Welcome Gift from De Angel Natural Soap made in Ibiza
At Prestige Properties we realise how fortunate we are to live on a beautiful island. To preserve the beauty of Ibiza and to ensure that many generations after us can live just as happily and healthily, we try to contribute in many ways to a greener local environment. To this end, we have set up our Prestige Goes Green campaign. For example, as part of this campaign, we donate part of our commissions from every sale and rental deal to IbizaPreservation, to support local environmental initiatives.
In line with our green campaign and to ensure that our clients have the best Ibiza experience we now include the De Angel amenities line of natural hair and body care in our rental welcome gift pack. Our wish is to make you to feel at home and enjoy the very best of what the island has to offer.
De Angel is a family-run business that is committed to making sustainable and natural body cleansing products in solid format. In the creation of their products, De Angel tries to use as many natural, locally sourced ingredients as possible. The results are natural soaps that provide a refreshing experience and the natural care that your body deserves.
The founders were inspired by the island’s beautiful nature and their products aim to bring its essence into your home. The products are cut and packaged carefully by hand. Their paper packaging makes them stand out from other products as the impact on the environment is almost zero. In addition, the solid products lasts much longer than any liquid alternative.
Are you familiar with the De Angel history?
Luz and Ramon, the owners of De Angel, decided to move to Ibiza in 2011 together with their children, as they were tired of hectic city-life in Valencia. After a beautiful summer on the island and a family conversation about natural soaps, they decided to start their own company to develop soaps with natural ingredients inspired by the island. This was a new challenge for them because they had no experience in this, but they knew that together they would make a good team because Luz was always busy with handicrafts and Ramon had a background in graphic design.
During those winter months they discovered more of the beauty that Ibiza offers, and all the natural ingredients they could use for their recipes. With this inspiration they started experimenting with countless ingredients such as plants, vegetable oils etc. The results were beautiful products which they became more enthusiastic about every day, and which gave them the motivation to continue.
As Spring approached, they had created some wonderful products, with beautiful and handmade packaging. However, they did not have any customers since their products were not yet known among the islanders and tourists. To make sure their name grew, and their products were recognised, they started selling their products in the famous markets of Ibiza: Las Dalias, Sant Joan and Hippie Market Punta Arabí. Soon they received enthusiastic client responses about the quality of their products and to this day they continue to distribute them to the markets from their store in Port des Torrent, in the south of Ibiza.
We hope you enjoy this little welcome gift, and we invite you to be a part of the green solution by checking out some of the ways in which you can make your Ibiza stay more sustainable and help to preserve our beautiful island:
If you are still looking for a place to stay in Ibiza, our Rental team will be happy to help you. Take the stress out of planning the details of your holiday and let us make your dream vacation become a reality.
Do you have any questions or need more info? Send us a message and we will get back as quickly as possible!
Sustainable Ibiza – The Best Practice & Guide for Tourists & Visitors
We impact our environment every single day with the choices we make, from the food we choose to eat to the cars we choose to drive. Thankfully, many of us here in Ibiza and across the globe understand that we must work together and live intentionally in order to protect and preserve our island (and the planet).
Yet, even as tourists and visitors, you can also make small yet effective changes to lessen your environmental impact during your stay by limiting your energy consumption, using eco-friendly products, and taking deliberate steps to be environmentally friendly.
So, let’s get started with our latest guide to the best practices for eco-conscious tourists and visitors.
Energy Efficiency in Ibiza
Be mindful of your Water Consumption
Using water efficiently can help lower your environmental impact. Even while washing dishes or brushing your teeth, simply turning off the tap can actually save over a litre of water within a 20-seconds timeframe alone. Given how much we complete such daily tasks, wasted water can add up very quickly. The same goes for requiring many showers during the hot weather and beach season. Be mindful and do your best to save water where you can.
Make sure you do not leave your electronics on all day long. Electrical appliances should be turned off when not in use, and only turned on when necessary. For example, avoiding plugging in your mobile phone overnight can save a considerable amount of energy as charging only takes a few hours. Also, consider using high-energy appliances at night, such as dishwashers and washers, and always use the natural heat and light to dry laundry outside, rather than using a dryer.
Be sure to maintain a comfortable temperature and airflow in your home by utilising your surrounding natural resources. Use the shades and open windows to keep your villa cool during the warmer months rather than racking up energy via air-con appliances. However, when the air-cons are in use, don’t leave the windows open. Where possible, turn off the lights and use natural light instead.
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Recycling and Refuse in Ibiza
In accordance with IbizaPreservation, the following points are to be considered in relation to waste and recycling when visiting:
Before buying, think twice – buy only what you really need.
