Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in tourism, but how do you deal with this and what can you do as an accommodation to become more sustainable? We have listed a number of tips for you.

Give furniture a second life

Luxury does not necessarily have to be ‘new’. Nowadays there are many possibilities to buy second-hand furniture, without you seeing that the product is second-hand. By giving furniture a second life, you extend the life of the product. As a result, nothing new has to be made and you save raw materials, energy and waste. Collaborations with, for example, the art academy or young artists also give a special touch to your stay. There are several artists who use natural or reused materials for new furniture. This results in considerable environmental benefits. And let’s face it, how cool is it to have real design furniture?

Green electricity

Green electricity is an important step towards sustainability. This ensures less CO2 emissions because there is no use of fossil fuels involved. With green electricity, for example, you can think of installing solar panels. This converts solar energy into electricity. A solar water heater is also a good environmentally friendly option. This ensures that sunlight is used to heat water. A heat pump is also a good option. This extracts heat from the air, soil or groundwater. It is an alternative to a gas central heating boiler.

Isolate

The easiest way to become more sustainable is to properly insulate your accommodation. By insulating well, you need less energy to heat or cool your home. Good insulation methods include the use of triple glazing, floor insulation, roof insulation and cavity wall insulation.

Water-saving taps

Another simple solution to make it more sustainable is to use water-saving taps. A water-saving tap and a water-saving shower head can ensure that less water is used on an annual basis. Separate parts are available for this so that you do not have to replace your entire shower or faucet.

LED lighting

Replace your lighting with LED lamps. These are energy efficient and nowadays available in all kinds of colors. There is also LED lighting available that can be controlled with your phone or remote control. Have you left home but forgot to turn off the lights? Via your phone you can still turn off the lights or set them to a timer.

Green roof

Do you have the opportunity to create a green roof? Then this is a very good way to work sustainably. The green roof has a buffer function in case of rainfall. This reduces the working flows of water by up to 45% and reduces the load on your sewer system. A green roof also extends the life of the roof by preventing erosion. Do you have the option of a green roof and solar panels? Then you can combine it perfectly! A green roof increases the efficiency of solar panels because the presence lowers the temperature on the roof, making the solar panels work more efficiently.

Local and regional food

Do you offer breakfast, lunch or dinner at the accommodation? Then think about the type of food you serve and choose local ingredients. Local products are better for farmers, climate, environment and nature, but also for the economy. In addition, local and regional food requires a shorter transport route, which means that there are fewer CO2 emissions. But also think of seasonal dishes. If you eat with the season, less energy is often used to grow the crops. Do you want to get the best out of it? Then you can also grow your own vegetables, fruit and herbs at the property.

Reducing waste

Stop offering small plastic shampoo, conditioner and body lotion bottles. It looks nice, but creates unnecessary waste. Instead, you can use large dispensers that can be used for longer periods of time and replenished when empty.

More trees

A tree captures the most CO2 compared to other plants. By planting many trees, CO2 can therefore be captured from the air. In addition, trees also provide many nice cooling spots in the summer.

With these tips you make your accommodation more sustainable and contribute to a better environment and the future of sustainable travel. Do you have a green accommodation that you would like to offer with us? Then become a Sustainaway partner!

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Wonderful hours of rollerblading in Amersfoort and surroundings, that’s possible! Amersfoort is equipped with a rollerblader route along the Eem all the way to our gypsy wagon in which you can spend the night in Bunschoten-Spakenburg. Rollerblading is also a very active way to explore this area just between and bike and walk pace. This way you do not take too long, but you do have the space to enjoy the environment without flying by. Would you like that? Time to get your skates out of the closet again, Sustainaway has picked the best route for you!

The inline skating route

During this route you skate on a nice road all the way from Bunschoten-Spakenburg to Amersfoort. This skating route is about 30 km long but you can also shorten or make it longer if you want and add a round of Amersfoort to it. There you can also have a delicious lunch before you go back.

In the vicinity of Bunschoten-Spakenburg there is a lot of nature with many forests, meadows and water but also history with museums and cozy terraces to complete a wonderful day of skating.

