Taking the Tourism Lead with Hyper-local, Sustainable Steps
The little things matter most. It’s true. And as travel restrictions lift and choices for where to go, stay, play and invest our travel dollars become more realistic, it’s beyond time to factor in the impact on our planet made with each trip.
Here’s a destination to consider if British Columbia’s spectacular coast is on your list.
Black Rock Oceanfront Resort is taking steps to minimize plastic waste and support local entrepreneurs: The Den and Mint Cleaning.
“The Zero-Waste dream started with a conversation. It reflects how we feel about the natural environment and our desire to protect the rainforest and ocean, “says Adele Larkin, General Manager of Black Rock Oceanfront Resort. “It’s better for community, environment, visitors and staff.”
Refillable bathroom products supplied by The Den, include Oneka shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotions, Cascades paper products, and Tru Earth laundry strips. Den co-owners Kristen O’Keefe and Diane Rudge call the partnership a win-win-win that supports community, sustainability, and small business.
“We believe supporting local businesses is essential for the success of the community we live in. When everyone is striving in their individual pursuits, the greater community here feels that momentum,” O’Keefe says.
At the same time Mint, a cleaning service products company founded by two Ucluelet moms, is providing all-natural carpet deodorizer, essential oil-based air freshener, all-purpose cleaner, and other earth-friendly biodegradable cleaning products. It’s healthier for staff and visitors, knowing that all products have been selected with their well-being top of mind.
Black Rock guests can now take a sustainable piece of the West Coast home with them when they shop at Forage, the newly opened in-house gift shop in partnership with The Den, Foggy Bean Coffee Company, Ocean Pet Supplies and other boutique Ucluelet businesses.
“As a tourism destination we all recognize that the reason people come here is because they enjoy pristine natural spaces,” Larkin says. “This understanding is at the heart of all the decisions we make for our businesses, guests, staff, and the environment.”
Kudos to Black Rock for bringing all of these people and products together to enhance their guest experience and help preserve its stunning coastal surroundings on Vancouver Island, known for its raw and rugged beaches, rich forests, world-class restaurants and attractions like Pacific Rim National Park (unveiling a new 25-kilometre, $51 million multi-use path in 2022), Long Beach, Ucluelet Aquarium and Barkley Sound.
