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- I pledge to be a conscious, responsible traveler.
- I will keep an open mind as I embark on a journey of discovery.
- I will buy local products and support the local economy.
- I will drink from the fountain and not from a disposable plastic water bottle.
- I will leave places as I found them – or better – when I explore island.
- I will not venture off the trail, off the road, and fall off a cliff for a photo or a selfie.
- I will minimize my overall impact by conserving, reusing and cleaning after myself.
- I will respect nature and local heritage and will not take unnecessary risks.
SEE HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE WHILE AT MINUVIDA AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE
SUSTAINABLE DNA
MINUVIDA has embraced the principles of sustainability from day one. From our decision to build a small lodging facility using existing infrastructure with the least impact to our commitment to provide secure employment for our team, guest education programs and obvious green features, sustainability is our way of being. Below you can find our current commitments as part of the Azores Sustainability Charter and the list of the main sustainability initiatives currently being undertaken by our businesses. 2023 Sustainability Report
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AZORES SUSTAINABILITY CHARTER COMMITMENTS
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GENERAL SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES
CULTURAL + Historic
We are working to preserve the island's cultural heritage starting with the 2017 renovation of an orange era villa dating to the late 1800s. We kept its main architectural features (even the modifications!), reused all equipment and furniture in good working order, such a vintage bathrooms, counter-tops, cabinets and operating gear.
EQUITABLE Pricing
At Minuvida, we align our pricing with local market conditions to ensure accessibility and fair market pricing. In some countries, this means charging less than in others, reflecting local economic realities and honoring our commitment to creating inclusive, transformative experiences. This approach supports both our guests and our mission to foster mindful, sustainable tourism.
GREEN SPACES + Preservation
We restored and continue to work to preserve working fruit orchard by maintaining namesake citrus species and increasing diversity of fruit production. We are committed not increasing building footprint and keep green space at a premium, implement several programs, such as the endemic and native tree-planting program, keeping a natural look in guest areas, ensuring that bees have plenty of wild flowers, use of upcycled decorative elements, such as sculptures from old stone found on the property, old gates as trelises, old washing machine drum fire pit, etc., as well as guest education programs "on the orchard". We also have several rainwater collecting reutilizing old tanks throughout the property for irrigation in drier months.
CONSTRUCTION + Decoration
While we worked to preserve the structure's original character as much as possible, we also emphasized local materials for the new constructions, including locally harvested Japanese cedar yoga studio wood floors, volcanic olivine bathroom counter tops, driftwood light fixtures and decorative pieces, rescued local artifacts such as an oxcart wheel and terracotta bread making pan, a pig drinking basin from volcanic stone and many more. We also hired a local substance abuse non-profit to built our custom-made furniture from local timbers and reclaimed wood pallets.
EFFICIENCY + Green features
We have implemented and continue perfect energy efficient features, such as double-pane windows and doors throughout, LED lighting throughout, low-energy use hot water pumps, inertia radiators for heating, reduced flow shower heads, water saving toilets, rainwater collection for gardening, programmed lighting, wood burning stoves burning wood logged on the premises.
OPERATIONS + Recycling + Reusing + Composting + Repurposing
We work mostly with local suppliers, producers and products. Our breakfasts feature produce and products mainly grown or produced on the premises or purchased from small local suppliers. We composting of all food waste to feed our orchard. Organic, artesinal toiletries using local ingredients primarily and without any packaging. No single-use plastics. Upkeep, maintenance and restoration or donation of furniture, appliances and vehicles, thus avoiding frequent replacements for non-operational blemishes and extending operational life of products. Recycling program with the goal of zero waste to the landfill.
STAFF + Community
We have worked tirelessly to provide secure employment to our local community and offer a full wage for half-day's work benefits program. We have led sessions with staff on sustainability matters and practical topics such as personal finances. We organize several clothing exchanges with employees and community per year. We donate fruit and vegetables grown at Quinta Minuvida to employees and their families. We donate appliances and electronics in good working condition to workers and their families. We organize several yoga and outdoors centric community events per year, including native plant identification guided hikes.
