MileHacker Logo
Environmental Considerations

Environmental Considerations

Campania, Italy

Protected Areas

Vivara Island, connected to Procida, is a state nature reserve and a protected marine area. Its fragile ecosystem is carefully managed to preserve biodiversity.

Waste Management

Italy has established recycling programs for plastic, glass, paper, and organic waste. Visitors are encouraged to separate waste into designated bins and avoid littering.

Water Conservation

As a small island, Procida's fresh water resources are finite. Practice water conservation during your stay by taking shorter showers and turning off taps.

Cultural Sensitivity

Respectful Interaction

Always use basic Italian greetings like "Buongiorno" or "Buonasera" when interacting with locals or entering establishments. Observe local customs during festivals or religious celebrations, avoiding disruption.

Interaction Guidelines

  • Use local greetings
  • Observe local customs and traditions
  • Avoid disrupting local life
  • Ask permission before photographing individuals

Religious Site Etiquette

When visiting churches, speak quietly, dress appropriately (shoulders and knees covered), and do not disturb any ongoing services or prayer. Silence your mobile phone to maintain a respectful atmosphere.

Visiting Sacred Places

  • Speak quietly inside churches
  • Dress modestly: covered shoulders and knees
  • Silence your mobile phone
  • Do not disturb services

Cultural Preservation

Support local artisans and businesses that preserve traditional crafts and culinary techniques. This helps maintain the island's unique heritage.

Supporting Heritage

  • Support local artisans
  • Promote traditional culinary techniques
  • Look for authentic local products
  • Contribute to island's unique character

Photography Ethics

While the colorful houses of Corricella are appealing, remember that it is a working fishing village and a residential area. Avoid disrupting daily life or photographing private homes without explicit permission.

Mindful Photo-Taking

  • Respect private residences
  • Avoid disrupting local daily life
  • Mind people's privacy
  • Acknowledge it's a working fishing village

Sustainable Choices

Eco-Friendly Accommodations

Seek accommodations that implement energy-efficient lighting, water-saving fixtures, and local sourcing.

Find Eco Stays

Responsible Tour Operators

Choose operators committed to respecting marine life and the environment during boat tours. Consider G Adventures.

Ethical Tours

Cultural Immersion

Engaging respectfully with local culture deepens your travel experience.

Economic Impact

Your spending choices directly affect the local economy. Make choices that benefit the Procidan community. Consider reusable products from Package Free Shop to reduce waste and support sustainable businesses.

Community-Based Tourism

Choose locally owned B&Bs, guesthouses, restaurants, and shops. These businesses recirculate money within the local community, supporting families and preserving the island's unique character.

Local Support

  • Prioritize local B&Bs and guesthouses
  • Dine at local restaurants and cafes
  • Shop at independent local stores
  • Money recirculates locally

Supporting Local Businesses

Prioritize spending your money within the local Procidan economy. This means dining at traditional trattorias, buying fresh produce from local markets, and purchasing souvenirs from independent shops, rather than seeking out chain businesses (which are few on the island). This contributes directly to the well-being of the community.

Direct Contribution

  • Dine at traditional trattorias
  • Buy from local markets
  • Purchase souvenirs from independent shops
  • Directly supports community well-being

Fair Trade & Ethical Shopping

Look for products made locally by artisans. This ensures that your spending directly benefits the craftspeople and helps sustain traditional skills. Inquire about the origin of products if unsure.

Conscious Purchases

  • Support local artisans directly
  • Preserve traditional crafts
  • Inquire about product origins
  • Promote fair trade principles

Avoiding Harmful Practices

While Procida has no specific reported issues with exploitation, be aware of the origin of products and services. Secure that services are provided by legitimate local businesses and that prices are fair. Avoid engaging in activities that might cause harm to the environment or local community.

Ethical Conduct

  • Be aware of product/service origins
  • Use legitimate local businesses
  • Confirm fair prices
  • Avoid environmental or community harm

Carbon Offset for Transportation

Consider offsetting your flight's carbon footprint through reputable carbon offset programs like Terrapass. When traveling to and from Procida, choose slower ferries (traghetto) over faster hydrofoils (aliscafo) where time allows, as they generally have a lower carbon footprint per passenger. On the island, prioritize walking, cycling, or using public transport (buses) over private car or scooter rentals to reduce emissions.

Flight Carbon Offsets

Use reputable programs to neutralize your air travel impact.

Ferry Choices

Slower ferries (traghetto) often have lower carbon footprint per passenger than hydrofoils.

Island Transportation

Prioritize walking, cycling, or public buses over private vehicles on Procida.

Waste Reminder

Do not litter, especially on beaches or in the sea, to protect the delicate island ecosystem.

Sustainable Travel Tip

Carry a reusable water bottle. Procida's tap water is safe to drink, and refilling your bottle reduces plastic waste, which is notably important for an island ecosystem.