Sustainability in bloom
Mitre 10 MEGA Tauranga has come of age – leading the way on all things green with a new-look garden centre and strong focus on sustainability.
Mitre 10 MEGA Tauranga has come of age – leading the way on all things green with a new-look garden centre and strong focus on sustainability.
Words Jo Ferris | Photos Jahl Marshall
Mitre 10 MEGA Tauranga has come of age – leading the way on all things green with a new-look garden centre and strong focus on sustainability.
With fresh ideas, new technology and their ‘arms-wide-open’ approach, nothing rains on this team’s parade. Now fully roofed, the only place rain falls inside is in two 30,000L tanks.
Feeding a sophisticated irrigation system, it not only eliminates using town supply, plants are flourishing – noticeably so. Staff efficiency has also gained. Despite the new technology – rather than downsizing the garden centre’s team – it has increased from 14 to 25, as supervisor Lorena Stead and 2 IC Marisa Pirina shift up another gear.
“Spring is our busiest time of the year. It’s like turning the lights on,” says Lorena.
Customer focus underpins this store’s entire purpose. That means people on the floor and more time to greet and help customers. The café moved instore, but still overlooks all the activity. Opening up the garden centre not only created additional space for more stock, visibility increased thanks to new, lower plant bays. The Garden Hub is also a novel drawcard – a central station which enhances staff’s ability to handle customer queries. Just outside is the plastic pot recycling bin – another sustainability initiative, which has seen 900kgs recycled in the past 10 months. And that’s not counting any containers foraged by customers. Mitre 10 even takes polystyrene – number one in New Zealand to do so.
Changes also flowed instore. By definition, ‘garden’ has assumed an entirely new meaning.
More than a green space for trees, flowers and veges; outdoor zones are another room – an extension of how we live, play, entertain – even work. Anything from a simple patio now extends to sophisticated retreats – fully sheltered or open-air; lit and heated. As much as gardens grow, so has this store’s vision, according to Lorena.
“Gardens are another room in the home. But there’s also the internal garden – indoor plants – not only but also.”
Specialty zones cover the full gamut – from indoor plants, tools, plant care, ornaments and rainwater storage systems to probably the Bay’s largest selection of outdoor furniture, BBQs and every accessory to match. If you can’t find it, this store will seek it. Being owner- operated and part of a solely New Zealand co-operative, buying power and access to a wide range of products strengthens this hugely successful business.
Innovation and a "people first" mantra feed this store’s belief in mutually beneficial relationships – from everyone who walks in the door to everyone on the shop floor.
Newbies to long-timers, staff know their stuff; and they know people. Customers come from far and wide, such is the store’s reputation for familiarity. It’s an attitude Mitre 10 MEGA Tauranga continually works on. And customers feel it. Regulars watched closely as the garden centre remained open throughout the renovation. Written feedback was overwhelming and staff are grateful.
Inspired by the new look, Lorena and Marisa say customers love all the initiatives as well – especially how
plants respond to the new irrigation. Both agree the garden centre looks and feels brighter. True to the "spring has sprung" philosophy, team members are also thriving – watching their garden grow as natural rain waters it from above.
Six sea-sational stays
With World Ocean Day just around the corner, Booking.com has compiled a list of sensational stays with breathtaking sea views that offer both luxury and sustainability to the eco-conscious traveller.
With World Ocean Day just around the corner, Booking.com has compiled a list of sensational stays with breathtaking sea views that offer both luxury and sustainability to the eco-conscious traveller.
Paku Palms
Covering more than 70 percent of the planet and home to the world’s incredibly diverse marine life, our oceans play an essential role in Earth’s ecosystem. World Ocean Day – held annually on June 8 – is marked to inform people of the major role the oceans have in everyday life and the impact human action has on its wellbeing.
According to Booking.com research a large majority (72%)* of Kiwi travellers confirm that sustainable travel is important to them, with 42%* saying that recent news about climate change has influenced them to make more sustainable travel choices. Additionally, two thirds (63%) of Kiwi travellers* say that they want to travel more sustainably over the next 12 months.
