Sustainability at Ashiyana
Ashiyana is working towards becoming a fully sustainable and eco-friendly business. We aim to reduce our ecological footprint and live in harmony with nature so as to not put an extra burden on the carrying capacity of the planet and its ability to regenerate for future generations. We do this in the face of increasing environmental problems, climate change, a growing population, and global commitments towards ensuring social equity and environmental sustainability. Doing good business means ensuring a fair deal for all; guests, staff, suppliers, and the planet.
SUSTAINABILITY
Today, humanity uses the equivalent of 1.6 planets to provide the resources we use and absorb our waste. While a UK citizen consumes the equivalent of 4 planets on average, a citizen of India consumes far less than this, close to 1 planet, mainly due to the large number of poor people (who don’t fly, consume a lot, or even eat meat).
WHAT WE DO
Ashiyana aims to reduce the global average of 1.6 planets by minimising its environmental impact and improving its sustainability.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Become aware of your consumption patterns and help reduce the local and global footprint :-)
ENERGY & CLIMATE CHANGE
Global Warming is already changing the face of rapidly developing India, predicted to become the world’s most populous, overtaking China, in less than a decade. In order to combat climate change successfully, everyone - governments, the private sector, and citizens - are asked to take responsibility. To be able to support our energy needs safely, it is required to slowly divest from fossil fuels (and nuclear power), and look into renewable energies.
The Goa Government has recognized the challenge and is, under the National Solar Mission, supporting the installation of grid-connected rooftop solar systems. In addition, the Goa Government is planning a Hydro power Plant in the Western Ghat of Goa.
WHAT WE DO
Ashiyana aims to reduce emissions by using renewable energy from responsible energy providers. In addition, and in order to become more self-sufficient, we are planning to install solar panels on a pilot basis ourselves, and install energy saving light bulbs on the premises.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Switch of electronic devices, fans, and lighting if not in use. This will not only save money, but also valuable resources.
- Lights left on overnight use enough energy in a year to heat a home for almost 5 months -
WASTE & RECYCLING
‘Trash is nothing more than a design error’ - Gonzalo Muñoz
Waste disposal has become a major problem worldwide. Truth be told, there is no sustainable way of burying or burning, which leaves recycling as a popular solution. It doesn’t solve the problem of overproduction and overconsumption though. Waste from discarded products and packaging creates disposal problems and squanders valuable resources.
The Government of Goa is currently constructing a solid waste management plant at the Calangute/Saligao plateau for the entire North Goa. The plant will be able to handle 150 tonnes of garbage per day, and will start operations by March 2016.
WHAT WE DO
Ashiyana aims to reduce waste by purchasing and accumulating as little plastic and other waste material as possible. Furthermore, we aim to recycle all our plastic, glass, and paper; our food waste is collected for composting, and our furniture is second hand, repurposed, recycled and / or from local suppliers.
We are also working on offering copper water bottles for our guests, which you can refill for free within the premises. Using copper bottles does not only prevent the generation of waste, but is also very beneficial for your health and energy as copper has anti-bacterial properties. To get the most benefits, the water should be stored overnight or at least for four hours.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Think about trying to buy items with less packaging. If you decide to purchase disposable items, please keep the environment - especially the beach & sea – clean, and make use of our separate waste bins forfood and non-food.
WATER RESOURCES & WATER MANAGEMENT
Water security is one of the defining challenges of our time.India’s growing water footprint is not sustainable, and it is estimated, that by 2020, India will become a water scarce country. Its 1.2 billion people collectively contribute to a significant 12% of the world’s total water footprint, while it provides only 4% of the world’s water resources. Already, nearly 50% of Indian villages do not have any source of protected drinking water.
India’s farmers, households, and industry increasingly depend on groundwater rather than surface water in rivers and lakes. In many places, groundwater is overexploited and river flows get depleted. Local water depletion and pollution is closely tied to the structure of the national or even global economy. Water is often consumed or polluted to produce cheap goods for export to other parts of the nation or other countries, also in highly water-stressed river basins. If current trends continue, in 20 years about 60% of all India’s aquifers will be in a critical condition. Depletion of groundwater is not simply a case of drawing down a replenishable resource, but potentially one of permanent degradation.
