Hostelworld, the leading hostel booking site in the world, has listed 13 hostels with special projects and seeks, through actions, to contribute to the planet and its local communities. Guests have the opportunity to participate in hostel initiatives and gain a better understanding of global issues such as environmental conservation, renewable energy sources and food waste. In addition, tourists can exchange time and skills for free organic and even daily meals at hostels.
The aim of these projects is for tourists to see the world through experiences in hostels that do their part for the local communities, either by donating clothes, volunteering for an afternoon or helping nature in some of the ecological hostels of the Hostelworld. Check out some of these hostels:
28 Towpath on the Riverfront, Elizabeth, South Africa
The 28 Towpath on the Riverfront supports local community initiatives in Port Elizabeth, along the Eastern Cape and throughout South Africa, which means that, among 28 Towpath’s yoga and windsurfing classes, travelers can also offer Your time to volunteer for projects such as music therapy, permaculture, arts, and education programs. The hostel also takes care of nature: the shower water is reused to water banana trees and mammoths of the land and to help cultivate the internal garden.
Bamboo Eco Hostel, Turin, Italy
The first eco-friendly hostel in Italy was Turin’s Bamboo Eco Hostel, which, in the best green style, is almost all built with recycled and recycled materials. Wall graffiti works as a reminder of ecological education and the importance of making small changes, the Fourth Fuchsia is designed to celebrate LGBT pride and breakfast is a feast of organic delights. Getting to know the city, watching its buildings and helping burn the breakfast calories could not be easier with the city’s bike-sharing network called [TO] Bike, with a checkpoint at the corner of the hostel.
JAM Hostel Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
JAM Hostel Barcelona aims to contribute to the promotion of responsible tourism in Barcelona through its motto: reduce, recycle and reuse. Behind the scenes, modern water and energy saving systems were installed, while recycled materials were transformed into works of art. The terrace and garden of the hostel, filled with sunbathing areas, attract a crowd in search of morning yoga sessions and Ayurvedic massages. At night, tourists can have a refreshing Mojito with mint.
Pfefferbett Hostel, Berlin, Germany
Berlin’s Pfefferbett Hostel, built in an old brewery, is part of a municipal initiative that connects businesses to the elderly and disabled people living in the city. More than 40% of the hostel staff have been chosen through this program, and they work at the reception, cleaning and kitchen. For tourists, the Pfefferbett certainly does everything to impress: the hostel offers free coffee and tea, a free daily tour, eco-friendly bike rentals, ping-pong and table football matches, as well as its own shaped oasis Garden, perfect for relaxing and meeting new friends.
Fat Cat Travelers Community, Auckland, New Zealand
Learn a new skill, such as organic gardening, green building or maybe making your own bread, or just learn a little more at one of the many workshops offered by the hostel. Every day, large vegan meals with organic farm products are prepared to feed everyone, as volunteers and hostel guests sit together around a campfire to share stories, experiences and songs. Nothing is wasted: solar panels feed the showers, food leftovers are used in composting for the organic garden and even the washing machine works with an activation pedal.
Grampians Eco YHA, Grampians, Australia
The Grampians YHA architecture is designed to use sun-warmed water, rainwater tanks and water reuse, as well as intelligent zoning techniques that use 50% less energy and generate 50% less waste than a standard hostel. Surrounded by nature, guests at this hostel can pick up fresh organic eggs as well as vegetables, fruits and herbs grown in their organic garden in the garden. From the balconies, emus, wallabies and kangaroos can be seen, and adrenaline junkies can enjoy walking, hiking, cycling and canoeing, all close to the hostel.
Twentytu Hi-Tech Hostel, Barcelona, Spain
Twentytu Hi-Tech Hostel won a sustainable tourism award for its design and was the first hostel in Barcelona to earn the highest qualification in energy efficiency. Hostel guests collaborate by using recycled water, energy and heat throughout the building. Even self-service check-in reduces the paper and power consumption of a traditional reception desk. The hostel has a breathtaking view of its terrace and cycling tours of the city.
Planet Traveler Hostel, Toronto, Canada
Planet Traveler takes its environmental responsibility very seriously and uses modern techniques to reduce carbon emissions, energy use and the overall impact of the hostel on the environment. Proof of this can be seen in the smart energy meters scattered around the hostel, displaying how features can be retrieved. Planet Traveler still earns many points with its breathtaking views of the Toronto skyline, a rooftop bar, a super cozy lounge and daily activities. There is no rush to explore every corner of Toronto, as breakfast is served until 1pm, and some of the city’s coolest museums and galleries are just minutes away.
Chicago Getaway Hostel, Chicago, United States of America
From the laundry to the lobby, the goal of the Chicago Getaway Hostel is to stay as green as possible. Throughout the hostel you will notice the ecological aura, with recyclable kitchenware, recyclable garbage baskets in every room, dorms with intelligent energy-saving system and reusable cards. A typical American breakfast with waffle and cereal start a full day of activities in and out of the hostel, such as pub crawls, barbecues with live music and movie nights with popcorn in the hostel’s TV room.
The Local NYC, New York, United States
You can leave the guides in New York when you arrive at The Place, as the hostel staff produces their own guides with everything that is cool in the Queens neighborhood, saving you from the tourist traps and taking you right to the heart of one of the communities Most of the Big Apple. From the best vegan delights to the best place to see the New York Marathon, the guide is all online with many free program tips. You can not miss the drinks served at the bar. Then head to the terrace to watch the sun set on the iconic New York skyline, or relax enjoying a movie.
Shelter City and Shelter Jordan, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Directed by Christian volunteers from around the world, the two Shelter hostels in Amsterdam are non-profit properties that offer a different lodging experience. Located in the heart of the historic Red Light District (Red Light District), the Shelter is a haven of tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. Travelers looking for a quiet place to reflect during a walk and another can partake in game nights, Bible meditation, open mic sessions, city walks, movie nights and tastings of local cuisine.
Luz en el Cielo Eco Hostel, Montezuma, Costa Rica
The tropical rainforest of Costa Rica offers some of the most unspoilt natural landscapes of backpacker’s paths, and in this place of the city of Montezuma travelers are invited to sleep with the sound of the waves and wake up with the monkeys playing in the trees. The Luz en el Cielo is your home in the middle of the jungle. Start the day with a breakfast of local organic food. Then discover a perfect waterfall for the Instagram, the preserved wildlife, Costa Rica’s best surfing beaches and a national park, all within a short drive of the hostel.
HI Point Montara, United States
There are more than 50 HI hostels throughout the United States, each of which aims to bring travelers and residents together to introduce new cultures and turn visitors into global citizens. Every year in January and February, the Great Hostel Give Back Program offers groups of eight or more people the opportunity to earn one night free accommodation in one of the HI USA hostels – for each day that members participate in volunteer work at Community around the hostel for at least two hours. So far, more than 5,236 hours of community service have been offered, with 1,332 free nights in hostels as a reward.
Photos: Reproduction