Avoid excessively packaged items
Refuse plastic bags – bring your own bag or basket to the grocery store (ask your Prestige agent for one of our cotton "Prestige Going Green" reusable bags!)
Our island depends heavily on tourism and visitors for its economic well-being. Nevertheless, every year in Ibiza, we are inundated with both luxury and leisurely activities that contribute to pollution and make it difficult to conserve and sustain our ecosystem. You can make a difference in many ways with these simple tips.
It’s important not to throw cigarette ends in the street or in nature, especially in our forests and woodland nature trails. Without even considering the risk of forest fires, our beaches, and natural surroundings should be respected. Although designated bins may be hard to find outside of urbanised areas, every tobacco store sells heat-proof ashtray wallets. These can be used to store cigarette waste which can then be disposed of properly alongside the rest of the day’s waste.
Don’t take souvenirs from our Posidonia and marine life, e.g. when sailing or visiting a beach, leave stones, shells, plants, and animals as they are in their natural habitat. Select an eco-friendly sunscreen that will protect your skin while not damaging marine life, collect your waste after you visit, don’t throw anything in the sea, and moor your boat in the right spot: Anchoring in Posidonia meadows is prohibited. Furthermore, jet-skiing and other high-pollution activities can also be avoided.
Try walking or biking to your destination rather than driving if it’s close enough – it’s healthier and better for the environment. Another way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is by taking public transportation or if you must drive, maximise every person per car to ensure less transport is on the road. Land-based activities that produce high levels of pollution should also be considered minimally, like safari tours and quad biking.
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Select Conscious & Local Businesses in Ibiza
Try and shop for products and services from local businesses and those who advocate for sustainability, eco-friendly products, fair trade, or have Corporate Social Responsibility as part of their business ethos. Even those businesses that make sure their employees have the right contracts and protections – such as insurance – as well as pay taxes are helping the Ibizan community and the environment.
Go to this google maps to see all the eco-shops available on the island.
Every action we take will make a difference. The most important thing to remember is that our actions will result in a cleaner, greener island, both now as well as in the future.
Thank you for staying updated with us at Prestige Properties. We hope to see you soon!
Do you have any questions or need more info? Send us a message and we will get back as quickly as possible!
Energy Efficient Ibiza Homes – A Guide for Home Owners in Ibiza Part. 2
Improving the energy efficiency of our homes is essential for conserving resources, saving money, and helping the environment. Each of us has a crucial part to play as homeowners, to improve our homes’ energy performance and ultimately reduce our carbon footprint and waste. If we make simple changes, we can achieve better property energy efficiency and contribute greatly to our planet’s future well-being (and our household utility bills).
Our company, Prestige Properties is fully committed to promoting energy efficiency here in Ibiza as a firm supporter of green living. Previously, we published an "Energy Efficient Homes: A Guide for Homeowners in Ibiza" article,aimed at encouraging property owners and buyers to create energy-efficient homes, which we have now extended into part 2 – "Energy Efficient Homes: A Guide for Home Owners Part. 2"
So, let’s get started with our latest guide for those who want to get involved in green and sustainable living right from the comfort of their own homes.
How to Save Energy at Home – Our Top Daily Tip for Your Ibiza Property
Change to LED Light Bulbs
In comparison to incandescent, halogen, and compact fluorescent light bulbs, LED bulbs offer significant energy savings. In fact, LED light bulbs use up to 80 percent less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. So, by making the transition to LEDs, you will significantly reduce your carbon footprint and CO2 emissions.
Wash Your Clothes in Cold Water
Although washing clothes in hot water is an effective way to get dirty items extra-clean, it is not cheap and of course, has harmful effects on the environment.
Where possible, wash your clothes in cold water (unless they are heavily soiled garments). Generating hot water for washing increases energy consumption by up to 90%, therefore, by switching to cold water each household has the potential to save a significant amount of energy on a regular basis. What’s more, cool water also slows the fading of colors and shrinking of fabrics, helping your clothes last longer!
Air Seal Your Ibiza Home
Something we covered in our last article – A Guide for Home Owners in Ibiza, but equally important advice to revisit. Sealing cracks, gaps, and leaks, and adding insulation can save up to 10% on home heating and cooling costs. Property factors such as roofing, solid walls, ventilation, thermal bridges, water tightness, damp-proofing, and sealing should always be monitored, reviewed, and renewed where possible. If your home has single-paned windows, think about replacing them with more energy-efficient ones.
Clean or Replace All Filters
Dirty or clogged filters make systems like air conditioners and dryers work harder and longer than necessary. It is possible to reduce energy consumption by up to 15% with regular cleaning and maintenance that will ensure steady performance and appropriate use of energy.
