Energy and Climate, from Val di Sole a decalogue for responsible tourists

Male (TN) – It will be an exciting winter, capable of relaunching the mountain economy after the difficulties of past years and the pandemic. But for the great results everyone’s contribution is needed. Also because the challenges to be overcome – in the short term, such as high bills, or in the long term, such as climate change – are certainly no less difficult.

This is why the Val di Sole Tourist Board has decided to create a decalogue for responsible tourists. A list of suggestions that will be offered to those who choose the localities of the area for their next winter holidays.

“The synergy between managers and users is essential to reduce the environmental footprint of tourism,” he explains Fabio Sacco, general manager of the Val di Sole Tourism Company. “This decalogue was conceived in unsuspected times, before the outbreak of the expensive bills. But some of its solutions show how, thinking with foresight, it allows to face even sudden crises such as the energy one. . The list that we have drawn up, thanks to the contribution of experts in the field of environmental sustainability, is intended to be a contribution that helps to reflect on the importance of small choices that we often underestimate “.

A few examples? Pushing the thermostat to the maximum is never necessary, explain the operators. Lower the temperature of 1 or 2 degrees, on the other hand, can make a difference without detracting from the well-being of the guests. At the same time, many small tricks must become the habit, even on vacation: turn off the light when not needed, reduce time spent in the shower and use cold water to wash your hands and teeth (closing the tap when soap and toothpaste are distributed), in short, they can turn into automatic gestures. Roll out the towels immediately used, letting the water in which they are soaked evaporate by itself, moreover, will limit the requests for changing clothes allowing hotel laundries to consume less energy and water.

It’s not all. In hotels as well as in outdoor spaces, there are many opportunities to make a difference. Lunch at home? Breakfast at the hotel? Dinner out? No problem. The important thing is to privilege the short chain products: in this way local producers and restaurateurs are supported, less impact on the environment and helps reduce energy consumption associated with freight transport. And what about the use of public transport as an alternative to the car, the constant commitment to waste sorting (which helps reduce the need for raw materials …) and limitation of the use of plastic through the use of water bottles and metal dishes while hiking? Logical choices that cost little and make a lot of difference in the Trentino valley. Why not do them? Finally, a piece of advice, indeed, a benevolent provocation: “we bet that using the phone less will you be able to enjoy an outdoor holiday to the fullest by reducing the battery recharge frequency? Relax, walk, play sports and rest. “Chat and social media can wait. Energy consumption will benefit, as well as the tranquility of those who marry this choice.

Of course, a question arises: called to the responsibility of the moment, will users be willing to collaborate? Yes, they argue without hesitation from the solandra valley. In fact, the experience of the last few years gives us hope. “The sensitivity of tourists towards the problem has been growing strongly for some time, as has the attention of operators in the sector”, he continues Sack. “A conscious unity of purpose has now been created between the territory and its visitors: for some time now, the structures have been doing their part with enthusiasm in favor of eco-compatible solutions. At the same time, users choose destinations and activities taking into consideration validity of low impact strategies “.

In short, in a valley historically at the forefront of environmental choices – think for example of the historic initiative of Pejo3000 ski area which, after banning disposable crockery, glasses, straws and bottles, became the first in 2019 ski area plastic free of the world – tourists cannot and cannot be outdone.

Finally, statistical surveys also provide further confirmation. According to the latest report “Italians, sustainable tourism and ecotourism”, produced by the UniVerde Foundation in collaboration with Noto Sondaggi, 74% of the visitors to the Peninsula admit the existence of an emergency associated with the environmental damage of irresponsible tourism . And the majority of them rightly believe they can help solve the problem making proper decisions. 58% of Italians, in particular, say they are concerned about making choices that do not damage the environment when planning a trip thinking about the destination, the means of transport and the structure to book.

Energy saving: the decalogue of the responsible tourist

1. Reduce the heat whenever possible

It is not necessary to push the thermostat to the maximum to enjoy a pleasant warmth. Lowering the temperature by 1 or 2 degrees will not detract from your well-being but can make a huge difference for overall consumption and the environment.

2. Turn off the light when not needed

How many times, walking around the house, do we realize that the lights are on too many? Getting used to turning off the lighting of the rooms that are not being occupied remains a great gesture of attention and awareness

3. Take short showers

Do not listen to those who invoke the alleged virtues of a non-existent eco-compatible dirt: hygiene is important! This does not mean, however, that a shower should last indefinitely. Two minutes less under the hot water jet help to reduce consumption more than you imagine.

4. Cold water doesn’t always hurt

Ok the hot shower, God forbid. But how about washing your hands and teeth with cold water? This is also a small measure that contributes to energy saving.

5. Don’t always ask for a towel change

Roll out the used towels right away, let the water they are soaked in evaporate by itself and the next day you won’t have to ask for a change. This will help the hotel laundry to consume less energy by relieving it of an unnecessary load

6. At the table, choose products with a short supply chain

Lunch at home? Breakfast at the hotel? Dinner out? As you prefer. But don’t forget to give preference to short chain products. In this way you will be able to support producers and restaurateurs who have less impact on the environment and on the consumption associated with freight transport.

7. Always rely on the train, the bike and your legs

Listen, the arrival in style on the high-displacement car is the stuff of 80’s cinepanettone and you are a conscious tourist of the 21st century. We understood each other…

8. Separate collection must also be done on vacation

Try to produce little waste, a golden rule that never goes out of style. But above all, don’t forget to differentiate and give the different fractions to the appropriate containers.

9. Limit the use of plastic

Packed lunch, a timeless classic. Make your favorite sandwiches and enjoy a meal surrounded by natural beauty. But remember: homemade metal cutlery is fine. And a water bottle is by far a better solution than plastic bottles.

10. Reduce device usage

We bet that by limiting the use of the phone you will be able to enjoy an outdoor holiday to the fullest by reducing the frequency of battery recharging? Relax, walk, ski and rest. Chat and social media can wait patiently for your return.