The Goa Government has recognized the need for storage schemes, water recycling, rainwater harvesting, ground water regulation, recharge of deep aquifers, controlling of water pollution, encouraging water saving techniques, and people’s participation in water management.
WHAT WE DO
Ashiyana aims to save & conserve water by recycling, zero leakages and minimal evaporation losses. Therefore, we water our garden under the shade of our palm trees, ensuring that less water is lost to evaporation.
- Leaky faucets that drip at the rate of one drop per second can waste up to 10,000 litres of water each year -
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Turn off what’s not in use: Running the tap while brushing your teeth can waste 15 litres of water.
Be aware of the water that is involved in food or clothing production: a kilogram of chicken costs 3900 litres of water in terms of the water input for chicken feed. In contrast, processing a kilo of wheat needs 1000 litres. Generally, vegetarians tend to have a much smaller water footprint than meat eaters :-)
WASTEWATER
Wastewater, especially sewage, has the potential to seriouly contaminate water resources. Eco-friendly or green toilets are still the exception, although wastewater bears great potential for reuse & recycling.
WHAT WE DO
Ashiyana is collecting blackwater (sewage) in a number of septic tanks, which are being emptied regularly and disposed safely. To make the procedure hygienic, a biological fluid is poured into the tanks which facilitates the composting process and enables the transformation of human waste into fertilizer.
Greywater (from showers, sinks etc.) is currently going into the ground. As this water could be well recycled, we are currently working on a more sustainable option to collect, clean and reuse wastewater.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
We ask our guests to put toilet paper into the clay pot next to the toilet, instead of into the toilet. This does not only prevent pipes from plugging, but is also necessary for the composting process and safe disposal of sewage.
In addition, you would do the environment a great favour if you chose to use organic soaps & shampoos. By doing so you contribute to cleaner water resources, especially groundwater.
CHARITY & LOCAL COMMUNITIES
Organisations that give back to the community, whether through employees volunteering their time or through charitable donations are often considered to be socially sustainable.
WHAT WE DO
Over the years we have forged links with the local community and people in need.
- Double Dutch Children’s Foundation
WHAT YOU CAN DO
You are welcome to donate money or belongings you wish to not take on to your further journey, to whatever cause resonates with you.
LOCAL ECONOMY & SUSTAINABLE FOOD
The world's current population hovers just above the seven billion mark - that's a lot of mouths to feed. At the current rate with which the population is rising, concerns about providing a sustained food supply are growing. Agricultural output is already stretched and plugging in the gaps with fish as the source for protein is difficult due to current levels of overexploitation.
According to Greenpeace, 90% of India’s fish resources have reached or are operating beyond their sustainable level and poor regulation of the industry has contributed to a decline in growth of India’s fisheries. Fishermen are going farther and wider to secure a catch as traditional marine fishing areas show depleting numbers of commercially valuable fish. India currently requires strict monitoring of its coastal areas and needs to push and facilitate sustainable fishing so that our future generations are not deprived of commodities, which we had access to but overused.
WHAT WE DO
Ashiyana aims to buy all foods from local and sustainable sources. The same is true for all material – furniture, building materials, paper etc.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Support your local economy and ensure producers are paid fairly. In addition, try to not waste any food :-)
HEALTH & HAPPINESS
Rising wealth and greater health and happiness increasingly diverge, raising questions about the true basis of well-being and contentment.
WHAT WE DO
Ashiyana is a place to relax and wind down. We do everything possible to make your stay peaceful, joyful & happy :-) Apart from Yoga and the holistic approach to life that comes with it, we aim to provide you with a healthy, balanced, mostly organic diet with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, plus a wide choice of massages and activities for your wellbeing.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Be here, be open, enjoy, share, and feel the special energy this place has to offer :-)
