We have established a dedicated recycling area on our farm, where waste from the resort, eatery, bar, and private homes is meticulously sorted for recycling. We are proud to report that not a single item from our resort goes to waste or is used for landfill.
Over the past year alone, we have successfully recycled over 13 tons of glass, approximately half a ton of aluminum cans, and 2 tons of PET plastics.
Our commitment extends to all perishable food waste, paper, leaves, and grass cuttings, which are transformed into nutrient-rich compost and utilized in our staff community garden.
This garden not only provides wholesome, organic vegetables used in our eatery and sold in our on-site shop, but it also offers freely obtainable food for our staff, fostering a sense of community and well-being.
In addition to our composting efforts, we have established a worm farm to further enrich the soil in our community garden.
The worm farm plays a crucial role in breaking down organic waste, producing high-quality vermi-compost that enhances the fertility of our garden beds. This eco-friendly practice supports our commitment to sustainability by reducing waste and promoting healthy, organic food production.
This garden not only provides wholesome, organic vegetables used in our eatery and sold in our on-site shop, but it also offers freely obtainable food for our staff, fostering a sense of community and well-being.
Following recent floods, we have taken a proactive approach to repurpose the sand and debris left behind. These materials are being used to level our riverbanks, with recycled building materials providing additional support.
We have also repurposed vegetation from other areas of the resort to plant along the banks, helping to prevent erosion and protect the river’s natural beauty.
Additionally, the road leading from the main entrance to the resort has been constructed using recycled asphalt from local roadworks, showcasing our dedication to sustainable construction practices.
Our eco-conscious efforts are driven by a strong commitment not to cause harm to the environment, setting us apart from practices that may compromise the health of our ecosystems.
Our eco-conscious efforts are driven by a strong commitment not to cause harm to the environment, setting us apart from practices that may compromise the health of our ecosystems.
We understand the importance of protecting our water resources. That’s why we have strict policies in place to ensure that no sewage from our resort is released into the river.
Our ablution facilities are thoughtfully constructed well above the 100-year flood line, and we maintain proper French drains to manage wastewater responsibly.
Additionally, our tap water is sourced from a borehole located 500 meters from the river, ensuring it remains uncontaminated, even in the event of upstream pollutants.
We take great pride in the abundant birdlife and visiting wildlife at Westvaal Resort. To protect these species, we strictly prohibit any harm to the animals and birds that inhabit our property.
As part of our conservation efforts, we regularly inspect our fences for snares, ensuring the safety of the wildlife that calls our resort home.
We also promote a catch-and-release fishing system, encouraging our anglers to practice proper fish care, preserving the local aquatic life for future enjoyment.
At Westvaal Holiday Resort, our commitment to the environment is not just a policy—it’s a way of life. We strive to lead by example in the hospitality industry, ensuring that our operations contribute positively to the environment and offer our guests an eco-friendly and sustainable experience.
In our continuous effort to reduce our carbon footprint, we have recently implemented two major upgrades to our resort’s energy and water systems:
- Efficient Water Heating with a 2000-Litre Donkey System
We have replaced the geysers in our B-camp by installing a 2000-litre donkey water-heating system. This system is fueled by sustainably gathered wood from dead trees that have accumulated on the farm over several decades. By utilizing this renewable resource, we minimize electricity consumption and reduce our reliance on conventional power sources, making our hot water supply more environmentally friendly. Additionally, a similar donkey system is in the planning phase for A-camp and will be implemented as soon as the build is completed.
- Energy-Efficient Water Pump Upgrade
Our 52-year-old, 11kW Mono water pump has been replaced with a technologically advanced, energy-efficient pump that significantly reduces power consumption. This new pump is designed to operate with minimal energy requirements and is fully compatible with solar panel integration. In the event of power outages, the system can seamlessly run off-grid, ensuring a continuous and sustainable water supply for our guests while further reducing our environmental impact.
