Sustainable Travel – Reed Family Linen

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EARN REWARDS
Journal / Travel / Sustainable Travel
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Sustainable Travel

What Can We All Do? You might be feeling a little overwhelmed ahead of the festive sea-son, but the truth is, for every conscious decision, our beautiful planet sighs a little sigh of relief. Our decisions do matter, they do add up and we do have the power to make small changes that help to affect change.

We supply some of Africa’s most progressive camps and lodges with our beautiful linens, we are always inspired by the tireless commitment to conservation and eco tourism and implore you to add this remarkable continent to your travel list for 2022. 

Singita |

Singita launched their One Planet Action Plan in 2013, they are focused on building sustainable relationships with local communities and the practical implementation of eco-friendly measures in and around the lodges. Solar geysers for hot water, energy efficient lighting, improved waste management and borehole maintenance are their main projects. Singita’s total carbon footprint  is stabilising and the per guest bed night emissions have fallen significantly.

Field patrols have meant the lowest number of animals killed by illegal means since 2003. Singita’s future goals of generating 100% of electricity from renewable resources, reducing the extraction of water from boreholes by half and the creation of new jobs for local residents makes their camps dreamy green destinations.

Twsalu |

Twsalu’s main focus has been on water conservation and waste reduction. In order to reduce their environmental footprint each year, they eliminate the use of non-recyclable and single-use items in camp. For example, picnic food and game-drive snacks are transported and served in reusable glass containers. All cleaning products and spa amenities are biodegradable. Twsalu has also eliminated all single-use plastics in its kitchens.

They are committed to the planting of Kalahari adapted plants that require little to no irrigation. This helps reduce water waste on gardening in a water-stressed area.

A partnership with The Long Run, will introduce staff to the sustainable usage of resources at home in our employee villages. An inspired lodge that is worthy of a place at the top of anyone’s eco travel dream list.

Londolozi |

Established in 1926, Londolozi pioneered ecotourism in South Africa. Transforming from a cattle ranch into a thriving game reserve. The Londolozi camps have been at the helm of harnessing renewable energy and state of the art wastewater treatment facilities. They are continuously looking for innovative methods of reducing their footprint. The positive impacts of ecotourism filter through hotels and lodges and into the surrounding areas. By staying at Londolozi, you’ll be contributing to NGO’s such as the Good Work Foundation and the Tracker Academy which are revolutionising education in rural Africa, preserving ancient knowledge and providing careers paths for young people in surrounding areas.

Singita launched their One Planet Action Plan in 2013, they are focused on building sustainable relationships with local communities and the practical implementation of eco-friendly measures in and around the lodges.

How you can have a lighter footprint when travelling |

  • You can do our research and choose destinations that value sustainability and eco tourism.
  • You can consider within reason how you get to our destination.
  • You can look into booking eco-conscious accommodation.
  • You can support local economies and opt for sustainable activities.
  • You can reduce your food and plastic waste, as well as support local restaurants, farm shops and food vendors.
  • You can limit your energy use and conserve water.

It is within our power to leave a place better than we found it, by respecting local culture, supporting small businesses, leaving informative and accurate reviews online and donating time or recourses to local a local cause.

Our planet is in danger. Climate change is causing extreme temperatures and some places are even disappearing. The Maldives are sinking into the ocean, and some scientists estimate Glacier National Park will not have any glaciers left by 2030 unless we all start thinking differently about our footprint.

We have a profound responsibility to move through this world with more respect and awareness. Responsible hotels, lodges and tour companies will have information about their sustainability initiatives on their website. Look for certifications. Check that their list of certification groups have ‘agreed upon’ global standards.

A very small but practical way to travel more sustainably is to bring a BPA-free water bottle and refill it with filtered water throughout your trip.

  • Twsalu’s main focus has been on water conservation and waste reduction. In order to reduce their environmental footprint each year, they eliminate the use of non-recyclable and single-use items in camp.

We like to travel with our re usable coffee cups aswell. Especially if we are exploring a city and plan on coffee shop hopping.

Cut down on your plastic usage by bringing reusable bags, too. If you’re staying at a hotel, ask them about their recycling program for any waste you might produce during your stay. 

We are all on this learning curve together, but what our daughter has taught us, is that we have to try, and when we fail, we have to do better next time.

A little Reed travel Tip, we take a Reed pillowcase with us for each family member on weekends and short trips away. We use the pillowcases as laundry bags and separate out our dirty laundry. We bring it all home, where we know we launder it responsibly with bio degradable washing powder and no commercial fabric softeners.

We’d love to hear what small change you are making to your Christmas trip this year and what tips you have for more sustainable trips? 

Happy & Safe Travels,

Karen Reed.

Images – Singita Lodges – https://singita.com/

Adriaan Louw + Photography

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