Green Living

Solstice strives to be the most environmentally conscious vacation house on the market. Without sacrificing comfort or convenience, Solstice significantly lightens its impact on the environment though a number of eco-friendly features and initiatives. Long Island is a prime Caribbean ecotourism destination and our commitment to environmental sustainability is the perfect compliment to that.

A Carbon-Neutral Vacation

The Bahamas generates most of its electricity using imported diesel fuel - one of the least efficient and most polluting sources available. At Solstice, photovoltaic solar panels generate completely clean electricity using the abundant Bahamian sunshine.

Air travel and other transportation is also a significant producer of pollution and carbon dioxide. To offset these other negative effects of running the house and your travel to Solstice, a portion of the rental proceeds goes toward programs to reduce energy consumption and promote renewable energy in the Bahamas. Click here for more details about the positive ways your rental payment is used. The amount of carbon offset by these donations far exceeds the amount generated by your visit.

Natural Rainwater Collection and Recycling

The lush vegetation and turquoise waters disguise the fact that Long Island is semi-arid. During the dry season, months can pass without rain and there are few natural sources of fresh water on the island. The local water utility needs to manufacture fresh water from salt water using reverse osmosis. However, the drinking water at Solstice is natural rainwater. Over 30,000 gallons of rainwater storage tanks sit under Solstice and Kaleidoscope, providing a reliable supply of fresh water year-round without the use of chemicals or energy. The water that comes out the tap is exactly as nature provided it.

The edible plants are irrigated using the same pure rain water. Ornamental plants are watered using recycled "gray water" that is washed down the sinks, showers and appliances. Solstice is a natural part of the local water cycle.

It's Green Inside...

Inside Solstice, a number of small touches make for a safer and healthier world for our guests and the environment:

• Biodegradable bath and kitchen products are supplied for guest use. Cleaning supplies are chosen for their safety and low environmental impact.
• A simple and clean system allows guests to set aside food waste for later composting in the gardens.
• Sheets and towels are made from organic cotton and natural dyes.
• The appliances installed at Solstice are some of the most energy and water efficient on the market.
• Ceiling fans and cross-breezes in every room provide ample natural cooling, though high-efficiency air conditioners are also installed in two bedrooms.

...And Outside

Nothing brings you closer to nature than the fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs from the gardens of Solstice. In addition to providing our guests with fresh healthy food, the lush gardens and surrounding forest also protect the land from erosion and act as a natural buffer against the elements.