growing a green business

With climate change and environmental preservation firmly on the national agenda, it’s heartening to see proactive steps being taken towards the future. We salute those in the tourism industry showing the way forward

WORDS PHOENIX ARRIEN

Trekking through Time – Tarkine Trails

Tarkine Trails is a company with a proactive approach to protecting Tasmania’s pristine environment, particularly the Tarkine rainforest: the largest old-growth temperate rainforest in the southern hemisphere. Established to provide a positive economic alternative to logging and mining in the area, Tarkine Trails leads multi-day guided walking tours in the Tarkine and other parts of Tasmania.

Tarkine Trails’ commitment to conservation is apparent in every facet of its tours, which include “minimal impact” treks, base camping and special-interest walks. Besides serving organic food and using 100% post-consumer waste recycled paper, the company offsets the carbon emissions the business creates by paying Carbon Neutral to plant native trees. Over the years, they have donated AU$50,000 to environmental organisations working to protect old-growth forests. And when organising fundraising walks with groups such as the National Geographic Society, they donate a percentage of their takings back to the fundraising group.

Mark Davis, marketing manager of Tarkine Trails, says: “Our business was built to provide economic evidence that the Tarkine could be managed as a tourism destination. Only 5% of the Tarkines’ 447,000ha is in national park, so by introducing people to it in an educational context, we’ve created an economic justification for its protection.” Tel: +61 (3) 6223 5320.

Good to Sea – Reef Check

Photo: Christopher
HamiltonWith 2008 earmarked as International Year of the Reef, the United Nations’ official community-based coral reef-monitoring program, Reef Check Australia, is doing all it can to focus the spotlight on saving Australia’s reefs.

The organisation has rolled out many programs to raise public awareness about the plight of reefs. Helping Reef Check can be as simple as signing a petition, becoming a member, offering a donation or you can get hands-on by helping scientists collect data on reef health. The EcoAction program, for example, is unique in that it empowers ecotourists to collect and report reef health data themselves.

Managing director of Reef Check Australia, Jos Hill, says: “The EcoAction program requires no previous experience. The materials and training available accommodate every age and experience level, encouraging kids and adults alike to actively participate in the conservation of Australia’s coral reefs.”

The first level, Reef Check Adventures, brings the world of coral reefs to children aged seven to 12 years through an illustrated book with activities. The subsequent Underwater Reef Guide program enhances the diving and snorkelling experience by asking volunteers to identify 50 organisms using a waterproof guide, then submit their data online.

Proceeds from the sale of these EcoAction products are used to fund Reef Check conservation efforts. www.reefcheckaustralia.org

Feels Good – Yelverton Brook Luxury Spa Eco-Chalets

Yelverton Brook, in Western Australia’s Margaret River region, successfully combines comfort with conservation. This beautiful retreat is a place to sip an organic Margaret River wine while enjoying an outdoor hot tub as native wildlife hop about.

This 100-acre property has become a conservation sanctuary thanks to the predator-proof fence surrounding it, which keeps out feral animals and allows native species such as bandicoots and kangaroos to thrive. The introduction of a breeding program for rare and endangered native fauna means visitors can see woylies (a 30cm high kangaroo) and brushtailed bettongs bouncing around.

Yelverton Brook has also implemented many innovative environmental measures, such as reducing their power and water usage to ensure visitors can enjoy their stay with good conscience.

Owners Joy and Simon Ensor have even more plans in store. “We’re going to 100% natural power and offering carbon credits and Aussie native animal adoption certificates to help our endangered native wildlife breeding programs.”

The results speak for themselves: in 2007 Yelverton Brook became the only tourism business in Australia to be a finalist in the Australian Banksia Environmental Awards. “Clients see our commitment to the environment and appreciate all the little things we offer… [they see] how easy it is to use recycled paper products and do chemical-free cleaning,” says Joy. www.yelvertonbrook.com.au

A Bright Idea – Hidden Valley Cabins

Situated on the Paluma Range, 90 minutes northwest of Townsville, Queensland, Hidden Valley Cabins and Tours has become Australia’s first carbon-neutral accommodation and tourism operator. It’s also the country’s first 100% solar-powered resort, resulting in a staggering 78 tonnes of CO² emissions being saved per year.

Despite boasting creature comforts such as a swimming pool, restaurant and TV room, the idyllic resort operates with absolutely no support from the power grid and after reducing its carbon emissions, it went ahead and purchased carbon credits to neutralise the remaining output.

Tourism Minister Desley Boyle congratulated operators Ian and Bonnie McLennan for their efforts in ensuring that not only the present beauty of their resort is protected, but “the future is in good hands as well”.

Other carbon-friendly initiatives include the use of energy-saving compact fluorescent bulbs, minimising waste and recycling, and there are plans to make the water pumping solar powered. Says Bonnie: “Going green is a very worthwhile achievement. Pursue your local and federal government bodies to assist you achieve your goals.” The result is a beautiful wilderness resort that is eco-smart to boot. www.hiddenvalleycabins.com.au

ECOBALI

EcoBali is a non-profit organisation set up in 2005 by a small group of like-minded individuals who saw the need to combat the problem of an ever-growing rubbish mountain in Bali. EcoBali promotes and supports the responsible disposal of waste by providing hands-on recycling and waste disposal services, as well as through education and training programs at both the school and community level.

The organisation runs a recycling service in southern Bali, servicing schools, private businesses and hotels in partnership with Jimbaran Lestari recycling centre, where currently around 2.5 tonnes of material are being separated and shipped to Java each month for recycling.

