palmtrees on white sandy beaches
vacations in the sun
Eco Tropical Resorts
Ecotourism Directory of Tropical Resorts and Lodges
tropical flowers
Home     |   Search   |   Review or List Resort   |   Ecotourism Blog   |    About Us    
*
Resort Areas:
*

Africa Resorts

Asia Resorts


Caribbean Resorts


Central America
& Mexico Resorts


Indian Ocean Resorts

Pacific Ocean Resorts


South America Resorts

Information:

The Butterfly Club-Eco Rating

Jobs in Ecotourism

Volunteers in Ecotourism

Ecotours & More

EcoLodge Resources

What is Ecotourism?

Resources


Maps

Read Reviews

Cool Stuff
for Travelers:

Travel Gear
palm trees

 
* *

The Buttefly Club - Eco Certification

NAME OF PROPERTY

Northside Valley

RESPONSIBLE PERSON FOR THIS APPLICATION

Ginger Brown Vanderveer

POSITION

Owner/Manager

ADDRESS OF PROPERTY

 

2 Estate Northside
P.O. Box 281, Frederiksted
St. Croix U.S. Virgin Islands

COUNTRY

United States

PHONE NUMBER
inc. area code

(708) 848-6148
(877) 772-0558 Toll Free

WEBSITE

http://www.northsidevalley.com

E-MAIL

info@northsidevalley.com

TYPE OF PROPERTY

Ecologically-Friendly Vacation Villas

NUMBER OF ROOMS

5 villas (2 bedroom, living/dining, deck/patio, kitchen, 1 to 2 bathrooms)

MAXIMUM NUMBER OF GUESTS

Villa sizes vary, some will accommodate six to eight people

ECO-CERTIFICATION(s)

Five Green Trees - EnvironmentallyFriendlyHotels

ECO AWARDS

 

GENERAL ECO INFO

  • Do you have an environmental and/or social sustainability policy        YES

If yes, please attach.
          Our Eco-Gecko is proudly displayed around your villa.  He has wonderful tips about being eco-friendly.  The following are steps that Northside takes to make your stay healthy to you and our planet:

  •   Cleaning products are natural.  We do not use bleach.
  •   Linens are made from cotton or bamboo and dried in the sun.
  •   Your hot water heater is on a timer to conserve energy.
  •   A cistern collects rainwater for use in your villa.
  •   All lights use compact fluorescent bulbs.
  •   Efficient ceiling fans cool your villa.
  • Do you have an environmental Management System                                    YES

If yes, please attach.

Staff are trained in eco-friendly principles.  Composting, conservation of water/energy, and chemical-free maintenance products are stressed.

  • Brief Description of property – aim, size, facilities (150 words max)

This six-plus acre estate nestled in the valley of a rainforest is within a few hundred yards of beautiful beaches.  Stroll down to Northside’s own beach and snorkel in crystal clear waters (wave hello to our local lobster, we’ll show you where he lives).  A few hundred yards in either direction are more beaches.  For a more relaxed vacation, lounge on your deck or patio and watch the ocean or stargaze at night.   

  
  • Brief description of location (100 words max)

Northside Valley is located in Frederiksted, St. Croix.  Frederiksted town is quaint with its 18th Century Danish-architecture and waterfront pier.  It has gourmet restaurants both in and around its perimeter.

  

ENERGY CONSUMPTION / CONSERVATION

  • Do you use any renewable energy? YES

We currently have 10% renewable energy.  These are solar-powered items.  We are in the process of converting our diesel generator into a bio-fuel generator.  The generator can provide power for all the houses.  We will have 100% renewable energy when the conversion is complete.

  
  • Please describe any energy saving devices in use, and energy saving programmes you have, and how can guests/visitors participate

Timers on our hot water heaters,  Compact fluorescent bulbs, gas stoves, ceiling fans, line dry linens, high-efficiency front-loading washing machine,  water purifier so guests will not purchase bottled water.  We have simple living instructions on how to recycle, dispose of gray water, and compost.

