At The St James of Knysna, we passionately believe that even the smallest action contributes to the bigger picture. We pride ourselves on implementing sustainable practices to protect our incredible environment and support and uplift our local community. Sustainability is not just a pretty word to us; it is at the heart of everything we do. We offer a luxurious environment and experience that supports a healthier and more sustainable future.
At The St James of Knysna, we eliminate single-use plastic products and the use of plastic in general wherever we can. We do this by:
Not using plastic straws or bin liners and have replaced them with biodegradable alternatives.
Supplying biodegradable shower caps and vanity kits for our guests.
Using compostable takeaway containers, including coffee cups and lids, designed to break down naturally and reduce our carbon footprint.
Using Tsitsikamma Spring water bottles and labels that are 100% recyclable and BPA-free. We collect all plastic lids and bread tags for The Sweetheart Foundation, and for every 500 kg of lids and 200 kg of bread tags, they donate a wheelchair to someone in need.
Like many other parts of South Africa, Knysna has had to deal with the severity of water scarcity because of droughts, a changing climate, and the rising demand for water resources. This urgent problem highlights the importance of practising sustainability. Our goal at The St James of Knysna is to contribute to water preservation by using water wisely and coming up with creative alternatives where we can.
Our projects include:
Planting indigenous flora and fauna so our gardens use as little water as possible. We love to use plants that promote biodiversity and support water efficiency.
We use borehole water to water our gardens and fill our swimming pools.
We have solar at The St James of Knysna, ensuring operations run sustainably. Our commitment to renewable energy reduces our environmental impact and guarantees a seamless experience for our guests should there be an unexpected power outage.
For every booking we receive through Cape Country Routes, we have committed to planting a spekboom, an indigenous plant that has incredible carbon-absorbing properties.
We use sustainable and environmentally friendly cleaning products.
We actively participate in removing plastic and other waste from the banks of the Knysna Estuary to protect our waterways.
Knysna is a small town at the very heart of the Garden Route. At The St James of Knysna, uplifting and supporting our local community is particularly important. We do this through:
Supporting the local economy by prioritising small businesses and suppliers in our area.
Hiring local staff members from the wider Knysna community and offering them training programs to develop their knowledge and skills in various hospitality industry sectors. Upskilling our staff members is a priority of ours.
We encourage our guests to visit various cultural and environmental projects in the area. Projects such as township tours and animal rehabilitation centres are some of the most popular experiences, helping guests better understand our town.
All kitchen waste is distributed to local subsistence farmers, which helps enrich their soil and support sustainable agricultural practices.
Earlier this year, we committed to developing a vegetable garden to support staff with additional food. A bonus is that it supports biodiversity simultaneously. We keep this sustainable by:
Ensuring all vegetables are heirloom plants.
We use organic, poison-free pesticides to protect our gardens, the surrounding environment, and our staff members.
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