendly getaway? From water preservation, to renewable energy sources and organic resources, eco lodging may be the future of hospitality.
