Let’s protect our water my friend
In Barcelona, we are surrounded by water: on one side we have the Mediterranean sea, then the Besòs river to the north and the Llobregat river to the south. It doesn’t rain often, which makes the city very enjoyable, but on the other hand this also results in water shortage and poor quality tap water. El Comidista gave the tab water from Barcelona a -2 out of 10 rating!
Even so, the tab water is safe to drink, which is why we offer our guests filtered tab water in reusable glass bottles. That way they don’t have to buy plastic bottles which saves time and money, and more significantly, plastic waste and also the emissions from transportation.
Our bathrooms are designed to use as less water as possible, without sacrificing the guests’ experience. We achieve this through aerators, little pieces that mix the water with air and hence saves up to 50% water.
It has been shown that visualising consumption helps people use less. We therefore show the water (and energy) consumption of each apartment in the entrance hall (above image). In our office we installed a toilet that recycles the grey water from the sink.
Next, we love for everyone to have a good time at the beach, and help our guests to do so as eco-consciously as possible. Here’s what we can all do when we go for a nice swim in the sea:
• Take a chilled reusable water bottle from home, as well as reusable cutlery and so on.
• Throw our trash (including cigarette butts for those who must smoke!) into the provided bins to avoid more marine animals dying because of our plastic trash
• Share photos of marine life affected by plastic to get others to recycle and use less plastic as well.
• Wait enough time for your suncream to soak in before getting into the water. Suncream that washes off has a negative affect on plants and animals in the sea. Choose organic sunscreens or paraben-free creams; they are both healthier for you and the planet.
• Cycle or walk to the beach (it’s only 15 minutes from yök!)
• Try to avoid buying objects that only last a day or two, like cheap sunglasses or hats.
• In short: leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but photos.
If you like water and nature, we also recommend a walk or cycling tour along the Besòs river, starting at the sea. Or, visit the Llobregat Delta near the airport. This protected area is great for bird (and aeroplane) watching. Read this article if you want to know Why Being Near Water Really Does Make Us Happier. It states:
“Our oceans, waterways, and the life they contain are so much more than their ecological, economic, and educational value. They have vast emotional benefits. They make life on earth possible, but also worth living,” says Nichols.
So, whether it’s the drink in your glass, the stuff coming out of your shower, the mass you jump into or the blue you gaze out on at:
“You must be shapeless, formless, like water. When you pour water in a cup, it becomes the cup. When you pour water in a bottle, it becomes the bottle. When you pour water in a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Water can drip and it can crash. Become like water my friend.” ― Bruce Lee
The fabulous photo at the top is by Dawid Zawiła via Unsplash