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Grenada Resort Fine Tunes Sustainable Approach |
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LA TANTE, GRENADA, WEST INDIES, Oct. 31 -/E-Wire/--
Paradise Bay, the first resort with a utility-grade windmill takes sustainable tourism a few steps further by implementing sustainability in every aspect of her activities. Unique is the Carbon Free Vacation program that offsets the carbon dioxide emission for flight and stay of every guest. Organic amenities are locally made the organic meat comes from small local farmers, while the resort has an organic vegetable garden. The new Volunteer Vacation allows guests to assist local farmers with the resort's Agriculture Revitalization Program and social projects.
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Energy
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In March 2007 they installed a 80 kW windmill with an expected yearly yield of 180,000 kWh. It is the first utility-grade windmill installed at a resort/hotel. With 120,000 kWh usage the resort will be better than zero carbon as the excess energy goes to the utility network.
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Paradise Bay uses air conditioners with heat recovery units, which convert the heat loss into hot water, in addition to using solar water heaters/lights, a high efficiency dish washer with hot water connection and of course energy saving light bulbs.
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Last July/ August the resort sold energy saving light bulbs to the local public and offered them a free lunch for every 4 light bulbs purchased, combined with an energy seminar.
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Carbon Free Vacation
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Paradise Bay is implementing a mandatory carbon offset program where all flights, local transport/activities by guests will be offset by carbon credits. The guest's vacation is therefore guaranteed carbon neutral. The carbon offset program plants trees in Ethiopia which has additional social and ecological benefits. For a typical transatlantic flight almost 40 trees will be planted many more than other offset programs that do not consider the re-emission of carbon dioxide after the lifetime of the tree. The Carbon Free Vacation applies for every guest, but the prices were not increased.
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Water
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Paradise Bay built a surface well with underground channels to collect the rainwater from the hills around the resort. As there is neither industry nor inorganic agriculture the water is extremely pure.
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Laundry
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The resort asks guests to keep using the towels and bed linen as long as is comfortable for them.
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Use of organic materials
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From December 2007, the resort exclusively uses organic soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion in dispensers, cleaning materials. They use organic meat and vegetables, mostly from their own organic gardens. They preferably purchase locally made goods.
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Social responsibility
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Paradise Bay hires local staff where possible so the area benefits from the resort's presence. After hurricane Ivan the resort set up Recovery Grenada Council to distribute food, water, medicines, vitamin pills, seeds, help local cultural organizations with in kind donations, assist local NGO's and financially supports projects (this year the reconstruction of the Berean Christian Academy).
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In January 2008 the resort starts a social community service program, as well as green energy/conversation awareness programs.
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In April 2008 the resort starts a agriculture revitalization program for crop and tree farmers. Many of them never restarted their farm after hurricane Ivan, moved into construction work and are now unemployed and without reserves. The program helps clearing their overgrown land and by providing manure, seeds, and advice.
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The resort is seeking sponsors to complementarily support the program with tools, greenhouse and irrigation materials against full credit in press releases, articles and website, the farmer's gratitude - many of them now in a futureless position- and the satisfaction of making a real difference.
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For these programs Paradise Bay introduced the Volunteer Vacation that offers a healthy balance between volunteer work and enjoying the island. Paradise Bay is now calling volunteers for 3-6 week periods. Contact Info:
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James Post
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Paradise Bay Resort and Spa
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E-mail : jamespost@spiceisle.com
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Tel : (++1) 473 405 8888 Website : Paradise Bay Resort and Spa
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