Care for Your Refrigerator and Freezer
As a general rule, refrigerators and freezers operate most efficiently when they are full, so keep all those shelves in use. However, you should not overfill them, since overfilling will restrict airflow and force the device to work harder. Remember to avoid excessive cooling and energy waste by following the manufacturer’s temperature regulation recommendations and be sure to clean your appliances before ice builds up to ensure they are all running efficiently.
Use Natural Resources for Light, Shade, Heating, and Cooling
Utilise your surrounding natural resources to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home and eliminate the need for energy-consuming appliances. During the cooler months, open up the shades and let the sunshine enter to warm your home, or use the shades or tinted window panes to do just the opposite. And, where it is possible to use the natural light, turn off the lights. Typically, household lighting accounts for 12 percent of a household’s total energy usage.
Be Mindful of Electronics & Appliances in your Ibiza Villa
Make sure you do not leave your electronics on all day long. It is always recommended to turn off your computer, TV monitor, radio and electrical appliances when they are not in use, and only put them on when you really need them. Also, try to avoid plugging in your mobile phone to charge overnight, it only takes a few hours to charge.
Bake without peeking! Your oven has to use more energy when the temperature drops every time you peek. If you have time, turn off the oven before the cooking time is up, the heat already generated will be enough to finish the cooking process without using extra energy.
When possible, use high-energy appliances such as dishwashers, washers, and dryers at night. It is common for utility providers to offer lower energy costs during certain times of the day, and certainly overnight. Making plans to do your laundry overnight will not only help you save money on your energy bills, but you will also be doing the planet a big favor. Finally, air-dry when possible, hang laundry outside or on a drying rack and avoid using the dryer altogether. Household sustainability and energy efficiency can be improved with small yet effective measures.
Be Intentional with Your Ibiza Property Thermostat
If you set your thermostat just a few degrees higher or lower, depending on the season, you will be able to save about 6% to 8% on your energy bill per degree. Your home will not be noticeably cooled or heated any faster by setting your thermostat at a lower or higher temperature than is necessary. It is highly recommended to install a programmable thermostat for your home that will automatically adjust the temperature according to the schedule you set up.
Recycle, Reuse and Reduce in Ibiza
For the year 2019, Ibiza generated an average of 662kg of waste per person. The statistics exceeded the national average by 36.4%. Naturally, Ibiza’s landfill is unable to keep up with this large volume of waste which is why we must be intentional and proactive with our activity of daily living and promote waste reduction.
According to IbizaPreservation, offers the following list of points to keep in mind act upon:
Before buying, think twice – buy only what you really need.
Avoid excessively packaged items
Refuse plastic bags – bring your own bag or basket to the grocery store.
Use the recycling points on the island – yellow, green, and blue bins.
Donate the things you no longer use, or sell them at a flea market or auction & buy second-hand items where possible.
Ibiza also has a good network of selective waste collection points with three main containers:
Yellow is for "packaging" where you can deposit different types of containers: plastic, aluminum, metal, and Tetra Brik type containers (milk, soup, juice, sugar boxes).
The green container is for glass.
Blue is intended for "cardboard packaging", where you can deposit cardboard boxes and paper.
Every contribution is valuable to the whole and all of our actions will make a difference. In the end, the most important thing to remember is that living or staying in an energy-efficient home always creates a cleaner, greener island for both now and in the future.
During a collaborative effort, over 200 kilos of garbage were collected in just one morning by a group of local residents from Ibiza.
As part of a project led by us at Prestige Properties Ibiza, nearly 50 individuals, between our office and a variety of volunteer associations, worked together to clean up the areas of Cas Mut and Talamanca Beach, Ibiza.
During the project 23 people, Prestige Properties employees and volunteers, set out to collect roaming waste products and trash from the urban zone of Cas Mut, just outside Ibiza Town. The remainder of the group of volunteers and Prestige staff (30 people) gathered together on the beach of Talamanca with their friends, partners, and children who also took part in the morning’s activities.
As a result of the ‘Beach Clean Up’ initiative 160 kilos of glass, 120 kilos of plastics and cans, 15 kilos of paper, and approximately 50 kilos of non-recyclable waste were collected in total between the two locations. Cas Mut alone collected 170 kilos of rubbish (90 kg of which were plastic items or cans).
European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR)
We specifically chose this date as it marked the start of the European Week for Waste Reduction 2021, whereby a wide variety of initiatives and campaigns across the island and Europe set out to raise awareness regarding reducing waste and living a more sustainable life.
