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How To Be An Eco Friendly Tourist In Seychelles

Getting Around

Most cars run on petroleum-based fuels here in Seychelles.    Currently, electric cars are not available for hire.

Instead of hiring a car, why not take a ride on the bus?  TATA buses are the main mode of public transport here.  They are certainly an experience not to be missed.  Buses are regular and very affordable.  At the time of writing, a bus ride costs 7scr per person regardless of distance travelled.

You can, of course always hop on one of our bikes and get out and about that way.   No fuel required, you stop wherever and whenever you like, and of course, it’s great exercise!

Exploring the Ocean

Coral reefs are undoubtedly one of the most important attractions here in Seychelles.  They are sadly also one of the most vulnerable ecosystems in the world. 

Being a responsible diver and snorkeler means remembering not to touch anything!  This helps reduce the disruption of wildlife and stops sediment being stirred up which can smother corals.  Remember as well to use eco-friendly sun screen.  If you forget yours, we stock it at the hotel!

Shopping

Did you know that plastic bags are banned in Seychelles?  The ban came into effect in July 2017. So if you are going to be shopping be sure to bring your own reusable bag along with you! 

Or why not treat yourself to one while you are here?  Seychelles have their own reusable bags for sale! 

Buy Local, Eat Local, Meet Local

There are countless reasons to buy local products, some are perhaps more obvious than others.  Buying local food typically means it is fresher and healthier.  Being on such small islands means that the local markets are offering food that has travelled from crop fields and tress that are at most only a few miles away!  This in turn leads to lower transport emissions, which means the carbon footprint of the food is lower.

In our restaurant we use local food as much as possible.  Including organic herbs and vegetables grown in our roof garden.  Our fresh fish and seafood, served daily in the restaurant, is also all locally caught.

Buying locally is also a fantastic way of supporting the local economy.  It ensures jobs are not only sustained but also created. 

Perhaps the best benefit is the great opportunity to meet Seychellois and discover more about Creole life.  Showing interest in Creole culture also stimulates cultural preservation.

Visit Cultural Heritage Sites

Visiting cultural sites generates money to help maintain and preserve them.  There are so many culturally important places to visit in Seychelles from Marine Parks and nature trails to Historical landmarks and Museums so there is plenty to choose between!

Be Plastic Conscious

As you might imagine (although might not necessarily consider), these small tropical islands have very limited landfill space and very few recycling initiatives.  Please make sure to take your plastics home with you.  Think sun cream bottles, make up, mosquito repellent etc.

Plastic bags are thankfully banned here now, however small plastic bags can still be used for things such as loose fruit, meats, eggs, and locally packaged chips.  Say no to these wherever possible.

In further exciting eco news, as of June 2019 plastic straws have now also been banned so you should no longer see these served in your drinks.  Most straws given now will be paper.  You could also bring along your own metal straws if you prefer.

Staying With Us

By staying with us here at Les Lauriers Eco Hotel and Restaurant, you are making a conscious decision to be an Eco Friendly Tourist.  All our cleaning products are chemical free and we use Ozone cleaning in both our kitchen and our laundry.  Following our expansion the Eco systems in the hotel have been upgraded and extended, with more solar PV panels generating energy, and solar stratification tanks producing hot water.  We also have effective waste water recycling systems in place.

We work with local organisations such as the Seychelles Sustainable Tourism Foundation to help promote best practices in Eco Tourism.