EcoBali’s latest initiative has been to team up with corporate giant Tetra Pak to promote the collection and recycling of beverage cartons. Once considered un-recyclable, technology has now been developed to separate them into their component parts of paper, plastic and aluminium and these are then recycled into new products.

EcoBali addresses the need for a viable economic value chain for recycling to work. The fact that a major corporation like Tetra Pak is involved in this socially responsible initiative bodes well for Bali’s future. – Michael Travers

On the Edge – Great Ocean Ecolodge @ The Cape Otway Centre for Conservation Ecology

The Great Ocean Road’s Great Otway National Park is renowned for its spectacular sunsets and abundant wildlife, making it the perfect setting for the The Cape Otway Centre. Founded by ecologists as a wildlife rehabilitation and ecological research centre, visitors stay next door in solar-powered accommodation, shower under collected rainwater using locally-made natural soaps, and eat the lodge’s own organic veggies. Waste water is used for irrigation, the buildings are made from sustainable materials and heating is carefully produced from renewable resources.

Owners Lizzie Corke (named the Prime Minister’s Environmentalist of the Year in 2005) and Shayne Neal say the eco-approach is proving effective. “Our guests appreciate our commitment to the environment, and book their experiences based on our reputation. Research supports our belief that tourists are increasingly aware of environmental impact. They demand and appreciate authenticity and integrity and a sense of investment in the future.”

These lucky guests can enjoy nature walks and observe koalas, kangaroos and birds, join spotlighting tours and hear visiting specialists. Guests can even participate in research projects.

This multi-award winning destination holds an Advanced Ecotourism certification, which has its benefits. Corke and Neal say: “One of the most enjoyable aspects of ecotourism is the willingness of eco-certified businesses to work together and share ideas. We’re pleased to share our experiences and view the establishment of new sustainable businesses not as competition, but as a win for the big picture.” www.capeotwaycentre.com.au

A Good Drop – Banrock Station

Banrock Station is an Australian winery that has emerged as one of the fastest-growing brands in major wine-drinking countries of the world.

One of the keys to its success is its focus on conservation, both in its own backyard (200km north-east of Adelaide) and around the world. For every bottle sold, Banrock Station donates a percentage to fund environmental projects – to date more than AU$5 million. Other initiatives include offsetting their vehicles’ carbon emissions, researching alternative waste disposals, monitoring water and energy usage, and the use of 100% recyclable EcoMate wine packaging.

Banrock Station has also created an award-winning Wine and Wetland Centre, arising from a major restoration and replanting of an area on their property. The vineyard invites visitors to take a walk on the boardwalks through the wetlands, soak up the surroundings and sip wine that is helping save our earth.

The “Good Earth, Fine Wine” company says the response to its eco-directive has been overwhelmingly positive. “In addition to purchasing Banrock Station wines, many visitors have indicated that their trips are motivated by Banrock’s environmental commitment.”

Banrock has advice for businesses contemplating going green: “Do your research and be genuine in your efforts. Consumers are becoming more environmentally conscious but also becoming more knowledgeable and suspicious of ‘green’ marketing.

There needs to be substance and support behind companies claiming to have green credentials.” www.banrockstation.com

Lonely Planet survey reveals travellers seek sustainable options

A 2007 global survey of 24,500 respondents from 144 countries by Lonely Planet revealed that travellers are keen to make significant changes to their behaviour to travel sustainably.

• 93% of people said they would or might purposefully partake in environmentally-friendly travel in the future.
• 84% of respondents said they would consider offsetting their emissions in the future, where only 31% had done so in the past.
• 70% of travellers said they had purposefully travelled in a low-impact way in the past.
• 32% say activity is their main purpose for travel, highlighting the growing trend towards exploring niche experiences rather than simply visiting destinations for sightseeing.
• 7% say they did not think aircraft carbon emissions were a concern.

Lonely Planet’s new Australia guide will feature a GreenDex – a quick-reference index of sustainable accommodation, tours and experiences.

An Island Apart – Phillip Island Nature Park

The Phillip Island Nature Park has won many awards for being an earth-friendly tour operator. Dedicated to offering ecologically sustainable activities for its visitors, the Nature Park was twice named Best Victorian Ecotourism Attraction in the Victorian Tourism Awards and has the highest number of Advanced Ecotourism products of any attraction in Australia. It has also been awarded a certificate of merit in the Major Tourist Attraction and Tourism Education and Training categories and was a finalist in best new tourism development.

They deserve all the accolades they get. The Nature Park, a non-profit organisation, is a fantastic example of how to work in harmony with nature, offering a variety of tourist experiences including ranger-guided tours, treetop boardwalks and educational displays. The park has three key venues that visitors can explore and enjoy – the penguin parade, the koalas and Churchill Island Heritage Farm. Even dogs have a designated area where they too can safely enjoy the island.

Richard Dakin, the park’s environment manager, says: “Financially, Phillip Island Nature Park is much better off ‘going green’. Sustainability is more than good business, it’s a social responsibility of all organisations. In our case, it has raised morale, increased productivity and increased our profile.”

All funds raised contribute to the ongoing conservation of the island’s environmental programs. Dakin adds: “We invest heavily in training of our staff in sustainability, to encourage them to bring ideas to the table and empower them to always ‘think green’.” If visitors want to do more they can adopt a penguin. Phillip Island also has a Science Partnerships program that encourages students to become coastal ambassadors through a range of fun and challenging activities. www.penguins.org.au

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