Sustainability Plan
Our Sustainability plan
Our Operations
In our operations, "our office" and our farm in Erkkilä, we aim for carbon neutrality by 2030. Carbon neutrality is achieved through various measures, such as increasing
renewable energy (solar energy), capturing carbon dioxide in carbon sinks (forests and wooden buildings), and reducing carbon dioxide emissions in everyday life (increasing local and plant-based food, using more ecological modes of travel, and ensuring a more sustainable material flow). The carbon footprint of our “office” will be
calculated for the first time in 2025, after which we will aim for carbon neutrality over the next five years.
Our farm in Erkkilä is an old rural farm, with buildings primarily made of wood. Wooden buildings can store up to a ton of carbon dioxide per cubic meter of wood,
making them excellent carbon stores when well maintained. The surrounding land belongs to us, so we can fully control land use in the area. Our 19-hectare forest is
managed sustainably. Additionally, we aim to explore the possibility of protecting part of the forest between 2025 and 2030. All our waste is
recycled, with biowaste being composted on-site. Food at Erkkilä is partly homegrown (vegetables) and partly foraged (berries, mushrooms, and herbs).
Purchased ingredients are mostly locally produced. Red meat is rarely used in cooking, as we prefer plant proteins, fish, and other white meats.
At Erkkilä, our goal is to grow more of our own food and use wild food more extensively. We have already been able to increase the amount of plant-based food,
and we aim to continue increasing its presence in our operations. In our accommodation services, we are committed to using local and recycled materials
and installing solar panels for our own energy production. The other electricity we use is renewable energy from the regular power grid. To keep recycling as efficient
as possible, we guide our guests to sort their waste during their stay. Additionally, our guests always get to know the surrounding nature and learn how to use it
sustainably by picking berries, mushrooms, or herbs. We do not have a physical office, which means we work from home. The electricity
for our & quot; home offices" is renewable energy from the grid. Working from home also means that our regular workdays are emission-free in terms of commuting. When we
travel to test and inspect our service providers' services, we strive to travel as ecologically as possible, favoring trains and other public transportation whenever
possible. Some service provider locations are, however, inaccessible by public transport, in which case we use a car for travel.
As a sign of our commitment to sustainable tourism and its continuous development, we have received the Sustainable Travel Finland label from Business Finland and
the Biosphere sustainability certificate. Read more about the STF label and the Biosphere certificate.
Since founded in 2013, our operations have been and will continue to be managed in economically sustainable ways. This means that we aim for controlled growth and
the long-term continuity of our operations. This way, we can achieve a balanced future for our company, shareholders, employees, and partners. Read more about
our social responsibility in our Social Responsibility Strategy.
Travel Planning
In travel planning, sustainability has always been one of our priorities, along with functional, unique, and unforgettable experiences. As a travel agency, we have the
opportunity to choose service providers that align with our values, and we consider it our duty to find sustainable service providers and guide them in sustainability.
Our main goal in increasing sustainability in our travel planning is to design travel packages so that flying to the destination can be done with a direct flight.
Domestically, every destination should be accessible by public transport. Additionally, we recommend longer stays to maximize the positive impacts of travel (such as
getting to know local culture and natural values) and reduce negative impacts (such as emissions from air travel relative to the length of the trip).
For travel within and between destinations, we strive to use public transportation wherever possible. This means that our customers travel long distances by train or
bus. Short distances are often covered on foot, by bike, or by other human-powered means of transportation whenever possible. This is not only ecological but also
allows for a richer experience by moving slowly. In places where public transportation is not available, we use the least polluting mode of transportation
(such as an electric taxi). Activities on our trips are always tested and audited by us. This way, we can ensure their quality and safety. When planning sustainable trips, the activities must also be in line with this. For us, this means favoring human-powered activities such as canoeing, cycling, or rafting. For activities that use machines or engines, we always
strive to choose the lowest-emission option available.
Accommodation services and their providers on our trips are also tested and audited by us. This way, we gain a better understanding of the sustainable choices and
actions of accommodation services. Things we consider when choosing accommodation services include the method of heating, location, services, and
sustainable values and certifications. Eco-certifications and the STF label indicate the sustainable operations of the service provider, which we also value in our own
operations. Additionally, we consider the shared values between us and the service provider.
Meals are often included in our trips. Meals play an important role in the travel experience, which is why we want to offer our customers clean and high-quality food.
Meals must also be sustainable and support local food culture and producers. We prefer restaurants that use local ingredients and seasonal delicacies, restaurants
that offer tasty vegetarian and vegan dishes, and small local catering services that can prepare food to order for our customers while minimizing food waste.
Additionally, we recommend a local and low-emission diet to our customers.
Low Carbon Footprint Trips
Our Low Carbon Footprint trips are a step towards more sustainable tourism and travel planning. These trips are designed to be as sustainable as possible while
being adventurous. We have tested our Low Carbon Footprint trips over the past four years and found them to be successful and praised, creating a more sustainable
tourism industry and offering our customers great experiences and unforgettable moments now and in the future.
On Low Carbon Footprint trips, every activity is motorless. This means walking, hiking, canoeing, cycling, and much more. All travel is done as ecologically as
possible, meaning long distances are covered only by trains and buses. Shorter distances are always covered by bike, on foot, or by other muscle-powered means
when possible. We strive for every meal on our Low Carbon Footprint trips to be vegetarian, vegan, or made of local ingredients. Additionally, we recommend
sustainable cafes and restaurants at each destination. Every accommodation service is certified or shares our common sustainable values. Certifications can represent
ecological, social, or cultural responsibility. On all our trips, we offer an introduction to authentic local culture through sports, history, art, or music. This way, our customers
have the opportunity to learn more deeply about local life. To ensure quality and safe experiences for our customers, every guide on our trips is a local professional guide.
Every activity, accommodation, and attraction is tested and audited by us and meets our sustainable values. Additionally, the carbon footprint of each Low Carbon
Footprint trip is calculated, and the calculation method is updated at the beginning of 2025. Read more about this here.
Travel Sustainably
First of all, you have already made a sustainable choice by choosing us and a Nordic destination for your trip. Next, you need to decide the length of your trip. Longer
stays are often more sustainable, although unfortunately, we cannot always influence the length of our holidays.
Before arriving at your destination, we recommend reading a bit about the place's history or culture. This way, you can avoid unpleasant misunderstandings and better
understand the local culture.
The choice of transportation significantly affects the sustainability of the trip. Trains work very well in Finland and the Nordic countries, so they should always be used.
Other public transport options are also functional in most parts of our country. If you choose to fly, always choose a direct flight to the destination.
Upon arrival at the destination:
- Always use your own water bottle, which you can fill with tap water.
- Recycle all your waste! If there is no trash can nearby, keep the trash in your pocket or backpack until you find a trash can.
- Take all cans and bottles to the store's recycling point. You will get money back for the deposit!
- When buying groceries, look for domestic or locally produced products, which you can easily recognize by the domestic food labels.
- Prefer small local businesses, restaurants, and cafes over large international companies.
- Choose vegetarian or vegan foods; we have great and high-quality ingredients and almost everywhere tasty vegetarian and vegan options.
- Walk, bike, or ski when moving from place to place if possible.
- Always respect local regulations, laws, and residents.
- If you like something, don’t forget to let the service provider know that!
You can always ask us for more tips on smooth and sustainable travel!