We know it, you know it, labels and certifications are multiplying in the era of greenwashing. So it is important to know what ecotourism labels actually mean:
Eco-lodge :
As you may have guessed, this label is reserved for lodges, but eco-friendly ones. These are lodges built around respect for the environment and the preservation of natural resources. For example, the electricity comes from a green electricity supplier.
If you want to be put in touch with eco-lodges in your area, you can find them on the site Gîtes de France.
Bio Hotels :
Not really a label, but rather a certificate of membership. These establishments have at the heart of their approach 100% green electricity, controlled consumption of resources, the use of recycled paper, a reduction in plastic and constant optimization of CO2. The CO2 footprint of the member companies is recorded every two years to allow for continuous optimization, and there are even a few that are already climate neutral or positive.
Small important point… no establishment has yet obtained this certificate in France. We will have to wait a little longer to enlarge the circle of 6 countries that it covers. In any case, in these hotels, you will find meals that come from certified organic agriculture as well as organic and natural cosmetics, just as certified!
European Ecolabel :
This label is valid for tourist accommodation, but also for visiting sites (ecotourism gem label). This is the clearest label of all those we found for our next vacation.
To obtain it, candidates must meet very specific conditions in relation to: general management (staff training, customer information, consumption monitoring), reducing energy and water consumption, as well as reducing and sorting waste and wastewater. And there is a little bonus: the promotion of ecological transport and the information they provide in relation to European Ecolabels!
Here is the Afnor list establishments with this label.
Greenglobe :
Green Globe certification requires companies to make a strong, long-term commitment. They must demonstrate significant improvements during an on-site audit conducted every two years to maintain their certification, as is the case for the ski resort The Grand Massif, For example.
The requirements? Have sustainable development management to support local sectors, while protecting the environment! In your search you will find three levels of certification:
– Certified: which meets at least 50 % requirements.
– Golden: which has been certified for 5 consecutive years.
– Platinum: which has been certified for 10 consecutive years!
The Green Key :
It is the first international sustainable tourism label for tourist accommodation and restaurants (and it is one of the kings of ecotourism labels!).
To have this label, establishments must have an environmental policy and a socially responsible approach. To do this, they need to implement a lot of actions: such as having intelligent waste management, controlling energy and water consumption, making responsible purchases (especially for food and maintenance), among others.
Honestly, sustainable tourism is possible! Now… have fun exploring the different lists and dreaming about your next vacation! And even if you are one of those who have a back of steel for bivouacking, don’t forget to measure your carbon footprint, here are two tools: Greentripper And Goodplanet.
Do you know other tools? Tell us in the comments!
You can read our latest articles here.
Follow us on our social networks and join the fichamif!