If you choose to go into the center of Amersfoort, you may want to take a look at Binicafe. This is a delicious organic and vegan restaurant that is committed to a sustainable and healthy lifestyle. At Sla En Meer you can also eat tasty and healthy food. You will find on their menu mainly fresh salads and juices. On a kiss to a lunch place? Blur Your Life offers you a choice between the tastiest things, whether it’s a cup of coffee from locally roasted coffee beans, a vegan piece of cake or a soup of seasonal products.

What do I need for this skate route?

Of course, you need a good pair of skates. They have to be the right size and comfortable, because you are going to make a big trip with them. If you are still planning to do things during the skating route, it may also be useful to bring normal shoes so that you can change them. Furthermore, we advise you to have suitable clothes, both comfortable clothing and something against the rain (because yes, in the Netherlands there can sometimes be a shower …). Having a backpack is handy, then you always have water with you and you can take something to snack on with you.

For beginners, a first aid kit is recommended. Sometimes you go a bit harder than intended and an accident is then in a small corner. If you do not often skate long distances, blister plasters are also a must! For your safety, wearing good protection is important. Therefore, make sure you have a good inline helmet and a protective set for wrists, elbows and knees.

Sleeping somewhere?

The route is easily accessible via the farm where there are a number of cute gypsy wagons. Spend the night in the middle of nature to relax after such a day of rollerblading. Make your day truly unique and experience life on the farm. Are you going out with the family? Then this gypsy wagon for 4 people or this gypsy wagon with box bed is ideal! On an adventure as a couple? Then you have the choice of this spacious gypsy wagon with seating area or a small cozy gypsy wagon.

Does this inline skating route seem like a fun activity for this summer? Do not hesitate long, book your gypsy wagon in Bunschoten-Spakenburg and put on your skates!

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Alsace, a region of tradition and gastronomy in the north-east of France, is a destination full of attractions that lovers of discovery and authenticity will undoubtedly appreciate. Rich in history, Alsace has been the scene of battles between France and Germany several times over the centuries. To this day, the traces of German influence are visible and rooted in Alsatian culture. Sustainaway has selected the must see in Alsace for a unique stay rich in history, culture and especially nature.

Go on a city trip and discover the historical heritage of Alsace (France)

If you’re in Alsace, there are some highlights you shouldn’t miss like Strasbourg. As the European capital and capital of Alsace, Strasbourg is appreciated for its Gothic cathedral and the picturesque Petite France district. There you can see typical Alsatian houses along the canals and eat in traditional restaurants. The city has one of the largest museum networks in France including the Musée d’Art Moderne et Contemporain de Strasbourg (MAMCS) but also the Historical Museum of Strasbourg or the Alsatian Museum. Lovers of heritage, culture and the art of living have every chance to fall in love with Strasbourg!

Colmar is also a typical Alsatian town to visit. An hour from Strasbourg, Colmar is especially famous for its romantic Little Venice, Unterlinden museum and the small villages nearby. So if you’re going to Colmar, don’t hesitate to go to nearby towns such as the beautiful fortified town of Riquewihr, Ribeauvillé or Kaysersberg.

Dive into nature and make your stay in Alsace sustainable

Between the Vosges and the Rhine, Alsace has an exceptional nature with breathtaking landscapes. You can discover Alsace by bike along the mythical Wine Route and cycle through picturesque villages, vineyards, mountains and forests. In addition, the region is located at the intersection of three EuroVelo cycle routes, of which the Rhine Cycle Route EuroVelo 15 goes all the way to Rotterdam.

Beautiful hiking tours

You can also make beautiful and long hikes in the Vosges massif. The huge forest areas and the famous peaks such as the Hohneck, Grand Ballon and the Donon, are popular with hikers. Around important tourist places such as the high castle of Haut-Koenigsbourg or the monastery of Mont Sainte-Odile you can also walk beautifully.

Alternatives?

Want to discover alsatian nature in a sustainable way? Choose paragliding over the Vosges, canyoning in the Ried or descend the mountains on a scooter!

More information about a stay in Alsace can be found on our site. Are you still looking for a holiday home in the region? Book your stay on Sustainaway.nl

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