Even the smallest step counts
"SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL – TIPS AND IDEAS"
What you do is important. How you do it is even more important:
We give tips on how to avoid even more waste when travelling.
Since being founded in 2005 vista verde tours` aim has been to act
in a socially and ecologically responsible way on Cape Verde.
Sustainable tourism ensures that local people benefit, are treated fairly,
and are involved in decision-making processes.
Tip # 1/9: Pack your bags carefully
"I'm packing my suitcase..." even before the actual journey begins, climate and resources can be conserved by buying second-hand clothing and equipment.
Packing properly and light saves emissions and human muscle power.
Conscious packing means: reduce clothing to a few basics, use lightweight materials, leave out superfluous items, choose according to the minimal principle. Laundry service for small money is provided at mostly all accommodations on the islands.
Tip # 2/9: What should better be left at home...
Briefly: All outer packaging made of plastic. To travel sustainably on the islands, the motto is: avoid waste. Recycling of plastic waste, as you are used to at home, does not yet exist on Cape Verde. Though the consciousness of waste avoidance is increasing on the islands.
If you can't avoid packing plastic in your suitcase: Bring back home "your trash" like empty sunscreen bottles or other plastics as they will be recycled at home. It is our environmental concern to leave as little plastic waste as possible on the islands.
Tubes, jars, wet wipes, pads & co - in tip #3 we suggest alternatives.
Tip # 3/9: What could be taken along…
A reusable water bottle to refill whenever possible. In the same way, reusable lunchboxes. They can help to prevent garbage, such as when you buy fresh products at the market.
Take cotton bags with you for grocery shopping.
Use an "all in one" soap instead of a selection of personal care products like shower gel, hair shampoo etc. There are all-in-one soaps and shampoos available especially for travellers.
Toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, etc. made from environmentally friendly alternatives - the choice is huge meanwhile. Take your own reusable straws made of bamboo, stainless steel or glass for drinks at the bar.
Bring your own beach towel from home. Please do not use the hotel towels for outdoor activities.
Sustainable travel is not complicated!
Tip # 4/9: Keep in mind on spot – subject Energy
Our trips are ecologically aligned and are characterized by offering added value to the regions as well as a respectful exposure with people and nature.
On the islands, be sensitive to the way of life of the locals. Even in the middle of the Atlantic, similar rules apply as at home: save energy. In most cases, electricity is still produced by generators and therefore by diesel oil. Remember that Cape Verde has no natural resources, oil and gas are to a 100% imported. In some places on the islands there is no continuous power supply. It is obvious to be aware of using electricity. Air conditioning units use a lot of electricity and should at best not be used at all or only in short interval.
Tip # 5/9: Keep in mind on spot – subject Water
Please respect that drinking water is almost non-existent in Cape Verde. Almost everywhere, the seawater is expensively desalinated and used for households and hotels. Please be careful with tap water. Do not let the tap or the shower just run. We can only appeal to you to be very responsible with your water consumption.
In this context: Towels in the hotel do not need to be washed every day and toilet paper does not belong in the sewage water system. When there are separate bins, please use them.
Tip # 6/9: Keep in mind on spot – subject Souvenirs
With the purchase of handicrafts you support the local population. However, there are many imported goods. Characteristic and authentic souvenirs from Cape Verde are local specialties such as grogue, Fogo wine, unglazed ceramics, music, instruments and "panos" (thick cotton towels).
Tip # 7/9: Keep in mind on spot – subject Food and Accommodation
We favour restaurants that use regional products and support the local and traditional cuisine. We have a mentoring role with our restaurant service partners in two areas: we encourage restaurants to choose or rediscover local products and we support them to maintain national hygiene requirements.
We prefer to use small and medium-sized accommodations that are either privately owned or belong to small, local hotel chains. Our selection of accommodation has its focus on leaving as much revenue as possible within the country.
Go shopping at the markets, this way you support micro-entrepreneurs. Avoid supermarkets - almost everything there is imported. Local gastronomy offers an experience with added value. In this context: please do not feed the street animals.
Tip # 8/9: Keep in mind on spot – subject Behaviour
Be open-minded, do not expect European conditions, be "adventurous" - the local people will meet you with their warm-hearts, gracious hospitality, interest, and lack of prejudice.
Generally, we like you to ask people briefly (with words or gestures) whether they mind having their picture taken. Please respect their privacy and accept that some situations do not allow taking photos.
Two small and single words will open doors - just use them: Por favor and Obrigada/Obrigado
Along the way you may encounter children begging. Please do not give them anything!
Dress appropriately. The "bikini outfit" is useful on the beach, nowhere else. Also, topless is an absolute no-go on the Cape Verde Islands.
Small change in coins comes in handy for taxi rides, purchases at the market or at the roadside.
Respect the local social structures, this includes especially the appreciation of senior citizens.
Tip # 9/9: Back at home – spreading the word
Share your travel experience on social media so that many people can follow your example. Tell your friends and family about your sustainable experiences and adventures on the islands. Find out how you might be able to support social projects on the islands.