Blue Horizons Garden Resort

Environment
The resort has implemented the following measures to minimize environmental impact:

• Creation of a fully-organic composting heap
• Introduction of water-saving toilets in 100 percent of the rooms
• Introduction of energy-saving air-conditioners in 60 percent of the rooms
• Installation of solar water heating systems in 55 percent of the rooms
• Placement of energy-savings bulbs in 98 percent of the hotel
• Installation of an Ozonator in the pool to minimize the amount of chlorine used
• Use of ECOLAB environmentally-friendly chemicals in the housekeeping department
• Creation of more garden beds above existing soil so plants can thrive
• Planting of more drought-resistant flora so less water is used during dry season
• Guest involvement in various capacities – establishment of a towel reuse program, asking guests to separate garbage into appropriate bins (instructions provided in all rooms), and requesting that they turn off the air-conditioner when leaving rooms
• Staff training program in every department to ensure the highest possible health and hygiene standards
• Recycling of paper in the front and back offices

This resort has been benchmarked by Green Globe 21 as implementing measures that have a positive impact on the environment. We have sustainable purchasing policies and practices in place and are committed to supporting the local community. The resort is owned by local Grenadian, Arnold D Hopkin. Mr Hopkin was awarded the ‘Environmental Ambassador – International Partner’ distinction at the Environmental Awards for Sustainable Tourism (EAST), during the organisations Educational Symposium and Green Tourism conference in Montego Bay Jamaica, July 2004.

Conservation: We are active conservationists and encourage the nesting of one of Grenada's most endangered species, the Grenadian Dove. We are active in our support for the development of an underwater marine park, where sea life can flourish. To help achieve this and protect the marine life offshore we came together with residents of the Belmont area in Grenada and assisted with the removal of iron sheeting, plastic, bottles and other debris from beautiful Mount Pandy beach. We have also partnered with Aquanauts Dive Centre and Ocean Spirits to initiate a programme to educate children about the importance of turtle protection

Water use: We have installed water saving toilets (which use only 1.5 gallons per flush in comparison to the previous 5) and self-cleaning showers with restricted flow (less than 3 gallons per minute), in all guest rooms. We have built storage tanks to collect rain water and reduce usage from the mains supply. We encourage guests to participate in our towel reuse program. In our gardens we have planted more drought-resistant species such as bougainvillea, buttercup and oleander, so less water is needed, particularly during the dry season.

Energy: Energy saving light bulbs are installed throughout and we have also invested in solar water heaters. The roofs of all guestrooms are insulated to cut down the amount of heat coming in and therefore reduce the amount of energy needed for air conditioning. All our air conditioning units are high efficiency split units and we have replaced and sealed all windows to maximise air-con efficiency. Guests are also encouraged to switch off air conditioning when leaving their rooms.

Chemicals: We use environmentally friendly housekeeping chemicals purchased from ECOLAB. An ozonator has been installed in our swimming pool to reduce the need for chemicals. We have removed and replaced all refrigerators with the R-12 refrigerant (CFC).

Waste: Wherever possible we purchase items in bulk to reduce packaging. We separate garbage for composting (and have a fully organic compost heap). All cut branches and leaves are chipped for reuse as mulch around our garden plants. These waste materials are never burnt. The paper in guestrooms and in our offices is eco-label paper and we reuse and recycle paper in all our offices. Messages are placed in all rooms asking guests to separate waste.

Community: As a Grenadian owned business, we are particularly keen to support our local community. We believe passionately in the ability of local businesses to be able to make a difference to local causes and to that end, we make ongoing donations to the following Grenadian charities: The Dorothy Hopkin Centre for the Disabled, The Leo Club of St. George's, Mt. Gay Psychiatric Hospital, Grand Anse Gardens Home for the Aged, Grenada Save the Children Development Agency, Cares for the Poor, Grand Anse Roman Catholic Church and Grenada Society for the Grenada Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA) partnering with the veterinary division of the St. George's School of Medicine (SGU). In addition, on World Environmental Day, we assisted the local business community and hotels by clearing and cleaning out the ditches and drains in the Grand Anse area.