We are working to preserve the island's cultural heritage starting with the 2017 renovation of an orange era villa dating to the late 1800s. We kept its main architectural features (even the modifications!), reused all equipment and furniture in good working order, such a vintage bathrooms, counter-tops, cabinets and operating gear.
EQUITABLE Pricing
At Minuvida, we align our pricing with local market conditions to ensure accessibility and fair market pricing. In some countries, this means charging less than in others, reflecting local economic realities and honoring our commitment to creating inclusive, transformative experiences. This approach supports both our guests and our mission to foster mindful, sustainable tourism.
GREEN SPACES + Preservation
We restored and continue to work to preserve working fruit orchard by maintaining namesake citrus species and increasing diversity of fruit production. We are committed not increasing building footprint and keep green space at a premium, implement several programs, such as the endemic and native tree-planting program, keeping a natural look in guest areas, ensuring that bees have plenty of wild flowers, use of upcycled decorative elements, such as sculptures from old stone found on the property, old gates as trelises, old washing machine drum fire pit, etc., as well as guest education programs "on the orchard". We also have several rainwater collecting reutilizing old tanks throughout the property for irrigation in drier months.
CONSTRUCTION + Decoration
While we worked to preserve the structure's original character as much as possible, we also emphasized local materials for the new constructions, including locally harvested Japanese cedar yoga studio wood floors, volcanic olivine bathroom counter tops, driftwood light fixtures and decorative pieces, rescued local artifacts such as an oxcart wheel and terracotta bread making pan, a pig drinking basin from volcanic stone and many more. We also hired a local substance abuse non-profit to built our custom-made furniture from local timbers and reclaimed wood pallets.
EFFICIENCY + Green features
We have implemented and continue perfect energy efficient features, such as double-pane windows and doors throughout, LED lighting throughout, low-energy use hot water pumps, inertia radiators for heating, reduced flow shower heads, water saving toilets, rainwater collection for gardening, programmed lighting, wood burning stoves burning wood logged on the premises.
OPERATIONS + Recycling + Reusing + Composting + Repurposing
We work mostly with local suppliers, producers and products. Our breakfasts feature produce and products mainly grown or produced on the premises or purchased from small local suppliers. We composting of all food waste to feed our orchard. Organic, artesinal toiletries using local ingredients primarily and without any packaging. No single-use plastics. Upkeep, maintenance and restoration or donation of furniture, appliances and vehicles, thus avoiding frequent replacements for non-operational blemishes and extending operational life of products. Recycling program with the goal of zero waste to the landfill.
STAFF + Community
We have worked tirelessly to provide secure employment to our local community and offer a full wage for half-day's work benefits program. We have led sessions with staff on sustainability matters and practical topics such as personal finances. We organize several clothing exchanges with employees and community per year. We donate fruit and vegetables grown at Quinta Minuvida to employees and their families. We donate appliances and electronics in good working condition to workers and their families. We organize several yoga and outdoors centric community events per year, including native plant identification guided hikes.
SPECIAL GUEST PROGRAMS
We have implemented an award-winning comprehensive independent guest education program that includes information before during and even after their stay. We have minimum stay requirements of four nights in the low seasons and five nights in the summer high season and encourage longer stays and slow tourism.
The in-house guest program invites guests to sign our sustainability pledge included above, and clear reminders about water and electricity conservation, recycling, ethical shopping of local products from local suppliers. Besides internal controls on water usage, electricity usage, heating and cooling controls, lighting and information on certain appliances from smart plugs and similar devices, we also invite guests to:
GROUP PROGRAMS + sustainibility
We organize up to eight weeklong group retreats and gatherings per year with strong focus on sustainability topics and behaviors. Our hallmark program invites guests to join us on a journey of learning that covers relating to our natural environment, personal development, food and spiritual growth with sustainable principles at the foundation. During these events Quinta Minuvida provides food experiences that focus and use mainly local ingredients, field activities that rely on group transport and educational hikes that emphasize the importance of the natural world and island ecosystems.
