This year, the entire Naéco Hostels team has decided to create an online advent calendar, to share with you daily tips that are rooted in a more eco-responsible approach.
This year, the entire Naéco Hostels team has decided to create an online advent calendar, to share with you daily tips that are part of a more eco-responsible approach. For this first part, we're sharing things you can do to make your stay greener.
By nature, travel doesn't rhyme with ecology. But there are simple things we can do to help protect the planet! One of the fundamental dimensions of a "green" trip is respect for the environment. There are a number of simple yet effective actions we can take to help. Read on for our key tips on how to be the best green traveler!
Day 1: Travelling light
When traveling, plan to pack light. We often tend to pack a lot of "just in case" items in our bags or suitcases, which weigh us down more than anything else. And this extra weight affects fuel consumption. Cargo, roof boxes, roof racks or bike racks reduce your vehicle's aerodynamics. The result is an extra fuel consumption of 10 to 20%!
As a matter of fact, 100kg of load = +5% of fuel consumption.
At Naéco Hostels, to help you travel lighter, we provide you with everything you need to live like at home! You'll find our fully-equipped kitchen and barbecue facilities, on-site bike hire and in-room linen and towels that you don't need to pack in your suitcases!
And whether you're a cyclist, surfer or paddleboarder, you can rent your equipment from our partners all around our facilities.
Day 2: Favouring soft modes of transport
For our visitors coming from afar, the best alternative is to come by train. Indeed, to this day, it remains the greenest alternative.
For example, a journey between Paris and Audierne represents 0.22 tonnes of CO2 (tCO2) by plane, 0.12 tCO2 by car, but only 0.01 tCO2 by train.
There are also buses, bicycles and, for those who are very sporty, you can even visit us on foot!
Travelling by soft transport also means getting back in touch with "taking your time", a key concept in the practice of slow tourism. In fact, you can use this tool to calculate your footprint according to the mode of transport you use, and the journey you're about to make.
Favoring soft modes of travel also has many advantages: economic, with a reduction in your gasoline budget; social, with an improvement in your quality of life through less stress and fatigue; and environmental, with less noise and odor pollution.
If you come to one of our establishments on foot, you'll benefit from a special rate valid all year round.
Day 3: Using a water bottle
It's always more sensible to have a stainless steel water bottle, to quench your thirst without damaging your health or the environment. The plastic used in PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles is suspected of containing endocrine disruptors that migrate into the liquid.
They also have a number of negative impacts on the environment: oil- and resin-based manufacturing, synonymous with wasted resources, pollution of seas and oceans...
The water bottle has economic and ecological aspects, but it's also very trendy! On the market, they come in many shapes, colors and sizes. There's a wide choice to suit your needs, your budget and your taste! Reusable, Bisphenol-A-free plastic, stainless steel, glass, with cover, isothermal, filtering - there's a bottle for everyone, and a design to suit every taste!
The water bottle is also a solid, durable object, because you can use it anywhere - at home, at work, during sport - and it's easy to clean, so it won't retain unpleasant odors! The water bottle is therefore a real asset that must be packed into your suitcase for a stay in the great outdoors!
Day 4: Choosing the right sunscreen
Chemical compounds present in sunscreens can leach into the oceans, attacking marine flora and fauna, and corals in particular.
When you swim with sunscreen on your skin, chemical compounds like oxybenzone can seep into the water and be absorbed by corals.
Even if you don't go swimming after applying sunscreen, it can still run off while you're showering. Aerosols often spray large quantities of sunscreen into the sand, eventually washing into the oceans. Every year, some 14,000 tonnes of sunscreen end up in the sea. So it's important to choose your sunscreen carefully, before you head out into the sunshine.
It's also important to know that, without our protection, prolonged exposure to the sun can lead to sunburn and, in the long term, to skin cancer and accelerated skin ageing, and at Naéco we love beautiful skin!
Day 5: For smokers, remember to carry a pocket ashtray.
Throwing a cigarette butt on the ground, in a gutter or in the water (sea or river) has unfortunate consequences for the environment.
A cigarette butt takes between 4 and 12 years to disappear. It releases heavy metals and pollutants such as nicotine, cadmium and lead.
These toxic substances are harmful to terrestrial and marine fauna and flora.
Always have something to keep your cigarette butts with you before you throw them out, because as well as being environmentally friendly, this little object is also very functional!
When you're a smoker, the pocket ashtray is a more practical way of storing cigarette butts than leaving them in a packet. There's no risk of them blowing away, there's no smell, the box is easy to open by simply pressing the lid, and it's easy to store in a bag.
