Our Ecology
The Construction
We chose to build with local materials using the village workforce.
We favored straw, wood, lime and all the ecological materials available.
We have installed the first bio-digesters in the region in order to treat wastewater from the house and built an ecological swimming pool.
There is no standard or help to build an ecolodge in Brazil, so we have done our utmost to develop and research locally available techniques.
The Garden
Starting from a ground made up only of sand and therefore extremely arid, we planted and enriched the soil in order to create fertile areas where many wild animals can now breed.
Our goal is to plant as regularly as possible to create a tropical forest.
A vegetable garden as well as numerous fruit trees are already taking their place in the garden where we have multiplied more than 100 varieties of plants in order to offer a diversity of flora and fauna in the field.
The Home Made
In order to go even further in our approach, we have chosen to do everything we can here in the search for decay and ecology. Our bread and jams are homemade. We make maximum use of garden produce, although it is still very difficult to produce. We manufacture our soaps, shampoos, laundry in an ecological way.
We have our clothes made in the village, as well as some of the household linen. We repair rather than change.
We use local resources.
There are very few ecolodges in Brazil, however some travel guides exist to find them for you! The Ethik Hotels site is one of them. Anne and Clément tell you about their responsible trips and the pearls they found there.
SUSTAINABILITY AND OUR ECO-PHILOSOPHY
Castelo Vendom was designed with sustainability and respect for nature at its heart, so that you can enjoy your holiday in a tranquil, natural environment. The ecolodge is an open, airy space where you can enjoy the cool night air and garden greenery.
Our peaceful garden is built around an ecological pool, free of chlorine and chemicals. We use only natural minerals like sand, carbon and UV light to keep it clean and clear as spring water. A gentle waterfall provides a calming atmosphere with the natural sound of water mingling with the singing of birds.
An organic vegetable garden provides much of our fresh vegetables and herbs used in our home-made cooking.
Biologically recycled water is used to water the garden, and all our electricity is produced by local renewable energy sources like the Ceara wind turbines.
POLICIES AND ETHICS
Built to ecological standards and with respect for the environment, we are committed to:
• Develop clean energy building techniques
• Use local resources to reduce our carbon footprint
• Involve the local population