Sustainable Living at Northside Valley in the U.S. Virgin Islands

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Here are some ways we strive to promote sustainable tourism: 

  1. Light Bulbs are exclusively Compact Flourescents.  These bulbs

–         Last longer (many of these bulbs have been in these houses for 6 years.

–         Burn with less heat, very important in a hot climate.

–         Use 70% less electricity (kwh cost in Chicago .08, in

St. Croix .23).

  1. Bathroom showers use low-flow/stop devices and

– Optional outdoor showers water nearby vegetation.

  1. Landscaping is eco-friendly because

            – Large trees and understory plantings are cultivated.

– Mowing is limited to once monthly and is not done under trees.

– Native plants/trees are cultivated and preserved.

– Herbicides and pesticides are not used.

– Watering is unnecessary because of the type of plants that are nurtured.

  1. Hot water  – Electric small capacity heaters use timers to limit power drain.
  2. Ceiling Fans, screened windows, and shade trees keep temperatures low inside the houses, therefore air-conditioning is unnecessary.
  3. Wash and Rinse dishpans are provided for dishwashing.  Guests are invited to dispose of gray water outside on vegetation.

In addition,

The water used in each house is rainwater – a renewable resource.

We commit to recycling the following:

      Cardboard

      Aluminum

      Compost

      Glass

All the houses use a septic system – a septic will break down waste naturally as long as bleach is not encountered in the system.  We do not use bleach in our houses. 

Cleaning materials used in the houses are natural biodegradable products.  White vinegar and biodegradable dish detergent are the primary cleaning products.  Linens are washed in a front loading, high-efficiency washing machine.  They are line-dried in the sun.  Linens are made from cotton or bamboo.  Bamboo is a highly-sustainable product and is grown in developing countries as a natural resource.  Bamboo returns 35% more oxygen than most other  plant-life.    

Ginger Brown Vanderveer

Northside Valley, U.S. Virgin Islands

http://www.northsidevalley.com

Homestay in Dominica

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3 Rivers Eco Lodge, Dominica is delighted to announce the launching of their new community village homestay programme.

Guests now have the opportunity to stay in the home of a family in the beautiful village of Grand Fond, Dominica, through our new community village homestay programme.

This is the latest addition to our community based activities, giving guests a real experience of true life in Dominica.

Each participating family has asked to be in the programme and is looking forward to your stay in their home.

Fore more details, please email us at jem @ 3riversdominica.com (remove the spaces around the @  to send an email). 3 Rivers continue to strive to assist the local community in accordance with our social policy, for a brighter, sustainable, future.

 

Scholarship Fund in Dominica

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The Scholarship Fund in Dominica has just been started. The Sustainable Living Initiative Centre“, S.L.I.C., is proud to announce the launching of the Grand Fond Pre-School Scholarship Fund. It is sponsored by Miami University, Ohio, USA and 3 Rivers Eco lodge, Rosalie, Dominica.

It is hoped that these scholarships will be the first of many scholarships awarded as the project grows.

SLIC, 3 Rivers Eco Lodge, Lifeline Ministries and Miami University are proud to facilitate another educational project with immediate and direct benefits to the local community. This is following the recent success of Computer Mission Dominica, which saw SLIC, in collaboration with http://www.nsoptimum.co.uk, the Bromsgrove School, in the U.K., and 3 Rivers Eco Lodge, facilitating the transport, training and installation of nearly 200 computers in schools around Dominica.

The Sustainable Living Initiative Centre is a Dominican NGO launched in February 2005, which now has nearly 100 members. SLIC runs training programs to enable Dominicans to install their own alternative energy equipment and help to preserve the planets resources and save money! A revolving loan fund has been set up. The loans are funded by the British High Commission in collaboration with the Roseau Cooperative Credit Union. And thus, members can borrow the cost of the equipment they need, and repay the loan from the savings on their bills.

For more details please contact: Berns on 449 8593 or [email protected].

You can also contact 3 Rivers Eco Lodge at 446 1886 or email them at [email protected]. You can also contact The Grand Fond pre-School.

Lomalagi Resort owner on Travel Warnings in Fiji

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Many people think that Fiji is one island when, in fact there are over 300! Most resorts are near Nadi on Viti Levu, quite a distance from the Capitol city of Suva, or on or near Vanua Levu which less developed and more tropical and lush.

In December there was a “coup” (Fiji has had 4 in the past 20 years!) which resulted in the government of the day being deposed.  No shots were fired. But many countries imposed travel advisories on Fiji — to apply political pressure — implying that it was dangerous for visitors to come to these beautiful islands.

The interim government has consulted with the EU, and many other groups, seeking assistance for restoring a properly elected democratic government. No census has been done for more than 10 years! The current voting process is 100% along racial lines because of the way the previous elections were structured. It truly was not democratic — and it’s going to take a bit of time to fix. In the meantime, it’s certainly safer here than just about anywhere else in the world! In fact, I can’t think of a safer, friendlier place anywhere else……(Ms) Collin McKenny, Resident Owner

Lomalagi Resort ~ Fiji

http://www.lomalagi.com