Day 6: Having a reusable bag
Replacing plastic bags with cloth ones will also prevent them from flying into the sea, suffocating marine animals in the process, or polluting land.
For several years now, tote bags have been our new darlings! They're ideal for all your shopping needs, or for carrying cutlery or meals when you're out and about.
It's also very practical, fitting easily in the bottom of your handbag or in the boot of your car. The advantage of having it close at hand is that you can take it out at any time to carry your groceries, thus refusing the disposable bags offered at the checkout.
In addition to being a perfect alternative to plastic bags, it's sturdy, machine-washable and long-lasting, so you can reuse it endlessly!
Similarly, tote bags come in all shapes, colors and sizes, from 10 liters ideal for shopping to 26 liters ideal for big errands. The tote bag is the essential fashion accessory available for every taste!
Day 7: Focus on solid cosmetics (soap, shampoo, deodorant...)
Ideal for the environment, solid cosmetics are more eco-friendly, both in their composition and in their packaging.
In comparison, liquid products such as shower gels tend to run out very quickly. The advantage of a solid product is its shelf life: you only use what you need. For example, one solid shampoo is equivalent to 3 x 250ml bottles of liquid shampoo! As well as often being 100% natural, solid products are also kinder to your skin!
They're perfect for travelers, as they're easier to carry around: in a small box, in a washcloth... And we're also done with soap dripping all over our toilet bag! They take up much less space in our luggage, and with this gesture we're taking part in our Day 1 tip: lighten your luggage!
Day 8: Rent bikes on site
Whether you're a sports enthusiast or just want to feast your eyes, there's nothing better than discovering a region on two wheels!
At Naéco Hostels, there's a multitude of sporting and cultural activities within easy cycling distance of our establishments: restaurants, beaches, coastal paths, historic sites...
By bike, you can take the time to admire the scenery around you, get a breath of fresh air, and why not explore the little hidden corners in the heart of Brittany!
Renting bicycles also allows you to take care of your environment, reduce pollution and practice the green attitude during your stay!
Day 9: Choose local food over the big chains
Today, it's well known that large fast-food chains have a considerable impact on our environment.
Consuming locally is a concept that has been gaining in popularity over the last few years. But what exactly does it mean to be a "locavore"? It's someone who buys only seasonal produce, and buys his or her everyday goods from small local producers.
At Naéco, we work a lot with our local artisans because we like to get them up and running, and go out of our way to meet them. We're all about proximity!
In our park, our little bees even produce our own honey, which is available to our guests every morning on our breakfast buffet!
By choosing to eat locally during your stay, you'll be able to give life to small local businesses, get a taste of the local heritage, discover new flavors and appreciate the know-how of our region. It's also an opportunity to learn a new way of cooking or seasoning food, and why not even go home with new ideas for everyday dishes.
Day 10: Choosing the right activities
When you arrive in Southern Brittany, you can choose from dozens of different activities, and not all of them have the same impact on ecosystems.
Motorized sports such as jet-skiing, quad biking and motorboating are also highly polluting!
So if you want to choose eco-responsible activities, avoid those based on the intensive use of an engine.
When out in nature, respect it! Don't cut plants or remove rocks or coral, and be mindful of animals and ecosystems.
Choose activities that require little transport (and prefer public transport): if you have to drive 2 hours to find the perfect spot for your surf session, it won't be very eco-friendly anyway.
And of course, if you can, choose activities that support local businesses! At Naéco, we're partners with ESB, which is just a stone's throw away from our facilities, making it the perfect place to go surfing without polluting!
Day 11: Disconnect!
What if your vacations were also an opportunity to disconnect?
When you can get out in the sun, go for a walk, visit, do some sport, go to the beach or into nature... Why stay in front of an energy-consuming television or computer? Take advantage of this green holiday to get some fresh air, to enjoy yourself, to discover...
At Naéco, disconnection is our watchword, thanks to our concept of overnight stays in lodges or cabins. The opportunity for our customers to enjoy an unusual stay is first and foremost to experience something out of the ordinary, transporting them to another world, "out of time" just for a weekend or for longer periods.
And as a reminder, when you leave home, remember to disconnect all your equipment, and avoid leaving your appliances in standby mode in an empty house.
Day 12: Choose accommodations that are already eco-responsible
At Naéco Hostels, we do our best to promote sustainable tourism.
On a daily basis, we also try to implement actions to reduce the impact of your stay on the planet.
To this end, we have created a charter for our establishments, focusing on 4 key areas: water, waste, energy and social responsibility. This provides us with a guideline to best direct our actions, and achieve the various objectives we have set ourselves.