  

GARDENS – ORGANIC FOOD – RECYCLING-CHEMICALS

  • If you have gardens, please describe any organic or chemical farming practices.

All of our gardens are organic.  We have organic fruit trees, vegetables, and herbs.  We do not irrigate our landscaping.  We compost our vegetable matter and all landscaping trimmings.

  
  • Do you have a purchasing policy - local/organic/good practice/fair trade or any other?  YES

We purchase local organic food and our staff shirts are from Solidarity (a Fair Trade product from Bolivia).

  
  • Please describe any composting or recycling programmes, and how, if possible, guests/visitors are encouraged to participate.

Simple Living Opportunities posted in the villa ask guests to recycle cardboard, glass, and alumnum cans.  Guests can observe how recycled items are used at Northside’s.  They can be involved in organic gardening.   

  

CHEMICALS AND CLEANING PRODUCTS

  • Approximately, what percentage of cleaning products used are chemical, and what percentage bio degradable; please describe

0% chemical.  100% biodegradable.  All natural products are purchased.  Most of our cleaning is done with white vinegar and baking soda.

  

WATER

  • Please describe your water supply, and any water conservation programmes, and how, if possible, guests/visitors are encouraged to participate.

Rainwater is used.  It is a renewable resource.  We ask guests to dispose of gray water from the kitchen and use the optional outdoor showers when possible.  We suggest short showers and use low-flow devices for the showers.

  
  • Please describe your water purification and waste water treatment systems.

We have an ultra-violet water purifier that will be connected to solar power.  Waste water is handled through a septic system and does not use any energy.

  

FLORA AND FAUNA CONSERVATION / PRESERVATION

  • Describe any flora or fauna conservation/projects you are involved in and how you encourage your guests to participate?

Preserve the natural state of the property and of Northside Valley beach.  Guests are introduced to the estate.  They are warned to drive carefully as our estate hosts many island deer and other creatures.  Contribute to Nature Conservancy, UVI and St. Croix Environmental Association.  Guests are educated about these groups and the work they perform in St. Croix.

  

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS

  • Please describe what you feel is your single most important eco achievement? (200 words max).

Preserving the natural beach of Northside Valley.

  

MONITORING / FEEDBACK / TRAINING

  • Please describe any staff and customer eco training/education programmes

Energy Awareness program was conducted in August.  One week of energy awareness tips and eco-education.

  
  • Please describe any materials you have to educate your guests (brochures, posters, pamphlets, etc.)?

An eco page on my web site, welcome packet with eco-tips, simple living opportunities on the villas fridge,  business cards with eco-gecko.

 
  • Please describe how you monitor, maintain, and/or minimise your environmental impact?

Monitor abundance of bees, butterflies, birds, frogs, dragon flies, etc.  Monitor the health of trees, track energy and water consumption for each house.

  
  • Do you get customer feedback? YES

Through an evaluation form.

  

LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY

  • What percentage of your staff are local nationals?      50%
  • Please describe what you do to minimise your negative impacts on the local community, and any cultural awareness, community activities or local sponsorships programmes, and any other ways you try to ensure the  local community benefit from your business.

Limiting the use of resources.  Since we don’t use A/C and heaters are on a timer, my property is not responsible for overload power outages (which happen frequently in the islands).  We also nurture native plants which locals appreciate for their medicinal properties.  Locals ask me for various native plants.

  
  • If you have a green / eco certification label, please give details and explain:
    • your reasons for joining the scheme
    • The benefits you feel you receive
    • Any other positive  or negative points   

 If you do not have a green certification / label, please explain  

  • Your reasons for NOT joining any schemes,
  • Any benefits you feel you are missing,
  • Anything else.

Five Green Trees from Environmentally Friendly Hotels.

  
  • Anything else you feel is relevant or important.

Please provide as much documentary evidence as possible.
Please provide 2 references, preferably one from the local or national government tourist authority or a registered NGO (Non-profit Non Governmental Organization) locally, and the other from your certification scheme if you are in one.

Home    |     About Us    |    Review or List Resort    |    Contact Us    |    Site Map
*
© 2003-2008 Eco-Tropical Resorts