Every one of our actions and lifestyle choices has an impact on ourselves, our surroundings, and of course, our planet. Our daily routine and the greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) produced by a number of our actions leave a lasting “mark” on the planet, which is known as our Carbon Footprint. But not all hope is lost, keep reading to learn about how you can reduce your print on the planet, by being more eco-friendly at home, and even while on vacation.

According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (2019), the tourism sector generates 5% of total global GHG emissions (Greenhouse Gasses), and although this may seem like a small percentage compared to other industries or sectors, it is still significant. There are a number of changes that we can carry out as individuals and as a company in an effort to lessen climate change derived from high concentrations of GHG.

Step 1: Calculate Your Carbon Footprint

Of course, being conscious of the damage that we are causing the earth is the initial step in order for change to take place. The next step is to calculate how much our lifestyle contributes to GHG emissions, which will help us to identify where we can cut back on or eliminate certain activities altogether. A few things to take into account are the amount of solid waste (garbage) that is being generated at home or when traveling abroad, our fuel consumption, and electricity use.

Thanks to our technological advancements, we have been able to make this analysis at each of our resorts, identify potential areas for improvement, and therefore implement changes to reduce gas emissions, or in some cases achieve carbon neutrality, without having a negative impact on our service or overall guest’ experience.

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Step 2: Take Action

Did you know that you can help the planet by implementing the circular economy in your day-to-day routine, and also while on vacations? By incorporating the 3 R’s (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle) you can become the change you want to see in a responsible and sustainable movement.

Given that the reduction in our carbon footprint and overall sustainable initiative is a highly important topic for us, we’ve created 4 pillars that will help us achieve our goals:

  • The production of compost from food scraps, which prevents 680 tons of organic waste from reaching landfill sites every year.
  • Energy efficiency has been achieved by overhauling our resorts with energy-efficient light bulbs or LEDs, as well as by implementing automated systems in the air conditioners and motion sensors for all lighting equipment in the rooms, and reducing the light intensity in our outdoor areas at night. Thanks to this, a few of our properties in Cancun and the Riviera Maya, such as Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancun, Beach Palace, Sun Palace, Playacar Palace, and Cozumel Palace, have achieved a green energy supply of 90% of their total consumption. Likewise, our Distribution Center (CEDIS) and Moon Palace Jamaica bear a clean energy supply through solar panels.
  • Use of biofuels: We process 300 liters of used cooking oil and convert it into biodiesel on a daily basis, which is then used to power 6 tractors that are used to remove and clean the beaches from sargassum. We have been able to reduce up to 80% of the emission of greenhouse gasses compared to the use of traditional diesel (fossil fuel).
  • Conservation of the Protected Natural Area: We have allocated 315.72 hectares (780 acres) of natural areas as a Protected Nature Reserve, devoted to preserving vegetation and conserving native wildlife. The presence of mangrove in this reserve serves as a receptacle for blue carbon as it removes carbon dioxide—one of the GHGs—from the atmosphere and ocean. In other words, it acts as a kind of “bank” by contributing to the carbon capturing process, in addition to providing shelter to many endangered species. Given all these vital contributions, it is important for us to maintain and nourish what can be considered as the lung of the Riviera Maya.

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During your stay at our resorts, you can also take part in our efforts to reduce your carbon footprint. A few actions that we recommend are changing your towels and sheets as little as possible (at your convenience, of course), minimizing the use of disposable bottles, using a single towel while sunbathing in the pool or beach, and lastly, minimizing the waste of food.

But why stop there? If we want to create a global impact then we must carry on these initiatives at home. You can generate compost with your food waste, perhaps grow a garden, redecorate your house with energy-efficient light bulbs, and most importantly, make sure you turn the lights off every time you leave a room. You can even take things a step further by properly disposing of your oil, separating your garbage; walking instead of using your car, and buying in bulk instead of using numerous plastic containers. But don’t panic, start small, and soon you’ll realize that reducing your carbon footprint is well within your reach.

The most exciting news is that we are currently working on creating a carbon footprint calculator so that our guests and convention attendees can stay on track during their stay at any of our resorts. This way we can learn and work collectively, creating an impact around the world through these environmental projects set forth by Palace Resorts or Pronatura Yucatán.

So let’s begin our journey in an effort to help the planet, and remember that even on vacation, you can live an eco-friendly hospitality experience that will contribute to the reduction of your carbon footprint.