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Jersey Kayak Adventures offsets its carbon footprint
As part of his commitment to the environment, sea kayak guide Derek Hairon of Jersey Kayak Adventures is constantly working to reduce the company’s carbon footprint. Over the past two years, the company has reduced its footprint by almost 50% by buying an electric van, switching from gas to electric heating and doing more recycling. In addition, they regularly undertake beach cleans on their kayak tours.
Whenever possible, Derek sources specialist equipment from businesses that use recycled materials such as Peak UK and Werner Paddles, and he recycles old equipment for repairs and other uses.
Jersey Kayak Adventures also encourage their customers to take a green approach and offer an eco-discount to those arriving by bus, bicycle, or foot.
Carbon offsets for a small business
In 2021, Derek took the decision to make Jersey Kayak Adventures carbon neutral, by offsetting the remainder of its emissions. However, he says, “For a small business, carbon offset schemes can seem quite complicated, and it soon became apparent that carbon offsetting (when done well) is so much more than just planting trees.”
Rewild Carbon
Derek heard that Jersey-based Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust had created Rewild Carbon, an offset project with a novel approach. He tells us, “Knowing that the world-famous conservation organisation founded by Gerald Durrell ran Rewild Carbon gave us confidence that this was a scheme worth considering.”
Rewild Carbon invests directly in the reforestation of the Atlantic rainforest in Brazil which supports endangered species such as the black lion tamarin as well as local communities
Derek says, “We can see where our money goes, and more importantly, we know that the project has been designed to benefit local communities. By investing in Rewild Carbon, we know that we are doing so much more than just offsetting our carbon footprint. We are helping restore one of the most biodiverse and threatened habitats on the planet.”
