WE ARE SETTING THE BENCHMARK
Kian Barker, owner of St. Lucia EcoLodge and ShakaBarker Tours believes passionately in repurposing for an even more sustainable and eco-friendly future. He has established and eco-friendly “50 Shades of Green” benchmark, that will hopefully be accepted into the tourism industry as a standard to aspire to. He also specialises in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and surrounds.
01
30% of our 3-phase power is derived from solar.
02
All our lighting is LED.
03
We have started the migration to solar heated water.
04
We use solar reflective roof paint which reduces room temperatures by 30%.
05
We have introduced electrical 3 phase balancing technology to rationalise electrical consumption.
06
We are migrating to the use of induction cookers.
07
Ceiling fans compliment the air conditioners in each room.
08
Regular defrosting of freezers.
09
Cover cooking pots to reduce electricity usage.
10
Our kitchen uses only gas for cooking.
11
Our laundry uses A+ graded washing machines.
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Our garden is filled with drought resistant plants.
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Rainwater tanks for rain capture and filtered water.
14
Less lawn and more trees for shade and better ground water conservation.
15
Water saving shower heads.
16
Dual flush system on all toilets.
17
Indigenous grass used for our lawn.
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Our garden is filled with indigenous shade plants.
19
Our resident mongoose family takes care of our pests - we don't use poisons.
20
We use drip dry wash lines.
21
Encourage guests to re-use towels and save water.
22
Water garden on demand.
23
Encourage showers instead of baths to save water.
24
Insulated hot water pipes.
25
Use of watering cans instead of hosepipes to save water.
26
Locally sourced fruit and veg for our menu.
27
We grown our own herbs for use in the kitchen.
28
Foil wrapped butter.
29
Cloth serviettes reduces trash.
30
Grilled menu.
31
We use and sell our own locally produced, bee-friendly honey.
32
We prefer to serve whole foods and barbecue.
33
We only use organic fertilisers.
34
We use durable paints as much as possible.
35
We recycle all our glass.
36
We recycle all our paper.
37
We use vinegar to soften our linen.
38
We re-use plastic drinking bottles for housekeeping.
39
Our bathrooms are stocked with eco-friendly amenities for our guests.
40
We have bat hotels placed all around our property.
41
We have owl houses all throughout our garden.
42
We are a member of the BirdLife Association.
43
We encourage more birders, hikers and bikers in the area.
44
Glass doors for more natural light.
45
We compost with tree leaves.
46
We have a worm farm.
47
Our pets have been sterilised.
48
Our resident hippos cut our grass.
49
We celebrate and embrace all eco days.
50
Bicycles for our staff.