Good Environmental Practices

Introduction

This manual identifies good environmental practices in the areas of use of electricity, water, inputs, green spaces and mobility.

The suggestions presented in this manual of Good Environmental Practices are aimed at employees of Living Place – Tourist Entertainment, Companies and other Institutions that are related in some way to the Company, as well as the community in general. This manual aims to be a practical support so that everyone, without exception, can participate in the daily effort of Living Place – Tourist Animation towards achieving considerable Sustainable Development.

Waste

Biodegradable waste comes from the management of the private space ECO Farm Villa Maria, a natural site that includes meadow, forest, vegetable garden and water tanks. This waste is placed in natural compost bins that will be used to fertilize the land used for the vegetable garden.

The plastics and glass used in the activities are always reused and are constantly used. When this is not possible, they are sent to the respective recycling points.

The existence of a Bamboo Grove at ECO Farm Villa Maria allows the Company to build with ecological and natural materials for its nature-related activities without resorting to the acquisition of wood or similar materials externally, simultaneously allowing the control of an exotic species with sustainable use;

Use of various materials such as old furniture, unused boats in some state of conservation, are used for new functions – separating garden products, organizing nurseries, decoration;

Don't waste food. When you go shopping, always take a list of what you need. It will help you not to waste time and correctly choose the products you really need. Never go shopping when you are hungry because this will trigger the need to always buy more than your actual needs.

Resource Optimization

Print and photocopy using both pages of the paper sheets;

Prioritize digital publications;

Make your invoices and statements digital, it is a way to reduce the unnecessary use of ink and paper;

Use reused cartridges and forward used ones to appropriate destinations;

Give preference to native species in the reforestation of spaces, adapted to our climate and soil;

Reduce travel costs by sharing transport with people who intend to make the same trip;

Encourage the acquisition of low-consumption vehicles;

The workplace is one of the spaces where you can leave your mark and set an example for others: reduce the volume of waste, especially plastic, by bringing your glass cup or reusable bottle. And if you have time at work, how about bringing your own cup of coffee?

When you pick up food for takeout, bring your own container. Avoid disposables and the use of plastic;

When using the car, always plan your route and you will see that you will be able to take care of everything more efficiently, saving time and fuel. Analyze the best parking option and, whatever you can do on foot or by bike will be better for your health and the environment, taking advantage of and enjoying your location. Avoid traveling, but if you have to, do it sustainably.

Water

Reuse of precipitation water and mine water on site for irrigation and washing equipment without associated harmful products;

Carry out awareness-raising actions to alert people to the importance of rational use of water by participating in commemorative days with activities to be carried out at ECO Farm Villa Maria or other appropriate locations;

Use of lagoons to increase biodiversity levels at ECO Farm Villa Maria;

Take a quick shower and turn off the shower while soaping yourself (4 minutes maximum);

Turn off the taps during personal hygiene;

Close the taps tightly to prevent them from dripping;

Avoid watering during the hottest hours of the day when water loss through evaporation is greatest;

Whenever possible, choose plants with the same water needs so that irrigation is minimal and suitable for these species;

Cover the soil with organic materials such as pine bark, straw or aggregates such as gravel, which save water and minimize maintenance tasks;

Do not pour cooking oil down the drain. In addition to clogging pipes and leaving a bad smell in the home, each liter of oil pollutes 25 thousand liters of drinking water. The used oil should be placed in the Oleão;

Make the toilet more energy efficient by placing a fully filled water bottle, reusing bath water in a bucket, installing double toilets or toilets equipped with a control button;

Collect running water while you wait for the shower water to heat up by placing a basin or bucket to collect the water instead of pouring it down the drain. Reuse it in the toilet, water plants, wash surfaces. Each toilet flush uses about 10 liters of water;

The Flow Reducer is an easy-to-apply part to the end of the tap. You can save water every time you use this faucet.

Energy

Make the most of natural light;

Replace lighting devices with LED and low-consumption lamps;

Use “Auto Power Off Plug” smart sockets, which automatically turn off equipment when it is not performing its main function;

Turn off computer equipment for periods of inactivity longer than one hour or when you finish using it;

Enable toner or ink saving mode when printing or photocopying documents;

Promote the use of vehicles with energy that is less harmful to the environment.

When purchasing household appliances, always choose models with the highest energy efficiency – the initial investment is higher, but the future savings will be long-term;

Do not put hot or warm food in the refrigerator so that it does not consume more energy to cool effectively;

Insulate all windows and doors in your home. Around 30% of the cold enters your home through these channels and you will spend more energy to heat your home;

To fill up your car, do it first thing in the morning. At this time of day, the fuel is “denser” and, since you pay per liter, you will buy more fuel for a better price;

To save fuel, check your tire pressure at least once a month. Correct tire pressure, recommended by the manufacturer, and wheel alignment definitely contribute to fuel savings;

Choose to dry your clothes outdoors to avoid the energy consumption of a dryer;

After charging your cell phone, MP3 or camera, do not leave the chargers plugged in, as they will continue to consume energy;

Don't leave your iron on when you're not using it – it uses as much energy as a 100-watt light bulb. Choose to wear clothes without ironing: the new trend against global warming is gaining many followers. Only iron the inevitable, like shirts, for example.

Good Practice Standards

Apply the principle of preventing waste production and the 10 Rs of Sustainability (Translated from Portuguese: Refuse, Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Recycle, Reintegrate, Respect, Take Responsibility and Pass On);

Involve everyone as much as possible in the search for the best environmental practices set out in this manual, in waste management and in the selective separation of waste from its source, facilitating its correct management;

Whenever possible, select ecological products with some type of certification, which guarantees compliance with best environmental management practices;

Do not purchase products originating from exploitative labor conditions;

Participate publicly and give your opinion, be part of decision-making as public participation is essential for change and sustainable development (environment, society and economy);

Do volunteer work and help society. Sometimes we have free time, or even periods of unemployment, that we can take advantage of to exercise our civic duty and benefit the environment.

Information updated on 23 Jun 2023.