To showcase Earth’s beautiful oceans, Booking.com is sharing six incredible stays across the globe where sustainable efforts and stunning ocean views come together for the ultimate eco holiday destination. Besides offering breathtaking ocean views, these properties also have a Booking.com Travel Sustainable badge, meaning the properties have taken significant steps to operate sustainably, reduce their impact on the environment and engage more responsibly with the local community.
Situated on Om beach, this wellness sanctuary is built in harmony with nature, and with the earth and the ocean in mind. Guests can discover their inner self at the meditation deck on the cliff overlooking the ocean and take in the incredible scenery of the surrounding mountains. Being an active participant in the local community, SwaSwara’s kitchen cooks with ingredients sourced from local villages and from their own farms. Since fresh water is scarce in the area, the property gathers rainwater during the monsoon months and purifies it with a special system, consisting of three big reservoirs that can hold up to 4.8 million gallons (18 million litres) of water.
Renowned for its pristine beaches, misty forests and summer vibes, the Coromandel is an iconic holiday hotspot that never fails to recharge the soul. With more than 400 kilometres of dazzling white sand beaches, lounge in the sun as you catch some surf and enjoy the sound of the waves. A leisurely 15-minute stroll to the beachfront, Paku Palms is the go-to destination for those wanting to relax on a private deck with expansive panoramic views over the Coromandel Peninsula coastline and mountainous landscapes cloaked in native rainforests. This Travel Sustainable property also enables guests to book an array of eco-friendly tours and attractions around the Coromandel area. Ideal for travelling couples wanting to make the most of their holidays, wind down after a fun-filled day by soaking in the Balinese-style hot tub and enjoying complimentary continental breakfasts.
Offering spectacular views of the Indian ocean and the iconic UNESCO Heritage site, Galle Fort, this beautiful property is a perfect getaway for guests to relax and make their vacation dreams of sun, sea and palm trees a reality. Besides offering guests relaxation, the property has taken several steps to protect the environment and its community. This Travel Sustainable property invests a percentage of revenue back into community sustainability projects. Guests can arrange a tour organised by local guides and learn everything about the local ecosystems, heritage and culture or just get a bike to discover the surrounding area. Travellers can sip tropical cocktails by the pool overlooking the ocean, after a day exploring the stunning golden beaches and the colonial architecture of Galle.
The west coast of Portugal is a great destination for surfing with popular surf spots and incredible waves for all levels of surfing. Travellers can combine their passion for surfing with travelling more sustainably to maintain the beauty of the ocean, by staying at Noah Surf House Portugal, a Travel Sustainable property, which has taken several measures to reduce their ecological footprint - perfect for the 62% of Kiwi travellers* saying they would be more likely to choose a sustainable accommodation, whether they were looking specifically for one or not. With windows facing the water, this property has uniquely decorated rooms without air conditioning, utilising the cooling sea breeze instead. The hotel has solar panels that generate 70% of their water heating needs, as well as an organic garden with chickens that help with the composting process.
Romans Villa, Gansbaai, South Africa
Set in Gansbaai, 200 metres from Romansbaai Beach, Romans Villa is a beautiful boutique guest house on Cape Whale Coast. With a private veranda overlooking the water, this Travel Sustainable property offers an environmentally-friendly stay in a fishing town popular for whale watching, sourcing most of their food locally and providing their guests with information about local ecosystems, heritage and culture. This coastal destination in South Africa has been taking action to address plastic pollution over the past few years by installing drainage nets to catch waste.
Encantada Tulum, Tulum, Mexico
Situated on a pristine beach between the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve and Tulum National Park, Hotel Encantada is a tropical paradise committed to protect and preserve the beautiful destination of Tulum. Each room is decorated with local hand-made artwork and fabrics and guests can enjoy organic dishes made from local ingredients. Guests can enjoy serenity and relaxation during a natural spa therapy or a private yoga class overlooking the beautiful ocean.
