Choosing Sustainability: A Commitment Beyond Boundaries
Companies are being urged to take responsibility for their ecological footprint in a world where the effects of human activity on the environment cannot be ignored any more. We’re aiming to be example of a company that has taken this responsibility to heart.
A Resolute Choice for Sustainable
Wicho & Charlie's is not just another adventure agency – it's a statement of purpose. The decision to become a sustainable company wasn't merely a trend-following choice, but a profound commitment to protecting and preserving the environment that provides the backdrop for our thrilling hikes. This commitment is rooted in the understanding that the health of the Volcano, the nearby communities, and Planet Earth are all interconnected. At Wicho & Charlie’s we have woven sustainability into the very foundation of our business. Our every day actions demonstrate our firm commitment to protecting the environment.
Beyond Meat: Nourishing the Body and Earth
Our 98% plant-based menu is one of Wicho & Charlie’s unique selling points. By reducing our reliance on animal products, we lower our carbon footprint. The choice to adopt a plant-based menu is a thoughtful one that holds immense significance for the environment. A vegan diet has nothing short of a revolutionary effect on the environment. By opting for plant-based meals, we are contributing to a more sustainable and ecologically balanced world. A vegan diet has been proven to have a remarkable positive effect on reducing carbon emissions, conserving water resources, and preserving vital ecosystems. According to various studies (e.g. Harvard, Yale, Oxford, The Guardian), the production of animal-based food contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, with livestock agriculture being responsible for approximately 14.5% of global emissions. By exclusively offering plant-based fare in 2019, we collectively saved over 223,000 pounds of CO2 emissions. Additionally, the water footprint of animal products is astronomically enourmous; producing a pound of beef requires an average of 1,800 gallons of water. By choosing plant-based options, we've conserved an astounding 60,025,000 gallons of water, a quantity that could provide drinking water to a substantial population for years.
A vegan diet not only has a positive numerical impact, but also reduces deforestation, which is crucial for preserving biodiversity and battling climate change. Particularly in areas like the Amazon rainforest, the cattle sector is one of the main causes of deforestation. We have collectively spread a forest area of about 153,000 square meters by avoiding animal products. These figures show that every meal provided at Wicho & Charlie’s is a contribution to a healthy Earth for both the present and the next generation, as well as a culinary joy.
Zero Tolerance for Single-Use Plastic, an empowering change
The agency's zero single-use plastic rule is a shining example of environmental awareness. Ecosystems have been severely damaged by plastic pollution, with single-use plastics being a major contributor. By eliminating these plastics from our operations, we show a genuine dedication to the wellbeing of our surroundings. This action goes beyond a policy – it's a declaration that every piece of plastic matters and that every effort contributes to a cleaner Planet Earth.
At Wicho & Charlie's, our commitment to sustainability extends beyond just reducing single-use plastics; it covers a whole effort to minimize our ecological footprint. A powerful stride in this direction is the introduction of refillable water bottles as a substitute for disposable plastic bottles. This seemingly simple transition carries immense significance, catalyzing a positive chain reaction that travels far and wide. The global consumption of plastic bottled water has reached exponential proportions, with millions of single-use bottles discarded daily, contributing to a monumental environmental crisis. These bottles’ manufacturing demand a significant quantity of fossil fuels, electricity and water, aggravating the depletion of critical resources. By replacing single-use bottles with refillable alternatives, we have taken a momentous step towards curtailing this wasteful cycle.
This switch has a dual effect: firstly, it drastically lowers the demand for new plastic bottles, effectively reducing the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills, oceans, and ecosystems. Every time a hiker refills their bottle from our filtered water station, they are actively participating in a movement that prevents the creation of more plastic waste. Secondly, this alternative highlights our dedication to promoting conscious consumer behavior. By providing refillable water bottles, we enable our hikers to be mindful of their own environmental impact and inspire them to embrace sustainable lifestyles that go beyond their adventure with us.
The cumulative impact of this small change is astounding. With each refilled bottle, we collectively contribute to a substantial decrease in plastic pollution, energy consumption, and the depletion of natural resources. In a world where every choice we make has environmental repercussions, we made the decision to offer a practical solution that aligns with our commitment to a healthier planet. It's a reminder that sustainability isn't about grand gestures alone – it's about embracing everyday actions that collectively create waves of positive change. By choosing refillable water bottles over disposable ones, we're not just calming our thirst; we're nourishing our planet.
Fireside Warmth with Responsibility
Our dedication to sustainability doesn't end with the changes that are visible on the surface. We are committed to a comprehensive approach that considers even the finest details of our operations. Another example lies in our meticulous management of the logs used for our fires, exemplifying our unwavering commitment to preserving the local ecosystem.
Every day, as we kindle fires to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for our hikers, we do so with the utmost care and responsibility. We recognize the importance of trees in maintaining the delicate balance of the environment, and thus, we take deliberate steps to minimize our usage of logs. Our fire-pits, ingeniously designed with a buried metallic structure, serve a dual purpose. They not only prevent the fire from dwindling easily, ensuring optimal heat distribution, but they also reduce the amount of wood needed for each fire. This thoughtful design is a testament to our approach – finding innovative solutions that balance the comfort of our hikers with the preservation of our surroundings. Furthermore, our commitment to conserving forests and minimizing deforestation extends beyond our immediate operations. From the outset, we made a conscious decision to implement gas stoves. This careful choice has allowed us to significantly reduce our reliance on logs while ensuring that warm beverages and food remain an integral part of the Wicho & Charlie's experience.
Leave No Trace: A Holistic Approach
We try to extend our commitment to sustainability to the very people we serve – the hikers. The policy of hikers bringing back all their trash highlights the 'Leave No Trace' principle. This not only guarantees the cleanliness of the trails but also cultivates a sense of responsibility among hikers to preserve the natural beauty they encounter.
Drying with the Sun: An Eco-Friendly Habit
Even the small yet significant details aren't overlooked. Our agency has a designated area for hanging clean gear, pillow covers, and sleeping bags to dry in the sun. By utilizing solar energy for drying, we further minimize our reliance on traditional energy sources.
In conclusion, Wicho & Charlie's is more than an adventure agency – it's a beacon of sustainability in a world that urgently needs responsible choices. From their plant-based menu to their zero single-use plastic policy, responsible wood usage to the embrace of technology, every facet of our operations reflects our deep commitment to the environment. This commitment isn't just limited to our business; it's a reminder that sustainability is a collective responsibility that resonates far beyond the slopes of the volcano our guides and porters call home.
Our dedication to sustainability is unwavering as we move forward. We're not just content with the progress we've made; we're determined to push the boundaries of what's possible. We're actively exploring innovative technologies, refining our practices, and seeking new solutions to reduce our environmental impact while enhancing the experiences we offer. At Wicho & Charlie's, sustainability isn't a destination – it's an ongoing journey of growth, learning, and making conscious choices that resonate with the spirit of responsible exploration.
Book your eco-conscious adventure with Wicho & Charlie's today and explore the beauty of volcanoes Acatenango and Fuego while leaving only footprints and taking cherished memories back home.