We also have our Naeco#Responsable association, whose mission is to create, support and accompany ecological and socially responsible projects in the localities where we operate.
Our actions through this association focus on 3 areas: preserving nature and the oceans, introducing disabled people to outdoor activities, and raising children's awareness of ecology and nature.
After a first part with our tips for a greener holiday, we're sharing with you today and until Christmas, our tips and recipes that we can use and implement on a daily basis to go green.
Cleaning your home with natural products is healthy, easy and inexpensive, thanks to a few essentials and good homemade recipes. Today, we present a non-exhaustive list of what we consider to be the essentials to have in your cupboards.
- Microfiber sponges
- Vinegar
- Baking soda
- Soda crystals
- Black soap
- Marseille soap (liquid and/or solid)
And as an option, you can add to your preparations depending on the recipe:
- Essential oils for their properties and scents
- Sodium percarbonate Lemon juice
- Linseed oil
With all these ingredients, you have the basics for making your own household products, from all-surface cleaners to laundry detergents.
Day 13. Recipe: multi-purpose cleaner
This recipe is perfect for cleaning most surfaces: kitchen worktops, tables, even floor marks! Best of all, it takes just 5 minutes to prepare.
Ingredients:
- Water
- 2 tablespoons black soap
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 1L bottle / flask
Steps :
- Fill bottle 3/4 full with lukewarm water
- Add bicarbonate and mix
- As an option, you can add essential oil at this stage.
- Pour soap
- Close the bottle and shake
- Top up with water and mix a final time.
In just a few simple steps, you'll have a cleaner based on natural products, enabling you to scrub away the little stains of everyday life.
Day 14: Removing stubborn stains
You may have burnt marks or dirt on your stove or sink.
Before using a chemical product, try our much greener tip:
- Mix two tablespoons baking soda with two tablespoons fine salt.
- Add water to make a soft dough.
Option: add a few drops of citrus essential oils to enhance its cleansing power and scent.
Then, simply scoop out some with a sponge and gently scrub all bathroom or kitchen surfaces, and you're done!
Day 15: Recipe: Dishwashing detergent
This homemade recipe is perfect for cleaning and degreasing your dishes, while reducing waste.
For 500mL of product you need :
- 200g liquid Marseille soap
- 200g liquid black soap
- a little water or vinegar, depending on use
Steps: Mix the 2 soaps with a little water or vinegar in a dispenser. And you're done!
Our little tip: you can add a few aromatic herbs to your preparation, such as thyme or rosemary, which have antiseptic virtues while cleaning and disinfecting.
Day 16: Recipe: WC product
Sanitary cleaning products are highly polluting, and sometimes even very expensive. Here's a recipe for cleaning, disinfecting and perfuming your toilets without harming nature.
For 1L of product, you need :
- 500mL white vinegar
- 500mL water
- 4CS cornflour
- Optional: a few drops of essential oils
For your preparation :
- Pour 440 ml water and 500 ml vinegar into the saucepan.
- Bring to the boil. In a bowl, dilute starch with 60 ml water.
- When the water/vinegar mixture is boiling, whisk in the contents of the bowl.
- Stir for a few seconds over the heat, then leave to cool.
- In the second bowl, combine 40 ml vinegar and essential oil.
- Pour this mixture into the cooled pan. Stir one last time.
- Pour into the recycled bottle and label.
This product is used for regular maintenance, to keep washrooms clean and fresh.
Day 17: Tips for the home: saving water
We're all too aware that water is becoming increasingly scarce and important. Today we're giving you some tips (that we tend to forget) on how to save water at home and do good for the planet:
Our recipe:
- Do not leave the water running when using the taps.
- When you brush your teeth or wash your hands
- When shaving or doing the dishes, don't leave the tap running. Turn it off and on again.
This will prevent you from consuming up to 12 liters per minute... for nothing!
- Taking a shower rather than a bath. This goes without saying for many people, and in fact, homes hardly have any bathtubs any more. Remember to apply the technique to children too.
- Press the flush button for less time. Toilet flushes release a certain volume of water, depending on the opening required when the button is pressed. If you control the pressure, you can release less water with your traditional flush. Remember that every time you flush, 5 liters of drinking water are used to flush your toilet...!
- Reuse cooking water. Once cooled, you can use it to water your plants, which will benefit from the elements in the water derived from the heated food.
Day 18: Recipe for your glass product
It's easy to make your own window cleaner to spray on your windows when you need to clean!
For 1L of product, you need :
- 340 ml white vinegar (about 1/3 of the final bottle).