A Special Thanks…
We would like to say a special thanks to our collaborators for all their help and assistance with the logistics of the day. We also would like to thank every volunteer who dedicated their personal time and came along to help us clean up these two beautiful areas of the island. Keeping our beloved island clean and nurtured!
Plastic Free Ibiza and Formentera is a movement consolidated since 2018 and promoted by IbizaPreservation. It is composed of 14 local non-profit organisations whose goal is to preserve the environment of the Pitiusas. While its primary activity is the Plastic Free Balearics certification, it also promotes awareness campaigns and educational workshops in schools.
Casita Verde is an ecology and education centre founded by Chris Dews in the green heart of Ibiza in 1993. Casita Verde practices and teaches sustainable, healthy living by applying permaculture principles, using alternative energy, and re-using and upcycling waste materials. Their tours, volunteering, and workshop experiences can help you with your own sustainable living journey.
Thank you for staying updated with us at Prestige Properties. We hope to see you soon!
Do you have any questions or need more info? Send us a message and we will get back as quickly as possible!
Energy Efficient Ibiza Homes – A Guide for Home Owners in Ibiza
Energy efficiency is now considered the gold standard for all modern and newly built homes. It is important that as homeowners we take action and commit to conserving resources, saving money, and helping the environment through less waste and energy preservation. It does not matter whether your home is brand new, undergoing a renovation, or is very old. Property energy efficiency can be achieved by all with the simple strategy of applied knowledge and effective changes.
Prestige Properties is committed to promoting energy efficiency and green living here in Ibiza. In light of this, we have developed our very own "Energy Efficient Ibiza Homes: A Guide for Homeowners in Ibiza" article to encourage Ibiza property owners and future buyers to create energy-saving havens! So, without further ado, please take a look at our guide below for all property owners in Ibiza wishing to make a difference right from their very front door.
Insulation & Draught Proofing your Ibiza Property
When considering the energy efficiency of a property, insulation and draught-proofing are two main primary concerns. Due to Ibiza’s high levels of humidity throughout the year (especially during winter, despite our mild temperatures), poorly insulated homes can still experience consequent dampness. Additionally, the high season can be extremely hot, increasing electric consumption necessary for cooling. Property buyers and new owners should always review the architectural design and overall construction of a house to ensure good insulation and low energy consumption.
Those who are investing in new property in Ibiza, or are looking to build or remodel a home are advised to carefully examine such factors as roofing and roof drainage systems, property orientation, and design (considering the sun’s natural light and energy for heating and cooling), solid walls, ventilation, thermal bridges and insulation, water tightness, damp-proofing, sealing, and double glazed windows.
Building with Eco-Friendly Materials in Ibiza
In traditional construction, earth bricks, concrete, and wood are typically used. This means the continued destruction of trees for timber, and mining for cement to bind sand, gravel, and bricks together. Thankfully, the construction industry today has started to adopt new processes and green alternative building materials to build properties with more energy-efficient and sustainable means. Materials such as bamboo, hempcrete slabs, rammed earth, and reclaimed wood and steel, are now widely used among the top ‘green’ building materials. If buyers or owners are planning on building or renovating a property in Ibiza, be certain to investigate the philosophy and green sustainable practices of construction companies, architects, and workers on the island. Energy-intensive materials should only be used in moderation, or when they have been recycled.
Solar Power Panels in Ibiza
Installing solar panels to collect solar energy from the sun’s radiation which can then be converted into electricity or heat comes highly recommended for green living. The good news is solar energy is abundant and free. Thanks to advancements in technology, we can now harness even more of this renewable electricity! And, with 300 days a year of sunshine here in Ibiza, there is no other energy source that has a less negative environmental impact than the use of solar power. The process of solar energy does not produce any greenhouse gases, nor does it pollute the environment. What’s more, generating your own electricity means consuming less energy from your utility provider which will immediately translate into substantial savings on your household bills. For more information on solar power systems in Ibiza why not visit RevoSolar for solutions, services, and projects.
Upgrading your Boiler in your Ibiza Property
Approximately half of your energy bills are attributed to your boiler. An inefficient boiler is not only a major factor contributing to high home energy costs, but when boilers are old and not operating at an efficient level, they waste more energy than they need and leak unnecessary sources of excess carbon into the atmosphere. Today, more than ever it is becoming increasingly important to have an energy-efficient boiler. If your property hasn’t had a new boiler within the last 10 years, we would highly recommend considering replacing it with a newer model. In Ibiza, all new builds are now required to supply hot water via solar panel energy. These ‘Hot Water Solar Systems’ are becoming increasingly popular and those replacing old boilers or remodeling older properties are also seeking these alternative and energy-efficient installations.
