Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, surrounded by lush hills and centuries-old olive groves, Casa Cares is a farmhouse embodying the essence of sustainable hospitality. More than just a welcoming accommodation, it serves as a living laboratory of best practices for respecting the environment and the community.
From photovoltaic panels to composting systems, every detail reflects a commitment to a greener future, with a special focus on waste reduction and eco-friendly materials. This approach extends beyond the walls of the property, reaching its guests, who are invited to partake in an authentic and harmonious experience where good food, nature, and respect for the land come together in perfect balance.
Casa Cares was honored at the Ecobnb Awards for its ability to combine tradition, sustainability, and hospitality, blending human warmth with care for the planet. We had the pleasure of interviewing the team to uncover the secrets behind this green excellence.
What sparked your passion for environmental sustainability?
Casa Cares is a property of the Waldensian Diaconia, an organization deeply rooted in environmental awareness and committed to achieving internal sustainability goals. Being a countryside establishment, we’ve always paid close—but not automatic—attention to the environment. This applies to agriculture (we have an organic vegetable garden), olive oil production (we produce excellent oil), and minimizing our environmental impact.
We have a phytodepuration system, a photovoltaic system, practice recycling (of course), and composting. In recent years, we’ve set increasingly ambitious goals to continually improve our sustainability practices.
What do you consider essential in your eco-sustainability journey?
We’ve identified several criteria that guide our choices:
- Minimize the purchase of disposable products of any kind.
- Question whether each product, whether disposable or durable, has a “plastic-free” alternative.
- If a plastic-free option doesn’t exist, see if it’s available in recycled plastic.
- Reassess disposable items, like containers, to reuse them multiple times. For example, we treat bottles as reusable, aiming to extend their life to 10 or even 100 uses rather than discarding them immediately.
This mindset helps us reduce our environmental impact and value each product, avoiding unnecessary waste.
How would you describe your ideal “eco-traveler” guest?
Our ideal eco-travelers are people who appreciate staying in a well-maintained, authentic place and seek unique experiences. They respect the work of our staff, connect with the property’s atmosphere, and fully enjoy the surrounding nature and tranquility.
What has been the most meaningful review you’ve received, and why was it special?
We don’t have a single standout review, but there are recurring comments like:
- “The food is amazing!”
- “You’re so welcoming!”
- “What a magnificent place!”
These remarks confirm that our strengths lie in our cuisine, hospitality, and the nature that envelops us.
Let’s bust the myth that eco-sustainability is always more expensive. In your experience, can “eco-friendly” also mean “economical”?
At first glance, sustainable choices may seem more expensive, but in practice, that’s not true at all. For example, by purchasing completely plastic-free detergent sheets, we spend the same as we used to for conventional bottled detergent. Why? Because we tend to overuse liquid detergent from a bottle, running out of it faster.
The same applies to food: we offer high-quality ingredients in balanced quantities to avoid waste. Throwing food away is not just an economic loss; it’s also unethical and doubles the CO₂ impact.
Which green initiatives have brought you the most satisfaction? Which have been most appreciated by your guests?
Our green initiatives often go unnoticed explicitly by guests, but we’re confident they benefit from them, even unconsciously. For example, we don’t use plastic bottles. Water is served in glass bottles or carafes, giving the table a more refined and welcoming look.
The same principle applies to every detail of the property, from room amenities to table accessories. It’s a level of care that guests feel and appreciate, even without realizing it.
How do the values and projects of Ecobnb align with those of your property?
Ecobnb is the perfect platform to connect travelers who share our values. Similarly, the Ecobnb team is an ideal partner for accommodations like ours, eager to grow and exchange ideas in the name of sustainability.
