Responsible Tourism
In many respects, Morocco is "behind the
times" with regards to general environmental awareness. Litter is a very
visible manifestation of this and sadly, recycling is almost completely unheard
of. Solar panels are beginning to find a place here, but only for the very
rich. Still, taking even the smallest measures to reduce our impact on this
resource-poor environment is an important step in raising awareness amongst
locals and visitors.
What we do:
- Our 100% cotton linens and towels
are only changed upon request (and of course, whenever new guests check in)
- Toiletries and Bath Products are
provided in bulk, refillable containers to reduce wasteful packaging
- Corridor lights are operated by
timers so that lights in passageways are not left on continually
- Jams and breads are made in-house
to ensure high quality and reduce packaging
- Food prepared by our chefs is grown
locally, and for the most part is organic (sadly, there is no
eco-certification system in Morocco... yet)
- We prepare all dishes from scratch
to avoid processed foods and added chemicals and only prepare food for
confirmed numbers to reduce food wastage
- We have a large mineral water
dispenser so that guests may refill their water bottles rather than
purchasing new ones
- Water collected
from the condenser of the laundry machines and central fountain, is used to
water plants and wash the central patio
- Wherever possible, cleaning
products are 100% natural, e.g. vinegar & water for washing windows, linseed
oil for wood and furniture, and lemons to polish brass and copper
- Newspapers left by guests in our
library are saved for cleaning windows and other polishing jobs
What You can Do:
- Please remember to turn off lights
and other appliances before leaving your room
- During the hot summer months,
restrict your water usage to evenings and early mornings when there is not
such a high demand for water
- Moroccan merchants often insist
upon wrapping even the smallest purchase in a plastic bag. Refuse
politely.
- Bottled water is a necessary evil
for most visitors. Reduce your consumption by finishing every bottle
you purchase (most restaurants will let you take a half-finished bottle with
you).
- Public transport is fairly good in
Morocco, particularly the trains.
- Dont litter. It seems obvious,
but quite tempting when the streets are full of rubbish and there are hardly
any trash bins anywhere. You may have to carry the soda bottle around
with you for a while, but it really does make a difference.
- Most merchants, businesses and
guides will want to give you their cards. Take only one and leave it
behind at your hotel for other guests if you have no future use for it.
- If you have ideas or suggestions of
how we might be "greener", please let us know!