Indigenous Landscape Gardens
Landscapes and property gardens are important features of any property that can not only enhance its aesthetic appeal but can also reduce energy usage by protecting the property from both wet and windy winters, as well as the heat of the summer sun. For example, well-placed trees, shrubs, and vines can provide shade, serve as a windbreak, and provide a natural air exchange, which prevents mildew and humidity problems. In addition, native and natural landscapes work well for conserving water, reducing pesticide usage, requiring less fuel and electricity for maintenance, as well as reducing noise and air pollution. Furthermore, natural indigenous landscapes also provide food and wildlife habitat, and they naturally clean the air because they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen.
To design and maintain an energy-efficient landscape, it is highly recommended that property owners in Ibiza consult professional and reputable landscape designers, tree surgeons, as well as a wildlife-biologist or ecologist. Also, remember to take into account landscape water consumption and recycling. Energy efficient and green living home-owners can for example make simple and effective decisions for saving water by building a rainwater storage device that can be used to water the garden during the hot summer months.
Use Local Ibiza Companies and Workers
Seeking local architects, designers, construction workers, and landscape gardeners that advocate and use locally-produced materials, will save transportation costs involving both money and energy, and support the local labour market. Ideally, landscaping materials should be biodegradable, recycled, and low energy-consuming materials that are produced locally. We highly recommend selecting conscious businesses with good ethics, local staff, and workers with official contracts and insurances who are paying the correct taxes.
Keep an Eye on the Little Things
In order to utilise energy efficiently, we need to learn to accomplish the same daily tasks with less consumption by being aware of how energy is used, where it is wasted, and how we can make better use of it in our daily routines. Small simple actions carried out by the majority can make a significant difference to our carbon emissions and environment. Changing to LED lights, sealing cracks, replacing filters, encouraging shade, natural sunlight, and heat, setting a thermostat, monitoring temperature controls, turning off the lights, and dressing appropriately for the weather are all small yet compelling practices that can help towards better household sustainability and energy efficiency.
Final Thoughts for Ibiza Property Owners
If you are investing in a property in Ibiza, you may feel that prioritising energy-efficient construction in your new home is complex and expensive. However, such projects do not usually require greater complexity than conventional construction and are well-known to save financially too, in the long run. Additionally, very simple improvements can be made, such as LED lighting and shading, which aside from being environmentally friendly will also reduce the electric bill.
Regardless of how small a contribution you make, every single action does contribute to the whole. The important thing to remember is, living in an energy-efficient, well-insulated home, will not only reduce your household bills and increase the value of your property, but it will also contribute to a cleaner, greener island in the long run.
Thank you for staying updated with us at Prestige Properties. We hope to see you soon!
Do you have any questions or need more info? Send us a message and we will get back as quickly as possible!
Prestige Properties Ibiza – Social Responsibility and Community Initiatives
Our team at Prestige Properties Ibiza collectively considers our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as a humble opportunity to ‘give back’ to Ibiza. Our gratitude for our home and the opportunities we receive as a business, as well as individuals, motivates us to acknowledge our accountability as citizens and encourages us to return our gratefulness through ethical change to benefit our society.
Like all communities, Ibiza is presented with issues of inequity, environmental concerns, small local businesses in financial difficulty (post-global pandemic), and families struggling to thrive. In this way, we believe we must be part of the solution, advocating for balance, equal opportunities, sustainability, and the health and welfare of all.
"Every individual and citizen group should, together, be accountable for the welfare, health, and safety of their entire community". – Victor, Sales Director & Partners at Prestige Properties, 2021
Our company’s philosophy has actively started working towards a better balance between economic prosperity, environmental protection, and social stability.
Social Responsibility and Community Initiatives
Since 2017, we have prioritised green-living as part of our business education and mindful lifestyle practice at Prestige Properties Ibiza. We have also made a conscious effort to give charitably, utilising our gratitude to help others in the best way we can, and as much as possible.
Our Corporate Social Responsibility aims to:
Make a stand to protect the overall well-being of our island, and the environment, while lessening the negative impacts we create as a company.
Regularly create campaigns through our advertising and social media channels to raise awareness of injustice, environmental issues, charitable and NGO affairs, sponsorships, and volunteering opportunities.
Regularly engage and support charitable giving.
Support small, local businesses with sponsorship and promotion.
Reduce our energy consumption & become carbon neutral
Inform all of our tourism and relocating clients on environmental and sustainable living in Ibiza, through both factual and practical advice
Buy products and services from socially responsible companies, as well as local businesses, thus impacting the island’s sustainability, profitability, and trade.
