From 2000 until now, that is, in just under 20 years, we have produced as much plastic worldwide as was produced from the beginning of its mass production until 2000. Each year we ingest about 1/4 kilogram of plastic. Plastic is already present in the air, food and water we drink. As much as 1/3 of produced plastic ends up in the environment. Its presence has already been detected in 270 animal species.
Data come from the report „No Plastic in Nature: Assessing Plastic Ingestion from Nature to People”, for WWF Poland.
Environmental protection lies at the heart of Hotel Anders' nature, in which we operate daily. The location of Hotel Anders, in the Masuria region, is one of our greatest assets. We are aware of this and take care of the environment that surrounds us. The Tabor Pines, known worldwide for centuries and covering the nearby forests, and the famous Elbląg Canal, one of whose branches begins in Stare Jabłonki, are a heritage we protect and promote. We have our commitments to the surrounding nature. How do we do it?
OUR ECO PRACTICES
KITCHEN AND RESTAURANT
- WE USE EDIBLE STRAWS MADE FROM APPLE POMACE IN BARS
Instead of plastic straws in the bars we use edible straws made from apple pomace. If not eaten, these straws biodegrade within 2 weeks. They are 100% vegan. The straw does not change the taste of the drink; on the contrary — it takes on its flavor. The straws have an IFS certificate. IFS Food is an international standard created by the Global Food Safety Initiative, meaning compliance of products with European food law.
- WE HAVE GIVEN UP PLASTIC DRINK GARNISHES
We have replaced them with fresh fruit.
- WE USE BUCKWHEAT HUSK PLATES AT OUTDOOR EVENTS
Buckwheat is a plant belonging to the knotweed family, related to rhubarb. Initially, mainly the seed components were used to make groats and flour. About 2,000 years ago the buckwheat husk was valued as a filling. The husks, i.e. the shells of the buckwheat fruit, have many properties. They are hard yet elastic and light. They contain tannins (compounds with anti-inflammatory properties that inhibit the growth of bacteria and mites), rutin (a natural compound that strengthens the immune system), cellulose-lignin compounds (which help maintain a low moisture level in the filling), organic acids and mineral salts.
- WE USE WOODEN CUTLERY (SPOONS, KNIVES, FORKS) AT OUTDOOR EVENTS
They are made from naturally light birch wood, which unlike other species does not require bleaching. Thanks to special sanding they are suitable for all types of dishes. The rounded and smoothed tines of the forks guarantee excellent functionality even when eating salads. Additionally, wooden cutlery is completely tasteless.
- WE INTRODUCED PAPER NAPKINS AT BREAKFASTS
By switching napkins to paper we primarily save water.
- WE HAVE GIVEN UP PLASTIC PACKAGING FOR LUNCH BOXES
We replaced plastic packaging with ecological paper bags. They are environmentally friendly — biodegradable. They have PZH approval for contact with food.
- COFFEE TO GO IS SERVED IN CARDBOARD CUPS
Stop plastic cups!
- WE USE REUSABLE PLASTIC DISHES AND CUTLERY FOR CHILDREN
In our restaurant you will not find disposable dishes and cutlery for children.
- WE WORK WITH LOCAL SUPPLIERS
This way we reduce the carbon footprint (transport) and CO2 emissions to the atmosphere.
OFFICES AND RECEPTION
- WE REUSE PAPER PRINTED ON ONE SIDE
We limit printing and paper consumption in our offices and reception. We also use the reverse side of printed sheets. We print draft materials on them or cut them for short notes.
- OUR HOTEL PENS ARE MADE FROM CARDBOARD
We replaced plastic pens with cardboard ones.
CONFERENCE DEPARTMENT
- WE ORGANIZE GREEN MEETINGS
As part of business meetings—conferences, trainings, team-building events and others—organized at Hotel Anders in Masuria, we encourage companies hosted by us to care for nature. We organize attractions and activities aimed at highlighting a company's pro-ecological actions, integrating employees or clients around the "green" idea, or educating employees about environmental protection. As part of green conferences we invite companies that come to us to green integration — planting a forest, preparing eco toys for children from the kindergarten in Stare Jabłonki, workshops building bird boxes, cleaning the forest, participating in an eco outdoor painting event ending with a charity auction for a chosen non-governmental organization working for ecology, or active recreation among greenery — bike rallies, beach volleyball tournaments, kayaking trips and others. We encourage conscious and sensible integration that is both effective and useful.
