SUSTAINABILITY POLICY

Nordic Trails sustainability policy is based on the understanding that the world's resources are limited and that nature's ability to handle the pressures exerted by human activity is also limited. Our natural environment requires our participation and actions in order to restore a long-term sustainable balance. At Nordic Trails, we endeavour to create an awareness of environmental issues and provide concrete guidance in their regard.

Purchases: When purchasing goods and services, their environmental aspects shall always be taken into account. If choosing the most environmental alternative does not represent an unreasonable inconvenience or cost, then this alternative shall be chosen. The environmental efforts of any supplier shall be taken into account when deciding between suppliers.

Administration: Equipment shall be well maintained and the possibility to repair or improve current equipment instead of buying new shall be taken into account for each individual case.

Waste disposal: When scrapping equipment, it shall be sorted in accordance with Swedish environmental standards. We make use of the reduce-reuse-recycle policy, thereby minimising non-reusable waste and recycling as much waste as possible.
See our Waste Reduction & Recycling policy for more information about how we deal with waste.

Consumables and packaging: These shall be sorted after use. We recycle all paper and cardboard, plastic bottles, soft plastics, tins, glass (clear and coloured), batteries and light bulbs. A sorting system has been installed in our offices.
Ink cartridges are taken to the local recycling centre.

Single-use plastics: these products shall be used to an absolute minimum. Environmentally friendly options are purchased as alternatives or preferably reusable items such as cutlery, plates, mugs etc.

Energy: When purchasing, for example, computer equipment, a low energy option shall be chosen, for example, automatic transfer to standby. Low energy lighting is used.
Nordic Trails offices uses the environmentally ground source heat pump system to heat the premises.
See our Energy Reduction policy for more information about how we reduce energy consumption.

Transport: Use of private transport represents an environmental pressure from Nordic Trails due to the logistical make up of the trips where luggage transport represents a key service. This is an area Nordic Trails is focusing on for future improvements. In previous years, transport of those taking part in the trips and transfer of luggage has taken place guest by guest with the use of private transport. However, in recent years, sustainable developments have been made in the form of:

1) A more efficient transfer service; Journeys are combined so that one journey represents a luggage transfer for, for example, two or three groups.

2) Involvement of local services i.e. personnel at accommodation transfer luggage or guests to avoid Nordic Trails journey time to the accommodation to collect guests/luggage.

The ultimate aim of Nordic Trails is to invest in an environmentally friendly car within 3 years, for example, an electric/hybrid car for the purpose of transports and transfers.

Where possible we cycle from office to Stockholm rather than using the car.

Hygiene products: Unperfumed cleaning liquids and soaps shall be used. Use only environmentally friendly cleaning products by Grumme, certified by Bra Miljöval/Good Environmental Choice. The production of perfume chemicals constitutes an environmental pressure and can create or develop allergic reactions.

Paper: Before printing, we shall consider whether it is really necessary to have the material on paper and if so, how many printed copies are needed. Double-sided printing, together with a 'Think before you Print' policy, has been implemented in the office. We never print brochures and all marketing is handled online.

Suppliers: Nordic Trails uses an extensive range of accommodation from small, family run B&Bs with just a few rooms to larger more established hotels. We always seek to use locally run establishments rather than large international chains. Likewise, we use local cafes, bakeries etc with homemade produce. The sustainability of our suppliers plays a key role in our decision making process as to which suppliers to use.

Forbidden souvenirs: We do not allow the purchase of souvenirs containing threatened flora and fauna species, any illegally obtained historic/archaeological artefacts, drugs or illegal substances, and abide by local and international laws in place to prevent this.

Sustainable destinations: We consider sustainability aspects in destinations in the selection of new destinations and in the product development process. We intend to provide social and environmental benefits to the communities we visit. We understand the importance of visitor dispersion and of not exceeding the carrying capacity of destinations; therefore, we encourage the promotion of lesser-known areas (with the approval of the local community), to prevent over tourism and its negative impacts.

Accommodation selection: We prioritise relationships with accommodation suppliers that do not harm the environment nor local communities. Our preference is to select small, locally owned & locally run establishments with a typical flair of the destination. Preference is also given to accommodation that works with internationally acknowledged certifications, such as Travelife, taking into account price and comfort criteria. Contracted accommodation that jeopardises the local community's access to basic services (e.g., food, water, energy, or healthcare) to local communities or that jeopardises the integrity of such services may face a termination of our partnership.

At Nordic Trails, we regularly review our sustainability policy and monitor our progress on sustainable issues using the Travelife action planning tool.

The Travelife Partner award is a recognition of our commitment towards social and environmental sustainability. We comply with more than 100 criteria related to sustainability management, office operations, working with suppliers and customer communication. We are working towards further improvements aiming to eventually reach the Travelife Certified stage.

Travelife is a three-stage certification program for tour operators and travel agents: (1) Travelife Engaged; (2) Travelife Partner and (3) Travelife Certified. We are at stage 2 – Travelife Partner. We are working to move forward to stage 3 - Travelife Certified.