- 660 ml water (about 2/3 of the final bottle).
- Optional: 12 to 20 drops of essential oils, such as lemon, Scots pine or tea tree.
This recipe couldn't be simpler:
- Pour the vinegar into a bottle.
- Add the essential oils and mix.
- Complete with water.
- Mix together
You can then wash and wipe your tiles with microfiber sponges to prevent streaking!
Day 19: Liquid detergent
Commercially available detergents can be highly polluting for the water into which they are discharged.
Today we'd like to offer you a more natural and ecological recipe for washing your clothes.
For 2L of detergent :
- 1 large handful Marseille soap
- 1 tablespoon soda crystals or baking soda
- 2L water, including 1L to heat
Steps :
- Grate soap into shavings if it is in block form.
- Pour 1 liter of boiling water into the bucket, along with the Marseille soap shavings.
- Stir until dissolved.
- Add the soda crystals (if the water is still hot, otherwise melt the crystals in a little hot water separately).
- Mix or blend if necessary.
- Pour into canister.
- Add 1 liter of cold water. Do not overfill.
- Close and shake.
You can also add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to delicately scent your linen.
Day 20: Gentle, healthy fabric softener
You've been dreaming of ultra-soft laundry that perfumes the whole house! Here's the recipe for a gentle fabric softener that's kind to sensitive skin:
You will need :
- White vinegar + essential oils of your choice (lavender, eucalyptus...)
- A glass lemonade bottle
- A funnel
For manufacturing :
- Fill a quarter of the bottle with vinegar and top up the rest with water.
- Add a dozen drops of essential oils and shake well before each use.
- For each machine cycle, fill the fabric softener compartment with this mixture. It will dissolve the limescale in the water, soften the linen and give it a light citrus scent. The vinegar scent evaporates during drying.
Day 21: Floor cleaner recipe
We all love it when the floors in our home shine! Especially during the festive season, when everything has to be spotless!
For our 1L recipe:
- Pour 250ml of liquid black soap into a large container with 40gr of baking soda and 700ml of water.
- Mix well.
- Gradually pour in 25 cl of white vinegar, still stirring.
- If necessary, add a few drops of lemon essential oil.
Your floor cleaner is ready!
Day 22: Replacing dishwasher shelves
Chemical cleaners that you slip into the dishwasher are not very environmentally friendly.
Fortunately, you can concoct a highly effective homemade dishwasher powder.
To make this natural, ecological, zero waste and economical alternative, all you have to do is make the right mixes!
For the recipe:
- Finely grate 3 teaspoons Marseille soap.
- Then add 3 tablespoons of sodium percarbonate, 3 of baking soda, 3 more of soda crystals and 1 of salt.
- Store in an airtight jar.
- To wash, place a generous spoonful in the dedicated compartment and add half a teaspoon of citric acid.
Day 23: Wrap your gifts in an eco-friendly way!
It's good for the environment to avoid unnecessary packaging. At Christmas, wrapping paper is used in large volumes, and not always properly sorted after unwrapping.
What's more, it's an element that doesn't recycle very well: while kraft paper can be recycled, this isn't the case for metallized, glittery or plasticized gift wrapping, which has to be disposed of with household waste. Unluckily, they're the ones most frequently used!
Fortunately, there are other solutions. They often require more time and creativity, but they're much more economical. That's right, this Christmas, we've decided to think recycled!
Here are a few ideas for wrapping a gift without wrapping paper for a zero-waste Christmas:
- Recover cardboard boxes.
- Use glass jars.
- Wrap with fabric scraps.
- Little plus: This old newspaper or brown paper bag can add an undeniable touch to your gift wrapping and impress your guests!
Day 24: Avoid food waste by sharing leftovers!
Wrap with all kinds of paper: newsprint, kraft paper, road maps, world maps or magazine paper.
To round off our Naéco Advent calendar, we're thinking about sharing and happiness, and on Christmas Day we're all going to get in the kitchen and cook our hearts out!
We often tend to over-plan for fear that our guests will run out of something, and we end up with weeks' worth of tupperware that ends up in the garbage can!
So for this last green tip, we invite you to share your leftovers to avoid food waste!
Plan small surprise containers to give to your guests as they leave! At the end of the festive season, you can also deliver surplus food in airtight boxes to charities or sick people. As for bread, avoid pre-slicing all your baguettes. If everyone uses their knife to help themselves, there's no need to throw away the surplus. Afterwards, you can freeze the extra bread to preserve it.
The entire Naéco team wishes you a wonderful Christmas Eve!