Our Social Responsibility Action Timeline
Here’s our Social Responsibility timeline so far to date. You can visit our ‘Prestige Goes Green’ blog to see all of our environmental and sustainable CSR activity, however, our community initiatives and ongoing social stability support are listed below.
Supporting Local Businesses
In recent years, Prestige Properties Ibiza has actively collaborated with many local community projects and companies through sponsorship and promotional campaigns.
Cinema Paradiso
In 2017, we sponsored Cinema Paradiso in the Baluarte (a local cultural event here in Ibiza). The Baluard de Sant Pere is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in the heart of Dalt Vila, which is open to the public. Cinema Paradiso has hosted some spectacular outdoor cinema experiences right here within the charming walls of the old city.
Cinema Paradiso is a local business that dreamed of creating "The Ultimate Cinema Experience". Whether you attend a public screening at one of their varied locations or opt for a private cinema session in your home or villa, the team goes above and beyond to ensure a memorable occasion. The company has provided Ibiza with a great addition to its seasonal cultural activities, and lent towards supporting the tourism industry, necessary for our island’s prosperity.
You can see our sponsorship and cinema advertising on our youtube feature below:
Campos de Ibiza
When you rent a property with Prestige Properties we offer all of our guests a gift pack with products from Campos de Ibiza as part of our rental service. On arrival, a special range of body and hair amenities, created from natural ingredients, originating from our fruitful island, free of parabens, and free from animal testing are waiting to greet you.
We are very pleased to provide a unique gift and support this local family company, which also ensures all of their product containers are recyclable and manufactured in a manner that is sustainable, generating minimal waste.
My Ibiza and Formentera
My Ibiza and Formentera is a must-have guide for any traveler visiting Ibiza. Created by Hjordis Fogelberg, who spent her childhood summers on the island and has developed a knowledge and passion for the island, resulting in nothing less than an authentic travel guide with recommendations for the best sporting activities, top sunset spots, culinary experiences, events, and cultural living. ‘My Ibiza and Formentera’ is personally illustrated by Hjordis herself, making this guide a beautiful souvenir and a little gem of artistic expression.
We are very happy to collaborate on this project by sponsoring the inside front cover since 2019.
The guide is available for sale all over Ibiza island, Mainland Spain, London, Paris, and Holland. To order directly from the author, head to ‘My Ibiza and Formentera’ Facebook and send Hjordis a direct email purchasing request!
Illustration by Hjordis Fogelberg
Cafe de Ibiza
In 2019, we switched our coffee machine from the Nespresso brand which uses plastic capsules, ending up in landfills, to one which grinds fresh coffee beans. From here we decided that our coffee beans should be from a local company. Our decision promotes KM0 transportation, waste reduction, and also supports a locally operating business here in Ibiza! Our chosen coffee now is Cafe de Ibiza.
Charitable Giving
Food for Ibiza
In 2018, we decided to choose a campaign that was both close to our hearts and also directly linked to our workplace, through our colleague Nina Negru: the 4th Edition of ‘One Toy, One Smile’, organised by Food for Ibiza.
Food for Ibiza is a non-profit organisation that has been actively supplying some of the island’s poorest families with food and basic necessities. The organisation solely runs on the support of volunteers and is dependent on the generosity and donations made by the local community.
"One Toy, One Smile" offers the gift of toys and a €25 per head coupon to be spent on a family Christmas menu at their nearby supermarket. At Prestige Properties, we were overly happy to be part of such a wonderful project.
We are very proud to be working with one of the founding members of Food for Ibiza, our colleague Nina Negru, as part of our team of sales agents.
In February 2021, we made a generous donation to Food for Ibiza. The pandemic has resulted in a record number of people in Ibiza struggling and utilising their charitable services. Any kind of food relief and donation is highly needed at this difficult time. To make your own donation or to find out how you can get involved, contact our colleague Nina via the Food for Ibiza Facebook page.
To find out more about our collaboration with Food for Ibiza, check our ‘One Toy, One Smile’ blog here!
In conclusion…
CSR has the potential to positively impact the everyday lives of individuals and families presently here in Ibiza, as well as those future generations who are yet to come. Whether by donating to charitable causes, supporting environmental changes, or considering programs to help people from developing countries, our social responsibility as a community has the power to improve the lives, health, and environment of others.
Together small-scale commitments through CSR programs and personal actions can result in changing someone’s day, creating one small step towards a better future, or even changing the future outcome for our local communities and planet in the years to come.
We believe in Giving Back.
We believe in Going Green.
We welcome you to join us in this pursuit!
Get Involved!