The in-house guest program invites guests to sign our sustainability pledge included above, and clear reminders about water and electricity conservation, recycling, ethical shopping of local products from local suppliers. Besides internal controls on water usage, electricity usage, heating and cooling controls, lighting and information on certain appliances from smart plugs and similar devices, we also invite guests to:
- The five-minute shower challenge.
- The tap water only challenge.
- The towels for three days challenge.
- The purchase local produce only challenge.
- The reusable shopping bag challenge.
- The recycling challenge.
- Know our natural history and ecosystem challenge through thematic guided hikes.
- Leave your car at home challenge with transport in 7-passenger vehicle for guided hikes.
- Trail cleanup during guided hikes.
GROUP PROGRAMS + sustainibility
We organize up to eight weeklong group retreats and gatherings per year with strong focus on sustainability topics and behaviors. Our hallmark program invites guests to join us on a journey of learning that covers relating to our natural environment, personal development, food and spiritual growth with sustainable principles at the foundation. During these events Quinta Minuvida provides food experiences that focus and use mainly local ingredients, field activities that rely on group transport and educational hikes that emphasize the importance of the natural world and island ecosystems.
AWARDS + Recognition
MINUVIDA AZORES is a founding member of the Azores Sustainability Charter and a Empresas Turismo 360º pilot participant, currently holding the Sustainability Engaged seal. We have been awarded the Miosótis Azores green lodgings badge and is a member of the Azores Natural Park system for sustainable development. We are also recognized by Tripadvisor with Green Leaders bronze badge. Find more about each by clicking their logos below. But besides the awards and recognition the real work on the ground is the evidence of our commitment. Come find out for yourself.
MINUVIDA AZORES is a founding member of the Azores Sustainability Charter and a Empresas Turismo 360º pilot participant, currently holding the Sustainability Engaged seal. We have been awarded the Miosótis Azores green lodgings badge and is a member of the Azores Natural Park system for sustainable development. We are also recognized by Tripadvisor with Green Leaders bronze badge. Find more about each by clicking their logos below. But besides the awards and recognition the real work on the ground is the evidence of our commitment. Come find out for yourself.
HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
- I TURN THE LIGHTS OFF. Please reduce electric use by turning all lights off when not in use. Altough we already use LED lighting and 46% of our energy is renewable, every bit counts.
- I DON'T NEED TO WEAR SHORTS IN WINTER. We have thermostats in cooler weather set to 19ºc (66F), above the limit set by the World Health Organization for healthy and comfortable indoor environments. The reccomended setting for homes in cold climates is 20ºc (68F) during the day and about 16ºc (62F) at night. If you feel cold or damp, please use the dehumidifier in your room with closed windows.
- I TAKE SHORT SHOWERS. Altough we have high-efficiency electric water heaters and reduced flow showerheads, so much energy is wasted and water lost in taking long showers.
- I BUY LOCAL ONLY. When you go to the supermarket make sure you read the produce labels to make sure it's local. Who needs grapes out of season?
- I EAT LOCAL, FRESH AND IN SEASON. Please support local merchants and local products. Who needs imported stuff anyway?
- I DRINK FROM THE FAUCET. Imagine all the plastic bottles you will eliminate, plus how much you can reduce your carbon footprint by driking our healthy and safe tape water? Find out more about plastic waste.
- I DON'T DRIVE AROUND NEEDLESSLY. We recognize that getting around the island is easier by car, but maybe you can sign up for a day hike with us, with group transport, and save on one day of driving around.
- If anything if left unclear, follow these core principles: CONSERVE, REUSE + RECYCLE
