When you visit Saaremaa, you become part of its unique natural and cultural heritage. Saaremaa is known for its clean air, stunning nature and sustainable tourism. The Green Key eco-label helps to preserve the island’s nature and offers you the opportunity to choose eco-friendly and responsible accommodation or services.
What is the Green Key?
The Green Key is an internationally recognised eco-label awarded to tourism operators and accommodation establishments that comply with established environmental and sustainability standards. This recognition is a quality label that signifies that a company is making a conscious effort to promote environmentally friendly practices and is committed to the sustainable use of natural resources. Companies awarded the Green Key label implement a variety of environmentally friendly practices, such as energy conservation, reducing water consumption, waste sorting and using eco-friendly products.
By staying at a Green Key eco-labelled establishment, you can be confident that special attention has been given to minimising environmental impact and conserving nature. In addition, these companies contribute to the well-being of the local community and the preservation of the natural environment, offering tourists a more conscious and responsible travel experience. When you see the Green Key label, it signifies that by staying or dining at that establishment, you are supporting sustainable tourism and contributing to a cleaner and healthier planet. With the Green Key label, you can be assured that the establishment not only cares about the environment but also provides high-quality and convenient service that adheres to internationally recognised standards.
Why choose a company with a Green Key label?
Green Key certified businesses adhere to resource efficiency and nature conservation principles while also providing a quality and convenient service. These establishments work to minimise their environmental impact through a variety of measures, such as using renewable energy, conserving water with smart solutions and minimising waste. In doing so, they optimise energy and resource consumption, helping to keep nature clean and preserve the unique living environment of Saaremaa. By choosing a Green Key establishment, you are directly supporting a greener future.
Establishments that have been awarded the Green Key label also support local communities and small producers. Many of them prioritise domestic and local products, ensuring that visitors can enjoy authentic and quality Saaremaa goods. Whether it is fresh local food, handicrafts or other services, every choice supports local businesses and helps the community thrive. This creates a connection between the region’s history, culture and people, offering an authentic and holistic experience of Saaremaa.
By choosing a Green Key establishment, you are making a conscious step toward promoting sustainable tourism. Sustainable tourism means enjoying a holiday with a reduced ecological footprint. It is a way to enjoy the beautiful nature and rich cultural heritage of Saaremaa while preserving them. Green Key establishments are committed to preserving the nature and traditions of Saaremaa while offering an unforgettable and quality holiday experience. This responsible approach ensures that future generations can also experience the beauty and charm of Saaremaa in its most authentic form.
Tips for exploring Saaremaa in an environmentally friendly way
Opt for sustainable ways to get around
Saaremaa offers wonderful opportunities to move in harmony with nature. The tranquil roads and stunning coastline of Saaremaa are ideal for cycling or walking, allowing you to immerse yourself in the island’s breathtaking scenery at your own pace. By choosing to cycle or walk, you help protect the environment by reducing emissions and noise pollution associated with cars. Opting for eco-friendly mode of travel allows you to reach places inaccessible by car, such as forest paths and quaint villages, where nature reveals its beauty up close. This green approach allows you to enjoy the fresh air and unspoiled nature of Saaremaa while leaving behind a lighter ecological footprint.
Choose local products
Saaremaa is home to a number of Green Key labelled restaurants and accommodation establishments where the use of local and organic products is prioritised. Dishes made from local ingredients are fresh and full of authentic flavours of Saaremaa. From Saaremaa-style fish dishes and locally made cheeses to fresh vegetables, every bite supports local farmers and producers. This allows you to discover the unique flavours of the region while making mindful choices. Choosing local food also reduces the environmental impact arising from food transport as the products do not have to travel long distances. By supporting Saaremaa’s producers and enjoying the island’s finest flavours, you contribute to preserving its local culture and way of life.
Reduce waste
Environmentally friendly behaviour begins with small steps that become a part of daily life. While traveling on Saaremaa, it is easy to make sustainable choices, such as bringing your own water bottle and using reusable tableware or bags. Many Green Key establishments encourage visitors to reduce ingle-use plastic consumption by providing alternatives such as water refill stations and biodegradable tableware. By refilling your own water bottle, you help reduce the need for plastic bottles, keeping the beautiful beaches and forests of Saaremaa free of litter. Visitors are also encouraged to pack picnics in reusable containers and choose locally-made souvenirs designed to last. By making small but mindful choices, you can minimise the environmental impact of your travels and contribute to the conservation of the nature of Saaremaa.
By choosing a Green Key establishment during your visit to Saaremaa, you can enjoy an environmentally friendly holiday and leave a smaller footprint. Be part of a sustainable future and help preserve the nature of Saaremaa for generations to come. Below, we have compiled a list of Green Key establishments to make your choice easier.
