Posted by
Scatbug on Monday, August 18, 2008 6:37:45 PM
With a level of anticipation only to be exceeded by the pending births next year of the Brangelina sextuplets, eco-world citizens have awaited the announcement of the second annual World Savers Awards, which spotlight the greenest of the green in luxury resorts. Well,
the wait is over as
Conde Nast Traveler magazine tabbed 38 resorts located in the far-flung reaches of the planet as being true earthly stewards for "making efforts to preserve the environment, alleviate poverty, further education, conserve wildlife and improve health."
The top prize for alleviating poverty went to
Campi ya Kanzi in Kenya. This picturesque safari camp relies on solar energy and is staffed by members of the local Maasai tribe. So pure, in fact, is the concept behind this resort that the (European) founders can humbly state, "Here you will experience true ethical and solidarity tourism." Just a few examples of this principle in action:
- ...every electric need we have is generated by the sun, with absolutely no impact on the environment.
- Water is our scarcest resource. We collect rains from the roofs. We recycle all gray waters, with special filters imported from Europe. An anaerobic reaction assures the purity of water at the exit of the system. Water is then used in ponds for the wildlife.
- The use of specially imported ecological soaps assures perfect chemical purity of the water.
- We use special low energy dish washers and washing machine, to save on water consumption.
- Food is cooked with an eco-friendly charcoal, made from coffee husks, on a United Nations Environment Project recommendation. [emphasis added]
- Staff is trained to assure minimization of garbage production.
- All organic wastes are transformed in compost. The rest of the wastes are selected and send to the city council pit and the recyclable wastes (glasses and other container) sent to Nairobi.
- We run an organic vegetable garden, and we have few chickens and few cows, for an organic production of eggs and milk.
To round out the description of this one-of-a-kind vacation destination, some photos:
Your cozy tent cottage Sweet dreams!
Lunch is served! The view says it all...
I'm sure you agree that Campi ya Kanzi is one amazing place. The only question remaining is, how does an eco-friendly vacationer travel to this eco-wonderland? I did some research and can give you the basic itinerary, as it applies to my home base of St. Louis:
- Fly St. Louis to Chicago-O'Hare (Jet)
- Chicago to Brussels (Jet)
- Brussels to Entebbe (Jet)
- Entebbe to Nairobi (Jet)
- Nairobi to Campi ya Kanzi airstrip (Prop)
Then home...
- Campi ya Kanzi to Nairobi (Prop)
- Nairobi to London (Jet)
- London to Chicago (Jet)
- Chicago to St. Louis (Jet)
What an amazing global village we live in! Needless to say, plans are in motion to whisk the wife and me away to the perfect environmentally proper and UN-sanctioned get-away. Solidarity tourism has never been easier or more ethically grounded!