- WE COLLECT BATTERIES AND PLASTIC CAPS
Used batteries are handed over for disposal, and plastic caps support charity campaigns organized in the schools of our employees' children.
ROOMS
- TOWELS IN ROOMS ARE CHANGED ON REQUEST
According to some studies, by 2025 (!!) Poland will begin to experience a shortage of drinking water. Already today, over 800 million people worldwide do not have access to it. Worldwide, laundering accounts for 26% of water usage! We encourage guests not to change towels every day — it is enough that the Guest hangs the towel on the hanger — this is a signal to Hotel staff not to replace it. If the guest leaves the towel on the floor... we will replace it with a new one.
- SLIPPERS AND ROBES ARE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST
This also helps reduce water consumption.
- NO POWER IN THE ROOM WITHOUT A CARD/KEY
This reduces electricity consumption.
- DUVETS AND BLANKETS ARE DONATED TO ANIMAL SHELTERS
Used duvets and blankets are donated to nearby dog shelters so they can continue to serve our smaller brothers.
- WE USE DISPENSERS FOR COSMETICS IN SOME ROOMS
We replaced bathroom cosmetics in small plastic bottles in some rooms with economical and eco-friendly dispensers.
- BEDDING FOR THE YOUNGEST HAS Oeko-Tex 100 CERTIFICATE (under testing)
Bedding in the baby cot does not require covers. It is made of certified material (100% cotton) that does not need an additional cover. The raw material and the print hold the Oeko-Tex 100 certificate. Oeko-Tex 100 is a certification and testing system for textile products at all stages of processing. Products labeled with this mark are free from harmful substances. Textiles that have the Oeko-Tex 100 symbol are TRUSTWORTHY TEXTILES. These certificates have been awarded since 1992 worldwide — in Poland the process is managed by the Łódź Institute of Textiles.
- WE USE ECOLOGICAL TOILET PAPER IN PUBLIC TOILETS
Lucart paper is the only one in the world made from pure cellulose fibers obtained by recycling used Tetra-Pak type packaging; moreover it is not chemically bleached.
TECHNICAL DEPARTMENT
- WE USE ELECTRIC HEATING
The large impact of greenhouse gases is affecting climate change at an alarming rate. We heat the hotel with electricity, which means we do not pollute the air with chimney exhaust. There is no smog here; air quality is excellent. There is also no risk of explosion or carbon monoxide poisoning.
- WE USE LED LIGHTING IN 70% OF THE FACILITY
LED lighting means lower electricity consumption. Interior and exterior lighting of the hotel is based on energy-efficient bulbs.
- WE HAVE INSTALLED MOTION SENSORS IN CORRIDORS
Lighting dims when no one is in the corridor. Thanks to this we consume less electricity.
- WE INSTALL WATER-SAVING SHOWER HEADS IN ROOMS
They help protect water resources.
- WE SORT PAPER WASTE
We do not burn it or throw it into the trash. Paper waste is collected by an external company and then reused.
- WE COMPACT WASTE
We contribute to rational municipal and industrial waste management. By compacting waste we reduce their volume by up to 70%.
- WE USE ECO-FRIENDLY PAINTS
We paint the ceilings of rooms and the restaurant with eco-friendly Atria Top Green 7 paints. This paint has the Air Clean certificate confirming the paint's ability to absorb volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Volatile organic compounds occur as by-products in many industrial processes and are a source of environmental pollution. They include, for example, terpenes emitted by deodorants.
SPA
- FOR SOME TREATMENTS WE USE NATURAL PLANT-BASED COSMETICS
The brands Pevonia and Ella Bache are based on natural plant ingredients.
- WE WORK WITH ECO MATERIALS
We use single-use cellulose bed covers, caps, pareos.
ATTRACTIONS
- WE ENCOURAGE GUESTS TO ENGAGE IN ACTIVE OUTDOOR RECREATION
We care for physical and spiritual health.
- WE ORGANIZE GUIDED SIGHTSEEING WALKS AND BICYCLE TOURS
We want guests to enjoy our beautiful surroundings.
