How are we sustainable?
Evergreen Holidays is a sustainable conscious company that believes in working with the 3ps model of sustainability; People, Planet and Profit. Having that we are in the tourism industry, Evergreen is an intermediary between you the traveler and the destination, it is therefore our responsibility in making sure that you, the local people and the environment are well taken care of.
We therefore have taken a holistic approach in our internal and external operations, where internally we are keen in conserving our resources such as energy and water, all our suppliers have a green label or are working towards getting a green certification. In our external practices, we are working with local communities to promote sustainable development through various sustainable initiatives. In our itineraries we give preference to green label hotels and lodges, as well as excursions. We also involve our travellers in various community engagement where they meet the local community in activities as well as contribute directly to wildlife and environment conservation.
Our Initiatives
Brae’d Basket
On our sustainability initiatives, Evergreen Holidays is involved in the Brae’d Basket initiative. This is an education support initiative aimed and feeding orphaned and vulnerable school going children. Though the government of Kenya is offering tuition free primary education, the beneficiaries from disadvantaged families have to rely on one meal daily. A small percent end up dropping out of school due to sustained poor performance induced by hunger. These children eventually ran away to the streets; end up in crime as they struggle to support themselves away from home.
Juvenile Prisons
The Kenyan juvenile prisons are occupied by at least 700 children on average every month. It is as a result of interactions with these young ones at the correctional facilities that initiative exists. The objective of Brae’d Basket is to ‘Keep them in School’ by offering a hot plate of lunch meal to the deserving children. If for nothing else, the children have to be in school daily as they are assured of a hot meal which is not available at home.
WHY SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL?
Your desire to travel to Africa, may be, to a great extent, due to your passion to see the world, learn about places, people and culture. It may also be due to your desire to identify an opportunity to change a life.
Evergreen Holidays Africa will give you that chance to ‘give back’ in ways that are far more personal and powerful than you would expect. While interacting with the locals, during your bush or beach adventures or upon your return, you will be inquiring, “What can I do to help?”
Below are some ideal ways you can make a real positive impact on the lives of the local community you will meet:
PACK FOR A PURPOSE
While packing your suitcase, carry extra clothing, toys, pencils, balls, story books and anything else to donate to the needy and school children you will interact with in your community visits.This will not only make you philanthropic but will give you space to pack the souvenirs and gift items back home for your family and friends.
VISIT COMMUNITY PROJECTS
- Visit self-help groups located near Nairobi operated by marginalized women and buy fair trade jewelry and other unique items to take back home.
- Visit a local youth group carrying out community initiatives such as cleans ups and tree planting. The visit would serve as a motivation for the youth who have had a difficult past and are being rehabilitated to make something out of their lives.
- Feeding programs in local schools where children are missing school due to hunger and malnutrition diseases.
- Visit Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) homes and schools. Donate recreational games items such as soccer balls and participate in a game or two.
- Visit eco-schools for tree planting exercises with the pupils.
SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES ON TOUR
We all love nature, wildlife and culture. This is why Evergreen Holidays highly encourages every traveler to embrace sustainable practices while on safari for the benefit of the next generations. Below find some good tips on how you can engage in sustainable practices while on your safari.
Respect the natural habitat and space of animals
It’s always advisable while on any game drive to make sure you stay at a safe distance from the animals so you can witness their natural behavior and make sure not to pressure the driver to drive beyond the designated paths to avoid depletion of the environment and paying fines.
Get a refillable bottle
Kenya Wildlife Service has recently banned the use of single-use plastics in all protected areas and we find this commendable. To avoid environmental degradation, invest in a refillable bottle because for every refill, you save nature.
Bring your biodegradable products
We encourage every traveler to do some research before traveling on biodegradable products. You can still make your selection based on your favorite brands. All these products end up on soil hence the use of biodegradable is a save for nature.
Purchase locally made souvenirs
This is highly valuable since it’s a way to promote the locals. Every purchase you make positively contributes to the livelihood of the individual you bought from and helps eradicate poverty. In this way, you help the community grow.
Abide by the park rules
For the safety of you, the wildlife, nature, and the neighboring community it’s important to abide by the park rules.
Carry only a few necessary electronics
To save on energy used, you can only carry the essentials e.g. your phone, tablet, laptop, camera, and chargers.
Avoid the purchase of shells and other marine/animal products and souvenirs
This encourages further depletion of the reefs and beaches.
Respect and preserve culture
Traveling offers an amazing opportunity to learn about and celebrate other cultures. Travelers play an important role in preserving these cultures through buying souvenirs, engaging in local activities, etc. Therefore, it’s important to respect and learn the most about cultural norms involving dress code, language, food, music, and general behavior.
If you want to find out what else you can do…
