/ SUSTAINABILITY
ECO REPORT Although backpacking is generally a low environmental impact activity, did you know that every night you spend in a hostel creates an average of 9 kgs of carbon emissions? To combat this, almost five years ago YHA established a fundraising program to undertake energy saving and waste reduction eco-projects in hostels. Each time you book an Australian YHA bed on yha.com.au you can choose to contribute $1 towards the Sustainable Hostels Fund (formerly Carbon Reduction Fund), with YHA matching every dollar you contribute. To date over $87,700 has been raised towards projects. Most recently, YHA switched on a brand new commercial hot water system at Adelaide Central YHA, which uses evacuated solar tube arrays with gas boosters, to give guests showers that are as refreshing as they are sustainable. It may sound like mumbo jumbo, but this is estimated to reduce emissions by more than 16.8 tonnes each year. Also benefiting from the Fund, Alice Springs YHA saw the installation of solar panels covering the entire length of the main building. The second largest project of its kind in the city, these panels feed into the main grid. The feed is shown on a monitor in reception, displaying how much renewable energy the hostel is contributing at any point in time. Not that YHA’s commitment to eco and budget conscious travel is anything new. From eco hostels built using sustainable materials, and community-contributing YHAs in ecotourism hotspots, to properties making use of green practices such as composting, water conservation, energysaving devices and serving organic produce in their meals, there are many YHAs that go the extra mile. Visit the sustainability page on yha.com.au for more information on YHA eco-projects.
GREEN TRAVEL TIPS u Travel by train, coach or bike
u Use the hostel book
exchange to update your library.
rather than plane or car.
u Refill water bottles before
heading out rather than buying bottled water.
u Turn off the lights in your
u Take a 1 minute shorter
u Donate and use free food
shower.
room when you go out. on the dedicated shelf in YHA kitchens.
Here are just a few YHAs doing their bit to save the planet‌
SYDNEY HARBOUR YHA This YHA boasts $1 million worth of environmentallysustainable features.
APOLLO BAY ECO YHA
Architect-designed to cut water and energy use, there's also a herb garden and compost.
PORT O'CALL LODGE YHA
This Port Douglas eco-lodge has solar power and onsote wind turbines for hot water and electricity.
COODLIE PARK YHA
This South Australian YHA uses 100% green energy and lets guests plant native seeds to offset their footprint.
DUNSBOROUGH BEACHOUSE YHA
Heading to WA's sun soaked coast? This beachside YHA is working with Landcare to rehabilitate the local foreshore. Book online at yha.com.au