Sustainable Development in Netherlands
Sustainability certifications in Netherlands
The following logos represent the sustainability certifications and labels some hostels in Netherlands are either working with or working towards.
Sustainability projects in Netherlands
In 2008 Stayokay, the largest provider of group and budget accommodation in the Netherlands, was the first tourist accommodation chain in Europe to be awarded the European Eco-label. This European seal of approval is in recognition of marketing environmentally friendly non-food products and services. Stayokay is constantly looking for ways to make their operations more sustainable. Within their initiatives you can find CO2 neutral postal shipments and suppliers to provide sustainable solutions. These include environmentally friendly laundering of sheets and towels; the segregation of waste; the use of green power; systems for dosing the right amount of detergents; more digital information and less printing; office supplies with various “green” labels and uniforms made from organic fabric. Stayokay aims to serve sustainable, fresh and healthy products to guests in its restaurants and bars. This involves free range meat and eggs, organic bread and sustainable packaging materials such as banana-leaf cups for jam and seasonal fruits & vegetables from local farms. In the bar, Stayokay offers organic wines and beer, fair-trade coffee and tea from the rainforest alliance. Stayokay also asks their guests to contribute by switching off lights and turning off the heating whenever they leave their rooms. Stayokay has developed a number of sustainable package deals such as environmental beach combing on the Wadden Islands where guests can join in with their efforts to help clean up the beaches; cycling package deals and partnerships with Nature Centres where you can learn all about the flora and fauna in the area. Every year Stayokay are fully committed to helping families experiencing social difficulties. This is why Stayokay organized a fully catered free weekend getaway for families experiencing financial or social difficulties. This special weekend was organized in cooperation with the Dutch Red Cross, and the socially involved organisation Humanitas. Last year Stayokay was a main partner in the Dance4live project, an international initiative to involve young people in the struggle against HIV and AIDS. Stayokay is also a partner of the Make A Wish foundation that fulfils the wishes of children with life threatening illnesses.
Click here to explore sustainable development projects in other countries worldwide.For travel ideas and inspiration view HI hostels in Netherlands
