Solas Surf

Sustainability

Enriching, responsible travel

While travel is great for job creation and cultural exchange, ‘over-tourism’ can have negative effects on our host communities and the environment.

At Solas Surf, we are ardent promoters of responsible travel in Sri Lanka. We have thought about how we can do our bit and be a catalyst for positive change. From greening your experience to helping the local community of Ahangama, all it takes are small steps to make your time with us impactful.

We want you to leave us not only with lovely memories but feeling as if you have “given back”

So What are we doing about preserving the planet that ensures that you are not when you stay with us:

  • A significant milestone in our journey toward sustainability is the recent integration of a state-of-the-art solar power system. Basking in the perpetual Sri Lankan sunshine, we have harnessed the power of solar energy to fulfill our electricity needs year-round. This initiative not only minimizes our carbon footprint but also serves as a testament to our unwavering commitment to renewable resources.
  • Zero single use plastic in the villa, and responsible disposal of any other waste plastic to our recycling plant.
  • Composting of all biodegradable kitchen waste. From inedible fruit skins to vegetable waste or even your brewed tea leaves get collected and composted for re-use as fertilizer for our fruit and vegetable garden.
  • In our guest rooms we use hygienic refillables dispensers for all our soaps and shampoos made from recycled plastic.
  • The hot water in our rooms is supplied via solar heating.
  • We have trained our staff to incorporate environmental housekeeping practices in their daily routines

Moreover, Solas Surf proudly stands as a 100% locally owned business, deeply rooted in the local community. We understand that sustainable tourism is not just about preserving the environment but also about nurturing the social fabric of the region. By providing employment opportunities to the local populace, we contribute to the well-being and growth of the community that envelops us. Our partnership with local suppliers for everything from fresh produce to seafood underscores our dedication to supporting nearby businesses and enhancing the livelihoods of those around us.

As you embark on your journey with us, rest assured that Solas Surf is more than just a destination; it is a promise. A promise to cherish and protect the natural wonders of Sri Lanka, to promote sustainable practices, and to embrace the cultural richness that surrounds us. Join us in experiencing a profound connection with both the breathtaking environment and the vibrant community that make Solas Surf an exceptional haven of sustainability and responsible travel.

 

 

What exactly is sustainable travel?

For us, sustainable travel is not about roughing it in small eco-huts in the wilderness. We at Solas Surf believe that it involves making simple choices to lessen the negative impact on a given destination, to preserve resources for future generations. We ourselves are avid experience seekers and travelers, so we know the importance of preservation.

Our guiding principles on sustainable travel are:

  • Preserving the natural environment
  • Supporting local communities in the long-run
  • Protecting cultural heritage

Be a Traveler and not a Tourist by embracing our values

Doing our part includes the following:

  • Zero single use plastic in the villa, and responsible disposal of any other waste plastic to our recycling plant.
  • Composting of all biodegradable kitchen waste. From inedible fruit skins to vegetable waste or even your brewed tea leaves get collected and composted for re-use as fertilizer for our fruit and vegetable garden.
  • In our guest rooms we use hygienic refillables dispensers for all our soaps and shampoos made from recycled plastic.
  • The hot water in our rooms is supplied via solar heating.
  • We have trained our staff to incorporate environmental housekeeping practices in their daily routines
  • We believe in gender diversity and uplifting the local communities by providing employment where possible to the women and men of our local community in Ahangama.

“The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it” – Robert Swan

How can you participate during you stay?

We have curated a list of optional activities around these guiding principles, so all you have to do is opt in during your stay!

Sea Turtle Conservation
we organize a weekly visit to a nearby turtle hatchery for you to see what we do to help preserve these beautiful creatures from extinction. If you are lucky, you will be able to participate in the release of hatched creatures into a safe environment. Believe us, this is a touching and memorable experience, saving the wild!

Baby sea turtles on the sandy beaches
Baby sea turtles on the sandy beaches

Sustainable Growing, Fruit and Vegetables
We grow part of our own produce in an organic manner. We can organize a visit to our gardens, so you can see first -hand what we do. All our growing processes are 100% organic and sustainable. If you are willing to get your hands dirty, you can even volunteer to help us out on the day.

Our menus are curated based on seasonally and locally available vegetables and fruits, ensuring that we can grow our own and buy from local growers; in fact, we work very closely with local growers to educate them on sustainable and organic practices, this is an example of how we bring local communities to profit from you.

Meal prepared by organic fruit and vegetables
Organic and fresh fruits and vegetables

Beach Clean Ups
Ahangama has some of the most stunning beaches in Sri Lanka and we can all participate to keep them clean by picking plastic waste; Not only do we collect waste, but we work with the local recycling plants. If you are so inclined, we can even organize a visit to the plant to see how our waste gets transformed!

Your Contribution to Local Charities
A percentage of all revenues we generate at Solas Surf go to a couple of charities that are dear to us, who are committed to making a difference in the local area:

Educating Local Village Children
Through a charitable trust, we help educate the local children of Ahangama by providing various educational facilities.

Street Dogs of Sri Lanka
We work with a responsible rescue and rehabilitation charity in the coast that cares for these lovely and destitute dogs and re-integrating them with local homes. If you are keen, we are more than happy to take you down to see these loving pooches.

A man taking a walk on the beach
A street dog taking a nap on the side of the road

Your feedback is welcome!

Please don’t hesitate to shout out if you see something we can improve on with regards to Sustainability, as there is always more we can do. At Solas, we are all about listening and embracing your thoughts and values