There is no time like the present to give back and to get involved. Ibiza has many projects and NGOs listed on the island where we can all support, donate, activate, and simply ‘do our part’. No matter how big or how small, you can make a difference.
Take a look at our local initiatives here on the island below;
Do you have any questions or need more info? Send us a message and we will get back as quickly as possible!
Prestige Properties Ibiza Goes Green & Sustainable
Living sustainably is no longer a thing of the past, a desirable way of living, or even a questionable affair. In today’s society, with growing populations, CO2 emissions, waste, and increased pollution, it is essential to practice green living as part of our everyday lives.
In a world where most of us have the availability to live beyond our means, we have allowed for problematic statistics of over-consumption, and therefore adverse consequences from our daily choices and excessive living, leading to dangerous levels of planetary changes.
Failure to live in a sustainable way results in our human existence and habitat at risk of harsh environmental and climatic changes with increased temperatures, leading to global warming, as well as unclean air and sanitation, and concerning water and food shortages.
When we strive for environmentally-friendly living, we significantly reduce the impact of extreme environmental changes that could otherwise be very harmful and threatening to our home, Planet Earth, both now and in the future.
Sustainable and Preserved Ibiza
A greener planet means a cleaner environment and a brighter future for all. With a better quality of air, surroundings, and food, we are more likely to be healthier for longer and subsequently, see a long and safe future for generations to come.
At Prestige Properties Ibiza, we understand how privileged we are to live on an island surrounded by nature with an abundance of cultivated land and natural resources, and also how these attributes are precisely what bring both local well-being and prosperity.
Over the past few years, our company’s philosophy has actively started working towards and advocating for an equal balance between economic prosperity, environmental protection, and social stability.
Going Green
There are many ways of going green and living sustainably to help preserve our island’s environment.
Since 2017, we have prioritised green-living as part of our business education and mindful lifestyle practice at Prestige Properties Ibiza, which has enabled us to contribute towards protecting the environment, preservation, and the conservation of our island’s natural resources as much as possible.
Our aim of going green is to:
Reduce our Island’s Overall Pollution
Reduce Resources used, Consumption, and Eliminate Non-Essential Waste
Conserve our Natural Resources, Farmland, and Forest Life
Conserve our Marine, Water, and Terrestrial Resources
Maintain the Natural Ecological Balance – Flora & Fauna
Fast-forward to 2021, Prestige Properties Ibiza ensures every business decision takes into consideration the impact on the environment and also our local community, with a calculated plan of action to guarantee a greener solution.
Our Green Solutions
To be able to fulfill our aims for green-living, we have made many changes to our working environment and daily practices.
Some of our environmentally friendly practices currently include:
Reducing Energy Consumption – Co2 Emission Calculations & Adjustments
Becoming Carbon Neutral and Off-Setting
Purchasing Eco-Friendly Office Items
Recycling and Upcycling
Green Mode Hybrid Cars and Team Carpooling
Raising Money and Sponsoring Sustainable Projects
Reducing Paper Consumption and using 100% Recycled Paper
Collaboration with Local Projects and Preservation Funds
Our Green Timeline
Here’s our green timeline so far to date with changes to our working environment and daily practices. We hope to see and add many more as we learn and improve our sustainable living.
Green Mode Hybrid Cars
In 2017, our managing and sales director Victor switched to a Hybrid Toyota Car. All non-electrical vehicles run on gas, and our gas is a limited and non-renewable resource, which emits harmful pollutants and waste like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen gas into the atmosphere causing severe pollution and global warming via a greenhouse effect.
By changing to a hybrid car, we become more energy-efficient and move towards protecting ourselves against increased environmental pollution and climate change. Hybrid cars, although still partially run on gas, are found to have lower gas mileage, thus improving the gas economy. By partially using electricity, hybrid cars produce fewer toxins, harmful emissions of gas, and pollutants.
Following Victor’s inspiration and role-modeling, our colleague Nina, in 2018 also did the same and switched to a Hybrid car. The majority of our team have agreed that when the time has come for them to change their cars, they will also opt for either an electric or a hybrid model.
Sponsoring Projects – Sabina (Juniper) Trees
In 2018 we sponsored ‘The Sabina Boys’ on their Mongol Rally to raise money for the reforestation of Sabina (juniper) trees in Ibiza’s burnt down forest areas.
"The Sabina Boys", grew up together in Ibiza and participated in the famous charitable challenge "The Mongol Rally". The Mongol Rally is an annual event that covers roughly 30,000 km through mountains and desert, from Europe to Asia. The charity race is supported by an NGO of their choice.
