Caribbean Pioneer Offers Tips for a Greener Resort
Ewald Biemans, owner of Bucuti Beach Resort offers
a few insights as to what to look for in a green resort.
Guest Participation. Are guests given the opportunity to
purchase carbon credits? Are they informed about
environmental activities and invited to participate?
Guests at Bucuti participate in many environmentally
related contests and clean ups.
Staff Training: Are all associates involved in
implementing green practices? At Bucuti, quality
control is an area that every employee participates in.
They learn these practices from day one.
Has the resort been recognized for its policies and
standards? These rewards may be from hotel
associations or leading travel publications, and
may commend the resort for exceptional environmental
practices.
Does the resort have renewable resources in place?
Many resorts now harness wind, solar and/or hydro
power. In certain areas, many natural resources can
be used.
Measuring water, electricity and other resources is
becoming the norm in many resorts that are improving
their “green” factor. Putting bulk dispensers throughout
the resort and using reusable utensils and glassware,
as opposed to plastic throwaway materials is being
noticed more and more. Also, many resorts are
switching over to natural and biodegradable cleaning
products to further their efforts.
Travelers are becoming more savvy, and can
differentiate between “eco-friendly” resorts and the
ones that are truly dedicated to making important
changes to protect the environment.
