Tiki Camp Eco Glamping: Our journey to live a more sustainable life and inspire others.

 

Here at Tiki Camp Eco Glamping we try to live sustainably by reducing the amount of Earth’s resources that we use in order to help protect it. This is not always an easy task and often we struggle with the limitations we face, but it is something we strive for and work for as hard as we can to make an impact, no matter how big. And we hope to inspire you, our guests, too.

 

What is Sustainability?

Sustainability means taking care of the Earth. It is the practice of using resources in a way that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In other words, it’s about living in a way that doesn’t damage or exhaust the earth’s resources.

Sustainability begins by understanding and taking personal responsibility for our ecological footprint—how much space we require, what resources are needed to provide us with our basic needs, how much waste is created as a result of our consumption, and how our lifestyle choices impact others.

Why is sustainability important?

There are many reasons why sustainability is so important. For one, our planet is not infinite – meaning there is only so much of it to go around. We need to be careful with how we use the resources we have or we will run out. Additionally, our actions have a ripple effect – what we do today can impact the environment in a positive or negative way for years to come. Finally, sustainability is important for social justice reasons. Those who are most affected by climate change and environmental degradation are often the ones least responsible for it.

How can you live more sustainably?

Once we know and understand our own ecological footprint, we can begin to take steps towards reducing it. Here are some ways we try to implement sustainability here at Tiki Camp, and ideas for you too to try to live a more sustainable life – you can also have a look on our About page for more info on our efforts here.

 

1. Reduce, reuse, recycle

One of the best ways to live sustainably is to reduce the amount of stuff you consume. That means buying less, and making do with what you have. When you do need to buy something, try to choose products that are durable and long-lasting. And when you’re finished with something, see if someone else can use it before sending it to the landfill.

Reduce the amount of stuff you use, reuse what you can, and recycle the rest. For example, instead of using disposable plates and cups, opt for reusable dishes. Instead of buying new clothes, try shopping second-hand or repairing your clothes. At Tiki Camp we live by the philosophy to reduce, reuse and recycle. We recycle everything we can get our hands on. Our greenhouse was built entirely by leftover wood and all the old windows of our house, and our pigs are living in an enclosure made by the old floorboards of our house. It cost us nothing is functional and looks cute, too! What more would we want?

 

2. Compost

Composting is a great way to reduce food waste and fertilize your garden or potted plants at the same time. You can compost kitchen scraps like fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells. Composting is very easy, keeps your garden healthy and weed-free. Our own compost system is inspired by the the ideas of Charles Dowding, the master no-dig gardener from the UK. Check out his Youtube channel, he is amazing.

But you don’t need a lot of space to compost – you can even do it in a small apartment. If you have a balcony or yard, consider setting up an outdoor compost bin. If not, there are special indoor bins you can use that won’t attract pests. You can also try composting with the help of composting worms.

 

3. Use less water

Water is a precious resource, so it’s important to use it wisely. There are many ways to conserve water in your home, such as fixing leaks, taking shorter showers, and watering your plants during the cooler hours of the day. At Tiki Camp we use rain water that we collect in two big wells to use in the garden and to make a mud pool in summer for our pigs to frolic in. At the campsite we encourage our guests to be thoughtful of their water usage by for example using a bucket inside the sink for washing their dishes instead. It really only takes small adjustments and is this simple to make an impact.

 

4. Fly less

One of the best things you can do for the environment is to fly less. There are many good reasons for this:

• Flying is a major contributor to climate change.
• Airplanes release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and contribute to global warming.
• Airlines often use fuel that comes from fossil fuels, which releases more greenhouse gases into the air.
• The carbon emissions from airplanes can cause acid rain and smog in our environment

So if possible, re-think the way you holiday. We don’t need to go far to have access to amazing nature, beaches, forests, mountains. You name it. Walk, bike, or take public transportation instead of driving. Not only will this reduce your carbon footprint, but it’s also a great way to get some exercise! At Tiki Camp we will support your efforts with a 10% discount if you come to us on foot, by bike or with public transport. And if you want to learn to be more conscious about your carbon footprint, you can use this calculator to find out how big your footprint is.

 

5. Be energy efficient

You can save a lot of energy – and money – by making your home more energy efficient. That means doing things like installing double-glass windows and doors, insulating your walls and attic, and using energy-efficient light bulbs. You can also save energy by using less heat in winter. Put on an extra jumper instead or wrap yourself into a nice warm blanket. It’s not just cozy, but you will also save energy. And while these changes may seem small, they can have a big impact.

 

6. Support renewable energy sources

Renewable energy sources like solar and wind power are much better for the environment than fossil fuels like coal and oil. You can support renewable energy by investing in it or using products that are powered by it. While this is a goal many strive for – including us – it’s also something that’s very expensive to get started with. At Tiki Camp, all of our electricity is powered by wind from Langeland. We understand the importance of renewable energy, and we are working hard to transition to running entirely by solar and wind power. We hope to accomplish this in the near future.

 

7. Grow your own food

One of the best ways to eat sustainably is to grow your own food. This way, you know exactly where your food comes from and how it was grown. Plus, you’ll save money on groceries! And do you have any idea at all how tasty homegrown food it? Why don’t you have a wander around the Tiki gardens in summer and have a little taste and see for yourself.

 

8. Shop local

Shopping local is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and support your community. When you buy from local businesses, you’re helping to reduce the amount of fossil fuels used to transport goods. Here at Tiki Camp we try to support and buy from the local businesses as much as possible.

 

9. Reduce food waste

Food waste is a big problem – in fact, it’s estimated that a third of all food produced is wasted. You can help reduce food waste by planning your meals, buying only what you need, and storing food properly. Freeze food, pickle food, donate food – you name it – there are so many options to actively avoid food waste. There is nothing more satisfying that taking a bag of frozen summer tomatoes out of the freezer in winter, trust us!

In our campsite kitchen you find a dedicated bin for all uncooked fruit and vegetables scraps that we collect to feed to our farm animals.

 

10. Eat less meat

Eating less meat is one of the best things you can do for the environment. That’s because raising animals for food requires a lot of resources, including water, land, and grain. So if you’re looking to live more sustainably, try eating meatless meals a few times a week. At Tiki Camp we are proud to serve a plant-based breakfast. Not just for the environment but also for our love for animals.

 

11. Be conscious of your impact

The most important thing you can do to live sustainably is to be conscious of your impact on the environment. That means making an effort to reduce your consumption, waste less, and live more simply. It might not seem like much, but it all adds up – and it’s crucial if we want to preserve our planet for future generations.

 

Conclusion

We know that making some of these changes can be difficult or take some getting used to, but we also know that it’s important. We too had to learn by doing, but we are still learning every day. Remember, every little bit helps.Sustainability is important for many reasons. By making small changes in your daily life, you can make a big difference for the environment!

Do you have any other tips for living sustainably? Share them in the comments below!