"The Sabina Boys chose the NGO Ibizaconciencia.org and passed their donations to the campaign of "Reforesta Ibiza", where reforestation days were organised by students on the island, re-establishing native forest areas devastated by wildfires.
Prestige Properties proudly donated to their cause, as we also wanted to help and see the replanting of our beautiful and protected Juniper (Sabina) Trees in the burnt areas of the Ibizan landscape.
According to sources of the "Conselleria de Medi Ambient, Agricultura I Pesca", in 2017 there were 95 forest fires that burned 168.1 hectares in the Balearic Islands; of which 71% in Mallorca, 17% in Formentera, 11% in Ibiza, and 1% in Menorca.
Negligence and accidental causes were found at 58% of these claims, while intentional fires were approximately recognised at a staggering 20% of all causes.
In 2018, the Government reinforced the Fire Protection System in Ibiza. Here Prestige Properties Ibiza proposed to ensure better prevention and help lower the risk of forest fire through actively raising the awareness of our clients and tourists, with regular campaigns and advertising over the summer season.
Using less paper reduces your carbon footprint and sustains the environment by preventing trees from being cut down, eliminates energy used to convert a tree into a piece of white printing paper, and prevents plastic consumption from the plasticised paper products. Using less paper also helps to reduce the amount of waste produced by decreasing the refuse sent to landfills or industrial recycling sites.
In 2018, we decided to switch to 100% recycled and chlorine-free paper made in Italy for our printed property magazine, which by 2019 went on to include all our business stationery, such as our business cards and property folders.
In 2020 we decided to reduce our paper consumption further by changing the format, design, and content of our bi-annual magazine to become an annual edition, essentially to reduce and minimise waste.
Also, we recognised our annual magazine did not require unnecessary distribution and wasteful activity. We, therefore, allowed for the magazine to be given directly to clients who asked for a copy, and to a few selected venues on the island, but not for mass-marketing.
Many island real estate companies heavily distribute their magazines across the island, to every home, restaurant, and venue possible. The end-result is these often get left lying around, polluting the countryside, and with many using plasticised brilliant paper, which takes 100s of years to decompose and are left leaking damaging toxins into the ground. With our example we hope to inspire some of our colleagues in the industry to take similar steps towards eco-solutions.
Recycling and Upcycling – Plastic Reduction & Recycling
In early 2019 we switched our coffee machine from the Nespresso and their capsules (which end up in landfills) to a machine that grinds fresh coffee beans (we like to use our local favourite Cafe de Ibiza).
We also invested in plenty of drinking glasses to replace the plastic cups for our water machine, which, additionally, uses glass water bottles that are cleaned and reused rather than sent for recycling. Our single-use plastic consumption has been reduced by almost 90% collectively as a group here since we made these small yet powerful changes. And, of course, we also practice the separation of waste by material to aid the recycling efforts on the island.
Reducing CO2 Emissions – Calculating our Carbon Footprint
In the latter part of 2020 we calculated our Carbon Footprint: Prestige Properties Ibiza emits approximately 18 tonnes of CO2 per year.
Since actively calculating our carbon footprint, we have now received an official manual for reducing our emissions in the office by changing electrical equipment to newer more efficient versions, changing to more hybrid or fully electric cars, switching off all equipment at the end of the day, and keeping air-con’s systems within reasonable temperature limits.
For the future, we are now looking at projects to off-set our footprint, so that we can be a 100% carbon neutral company. So, stay tuned for more information.
Collaboration with Local Preservation Efforts – Ibiza Preservation Fund
In February 2021 we joined forces with the Ibiza Preservation Fund by offering a one-time donation and committing to donating 50€ for every property sale, and 5€ for every rental deal we close. This collaboration is set to be ongoing and indefinite.
Here is some more information on the projects and important work of the Ibiza Preservation Fund.
Going green at home, in the workplace, and as a community offers numerous benefits. If we all work towards sustainable living, and an eco-friendly planet, our home, and all living things receive the best possible quality of life and a hope for a bright time to come.
Prestige Properties Ibiza is proud to be an advocate of sustainability within our industry. Collaborating and working together with our local community and environmental organisations like The Ibiza Preservation Fund enables us to contribute towards the islands’ well-being and future.
Green living helps make Ibiza, and the planet, sustainable and habitable.
We believe in Giving Back.
We believe in Going Green.
We welcome you to join us in this pursuit!
There is no time like the present to give back and to get involved. Ibiza has many projects and NGOs listed on the island where we can all support, donate, activate and simply ‘do our part’. No matter how big or how small, you can make a difference.
Take a look at our local initiatives operating under Sustainability and Green-Living here on the island below:
