Sustainable & Responsible Travel: Playa Blanca

Environmental Awareness

Lanzarote boasts many protected areas. Stay on marked paths and refrain from collecting volcanic rocks, plants, or sand.

Waste Management

Use designated recycling bins for plastics, glass, and paper. These are often found near accommodations and in public areas. Avoid littering on beaches.

Water Conservation

Lanzarote is an arid island, relying on desalination. Be mindful of water usage: take shorter showers and reuse towels in hotels.

Eco-Friendly Choices

Make choices that support environmental well-being and local communities.

Green Accommodation

Select lodging that aligns with sustainable principles.

Sustainable Stays

Research and choose accommodations with certified eco-friendly practices.
Look for properties with stated commitments to sustainability, such as renewable energy use. Ecobnb lists eco-friendly options.
Many hotels have programs for water conservation and responsible waste disposal.
Opt for accommodations encouraging towel reuse to save water.

Ethical Tourism Operators

Support tour companies that prioritize responsible travel practices.

Responsible Experiences

Select tour operators demonstrating a commitment to environmental protection.
Find operators that engage with and benefit local communities. G Adventures promotes ethical tours.
Choose tours that minimize their ecological footprint.
Consider tours focusing on ecological education or conservation.

Carbon Offset for Travel

Offset the carbon footprint of your flights and travel.

Mitigating Your Footprint

Many airlines offer carbon offset programs during booking.
Third-party organizations dedicate funds to environmental projects. Terrapass is a carbon offset provider.
These offsets contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions globally.
Explore options that invest in renewable energy or reforestation projects.

Responsible Consumption

Adopt practices that reduce waste and support sustainable products.

Sustainable Shopping

Bring reusable bags for shopping to minimize plastic waste.
Consider refillable water bottles to cut down on single-use plastic. Package Free Shop offers reusable items.
Support brands with sustainable manufacturing practices for clothing or gear. Patagonia is known for sustainable outdoor gear.
Use reusable coffee cups for takeaway drinks.

Community Engagement

Support Local Businesses

Patronize local restaurants, shops, and tour operators over international chains to directly support the local community.

Fair Trade & Artisans

Purchase artisan crafts, local wines, and produce directly from farmers or local markets. Look for fair trade labels. The Rainforest Site (GreaterGood) supports conservation through purchases.

Ethical Practices

Make informed and ethical choices regarding animal welfare and charitable giving.

Animal Welfare

Be aware of ethical issues regarding animal welfare in tourist activities.

Responsible Animal Interactions

Research before participating in activities that involve animals, like camel rides.
Seek out tours or attractions with strong animal care policies.
Observe animals from a distance in their natural habitats.
Informed choices contribute to animal well-being.

Charitable Giving

If you wish to donate, do so through established channels.

Effective Contributions

Research local charities or community projects.
Donate directly to reputable organizations rather than individuals on the street.
This approach ensures your contribution reaches those who need it most effectively.
Look for initiatives supporting local education, environmental protection, or social services.

Cultural Preservation

Support efforts that maintain Lanzarote's cultural heritage.

Artisan Support

Purchase authentic local crafts to support traditional skills and livelihoods.

Heritage Sites

Visit and contribute to the upkeep of historical monuments and museums.

Local Festivals

Attend local fiestas to experience Canarian traditions and music firsthand.

Responsible Visitor

Your decisions as a traveler influence the destination; choose wisely to foster positive outcomes.

Sustainable & Responsible Travel