Islay Wilderness Guide aims to be a totally sustainable business. To be successful we rely on being in harmony with the environment. We are aware that whilst this is possible within certain parameters, it is not yet achievable in others. We can, however, improve and attain targets - mainly due to technology and the restrictions of living and working on a Hebridean island. We aspire to follow the three R's (Reduce, Re-use, Recycle) and add another three: Renewable Energy, Re-Design and Responsibility.
We REDUCE energy consumption by: working smart; using ecobulbs in all appliances; turning off when not required; having super-insulated accommodation; using local sources of energy; reading, working, researching in daylight and shopping 'local', thus supporting the local economy. We RE-USE envelopes, paper and purchase second-hand where possible - i.e. books, optics, clothes.
We RECYCLE all paper, card, glass, can and cloth. In the office, recycled paper and recycled ink cartridges are used for the computer. Food waste is either green composted or fed to internal organic composters (dogs!). We use renewable energy by purchasing green electrical energy; using wood as a heat source; using rechargeable batteries.
We regularly re-design, review and seek to improve our environmental approach.In 2009 we took the step to remove the largest polluter of the business which was the Landrover. We now use bicycles/tandem whenever possible. We no longer have a company car/Landrover.
Ecoballs are used for washing (no phosphorus or powder/liquid) and Ecover for washing up. We share a washing machine! We have an allotment to grow food and have bird feeding stations and buy Fair Trade whenever possible. We have deliberately left House Sparrow habitats in our Home Office wall. We believe in 'System Thinking'.
We operate responsibly with a "Leave No Trace" Policy, believing that 'Less is More'. This benefits all and all that we do. Not only do we support local and international biodiveristy values, but we also seek to be responsible in the decisions that affect our daily lives. We hope to to leave a positive rather than negative aspect to our actions whilst here on earth!
We have a very simple safety policy, in which the Teacher /Guide in Charge has responsibility for any clients in his/her care.
We understand the duty to make sure that a client is never put into a position of danger or injury without due consideration between ourselves and the client.
Whilst we acknowledge that outdoor education for sustainability has inherent dangers, these are minimised by thorough preparation. We operate a 'volenti non fit injura' policy (the principle of law where an adult, participating voluntarily in an activity involving known and obvious hazards, is unlikely to claim for recompense against those leading the activity if an injury is sustained as the result of falling victim to a known and obvious danger - eg bushcrafters using sharp tools).
Notwithstanding, we have a moral responsibility to ensure activities are as safe as possible and all known risks are assessed.
All you spend with us stays on Islay. We are truly committed to our local economy and community. We do not run our business to line the pockets of others far away. By using local resources and skills we are true to our word and honest in our operation. If you need to know more, just ask.
Respect the place you are in
Respect the creatures, birds and plants
Respect each other
Respect the Planet (There is only one of these - ever!)
Travel lightly
Leave no Trace ( take only photographs - leave only footprints)
Consume what you need, no more
Shop local
Buy eco/fair-trade
Use green/organic products that tax the earth less
Recycle
Buy green energy
Hope for everything - expect nothing
Think before you do anything!
The Old Byre, Port Charlotte, Isle of islay, Scotland PA 48 7TX
44 (0)1496 850 010
