Being Green at Club Med Ixtapa Pacific
Here are some easy tips to help travelers cut back on waste during their vacation. Many of us hesitate to take these measures, because we feel like we are limiting our “luxury”. But you can reward yourself in other, ways for each extra effort you make.
Linens: If the Club Med resort can cut its carbon footprint, shouldn’t we lend them some support? The resort, like most hotels and resorts, offers a program for not washing linens everyday. This program isn’t groundbreaking on the green level, but simple actions can make a difference. I don’t toss my towel on the floor after each use at home, so why do it on vacation? I know, it seems like a luxury to get new towels everyday, since this is the one time you won’t have to wash them, but what if all 1192 guests in the resort think like you? That would waste approximately 16,306 gallons of water per day.
Electricity: Same goes for the lights and air conditioner. At home, I prefer not to contribute extra cash to my utility company or increase my carbon footprint. In fact, I think most of us do not leave home with the AC on full blast and the lights on. And although only anecdotal, I do believe sleeping in very cold room, then spending all day in a warm tropical climate can affect your physical well being. During my brief trip, I ran into several people who slept with the AC cranked and got sick. Consider cooling the room with fresh night air (after sunset mosquito time) which cools the room quickly and naturally, or run the AC for a few minutes or at a minimum setting before calling it a night.
Activities: The resort offers a paradise of outside activities. For water sports, forget the jet skis or anything motorized which create a carbon footprint, endanger marine life and increase noise pollution. Instead check out kayaks, sailboats and catamarans which offer a great workout as well as great vista of the bay with no carbon footprint.
Shopping: Like many, I enjoy buying jewelry and art. When possible, consider purchasing from local artisans. During “Mexico Night” at Club Med Ixtapa Pacific dozens of local vendors set up near the pool and sell their goods. Think of Green as a triangle representing people (social justice), planet (environmental justice), and profit (we all need to make a buck). Buying from locals not only supports the local economy, but recognizes artisans, their uniqueness and their right to earn a decent living. Buying souvenirs from large chain stores supports far away, faceless corporations that ship long distances. This creates more CO2 and fails to support the local economy.
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