Responsible Tourism
The Celeste Mountain Lodge is proud to adhere to a philosophy of sustainable tourism, with low environment impact and eco-friendly practices, innovating in some new ones, as well as a commitment for the development of the local community.
We believe in the "3 R" rule: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
- Use of some recycled, re-used or salvaged materials (such as boards made of recycled plastic, construction left-overs, wood...)
- Use of eco-friendly (such as coconut fiber) and locally available building materials
- Wood only from plantation (teak) or salvaged
- One building only, set on posts for minimum land movement and occupation
- Hot water provided by solar panels
- 3 Bio-depurators for residual waters
- 180 meters of innovative residual water drainage made with recycled tire pieces
- Contention wall made of recycled truck tires, giving these many years of additional life
- Savings in energy and water (smart lighting management, training with staff, suggestive approach with clients)
- Bio-climatic cloth dryer
- Economical showers
- Exclusive use of eco-friendly soaps and detergents
- Use of biodegradable plastic garbage bags, use of recycled plastic bags
- Alternative food plate presentation in the restaurant, reducing use of soap and water consumption
- Internal recycling and refuse elimination program
- Purchasing in “bulk” for less packaging and re-using of packaging
- Reforestation: trees of native species, some endangered
- “Quiet Neighbor attitude” towards the environment: no unnecessary noise, music, engines, lighting.
- Involvement with the local community on sustainable tourism development
- Involvement with the Development Association of the town and the Municipality for tourism and community related projects
- Counseling to private locals for the establishment of small tourism-related businesses
- Involvement in bringing language courses and professional training sessions to the community
- Hiring much as possible in the town (80% for construction and 95% for steady staff)
- Contracting of local women for handicrafts and decoration items for the Lodge
- Contracting of a regional school for plants/trees nursery
- Purchasing of food supplies at 90% from local businesses
- Purchasing of fresh food supplies from local farmers, favoring those who produce organically
