There are several Koh Lanta eco friendly hotels with green and sustainable policies as key tenents of their management and a “back to nature” approach to their design.
They have learned it is better to build around the surrounding area than to build on it and all help the environment in different ways. They recycle water for use on gardens, separate all wastes for recycling, have air-conditioning only turned on in rooms in use. Shampoo bottles in the rooms are refilled to lessen the need of plastic. Cooking oil is collected for re-sale. Timers control outdoor lighting and they use energy saving lighting.
Although most of the resorts have there own Environmental policy and Awards Layana Resort and Spa also contribute funds to a local environmental groups, and participate in community events to improve environmental awareness. Staff also take part in beach clean-ups which is highly important in the Green Season.
Baan Rao Bed and Breakfast
Its not only the large resorts which are doing their part to minimise their environmental impact. Aruna and Chai who set up Baan Rao Bed and Breakfast continue to succeed with their friendly warmth, comfortable rooms and eco-friendly principles.
Aruna explains: “We have our own well (groundwater) so we need to be very careful with the way we use the water. We do not wash the dishes in running water. Whenever there is rain we collect the water and reuse it.
We do not use any harmful detergents – only vinegar and lemon for cleaning and take the mildest dishwashing product on the market.
We try to use eco friendly pesticides – tobacco leaf, cinnamon powder, normal talcum powder keeps away ants and bugs – the ONLY product we use which is not eco-friendly is the termite spray, we are looking into it.
We do not use any plastic bags which are not biodegradable and whenever we go shopping, we have our own cloth bags with us. If and when we take away food, we use a metal box to put the food in.
We recycle our garbage as much as it is possible on Koh Lanta.”
You can contact Aruna and Chai direct through the official Baan Rao Facebook page.