With over 110,000 properties globally now being recognised for their sustainability efforts with a Travel Sustainable badge on Booking.com, there is more choice than ever when it comes to leaving a lighter carbon footprint by making more eco-friendly decisions for your next getaway.
Booking.com
Booking.com reveals how the ‘pandemic effect’ could finally tip sustainable travel intent for Kiwis into impactful action
New research from Booking.com suggests that the pandemic has been the tipping point for travellers to finally commit to their own sustainable journey, with 68% of Kiwi travellers believing we have to act now to save the planet for future generations.
Booking.com reveals how the ‘pandemic effect’ could finally tip sustainable travel intent for Kiwis into impactful action.
New research from Booking.com suggests that the pandemic has been the tipping point for travellers to finally commit to their own sustainable journey, with 68% of Kiwi travellers believing we have to act now to save the planet for future generations.
Booking.com’s 2021 Sustainable Travel Report reveals that more than three quarters (77%) of Kiwi travellers think sustainable travel is a vital part of achieving this, with two thirds (61%) stating that the pandemic has influenced them to want to travel more sustainably. The timing of the report makes the findings even more poignant, as the travel industry looks to rebuild amidst the ongoing pandemic, says Todd Lacey, Area Manager of Booking.com New Zealand.
“Our research uncovers how the travel hiatus has opened New Zealanders’ eyes to the impact, both positive and negative, that their trips can have on local ecosystems and communities around the world,” says Lacey. “At Booking.com we believe travel is a force for good, but it has to be done in the right way to ensure we are protecting the planet for future generations.”
Lowering our footprint
Kiwi travellers shared a variety of steps they plan to take to leave less of a footprint on the world as they explore it including’ 80% wanting to reduce general waste, 79% wanting to reduce their energy consumption and 75% wanting to use more environmentally friendly modes of transport such as walking, cycling or public transport over taxis or rental cars.
Fortunately, it’s not just good intentions. Many of these sustainable pledges are coming to fruition, with travellers revealing that while on holiday in the past 12 months, 40% made a conscious decision to turn off their air conditioning/heater in their accommodation when they weren’t there, 53% took their own reusable water bottle, rather than buying bottled water, and 38% did activities to support the local community.
Yet Kiwi travellers feel their own efforts may be hindered when on holiday with over half (58%) admitting they get annoyed if their accommodation stops them from being sustainable. Further, despite 81% of travellers pledging to seek out accommodation that has reputable third-party sustainability accreditation, barriers still remain with 49% of travellers believing there simply still aren’t enough sustainable travel options available in 2021.
But it may be more a lack of communication than a lack of action: 3 out of 4** Booking.com accommodation partners say they have implemented sustainable steps at their property, but only one-third (31%**) actively communicate their efforts to potential guests, with this mostly happening at the time of check-in (59%**). With half of Kiwi travellers still believing ample sustainable travel options are not available, this suggests that significant change is needed to make sustainability information accessible at earlier stages of the booking process.
Closing the gap, step by step
Booking.com believes they have an important responsibility to make sustainable choices easier, both for accommodation providers and travellers. That’s why the company is currently rolling out a program for properties that will support them in taking the next steps to become more sustainable. This includes sharing guidance, insights and best practices with properties via various educational opportunities, including handbooks and dedicated content, all available via the Booking.com Partner Hub.
In connection, Booking.com is currently displaying over 30 certifications officially approved by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), Green Tourism and the EU Ecolabel, as well as multiple hotel chain sustainability programs.
Booking.com is also encouraging its accommodation partners to update their sustainability information, which includes 32 practices across five key categories: waste, energy and greenhouse gases, water, supporting local communities and protecting nature.
“As a leader in travel, at Booking.com we believe we have an important responsibility to make sustainable choices easier, both for accommodation providers and travellers. While there is much, much more to be done, we are optimistic about the passion and commitment we are seeing from all sides,” says Lacey.
To download Booking.com’s full 2021 Sustainable Travel Report, click here.