NK'MIP Resort is situated in a pristine yet sensitive desert environment. All partners are committed to sustainability-focused operations such that these unique lands will be preserved for generations to come. Below you will find an outline of our efforts to mitigate our impact on this one of a kind environment. Although these are steps in the right direction, we are constantly striving to create new opportunities to further decrease our ecological footprint.
Resort-wide
- Centralized recycling and waste water treatment
- Ongoing water conservation efforts
- Take-away dishes made from 100% bio-based content for all food-services
- Eco-friendly materials used for resort-wear clothing (available for purchase)
- Energy-efficient lighting and water-conserving fixtures at all partners
- Xero-scaping of resort gardens
Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa
Stay - GREEN, Bellstar's company-wide environmentally friendly program, aimed at educating guests and staff alike, includes protocols that preserve water and energy without sacrificing service or comfort for our guests. Eco-practices include:
- In-room recycling bins
- Bathroom amenities made by AVEDA, a company who is known for eco-friendly practices
- Eco-Pure by Avmor sustainable cleaning products
- 100% recycled paper products throughout resort
- Multi-faceted environmental site mitigation for new developments
- Composting of organic materials (currently off-site)
- LED candle-power in Passatempo Restaurant
- Purchase of local and organic food ingredients where possible (including wine)
NK'MIP Desert Cultural Centre
The Centre has garnered a number of key environmental awards for the construction building and operating focus on sustainability. The building practices contribute to decreased energy and water use, and protection of the desert environment. Here is how they did it:
- Green roof - built into the hillside as a continuation of the desert landscape, cycling oxygen back into the environment
- Local building materials and a rammed earth wall
- Radiant heating and cooling
- Water-free urinals
- Use of Pine-Beetle wood in construction
- Sole use of desert vegetation in all site landscaping
- 100% recycled paper products
- On-site collection of all paper, glass and plastic for recycling
Sonora Dunes Golf Course
- State-of-the-art eco-friendly water management system on greens
- Organic fertilizers and non-chemical based detergent
- Specialized water run-off system
- Western Rattlesnake fencing around greens to protect snakes from human interaction and habitat encroachment
- Strong involvement in Western Rattlesnake research program at NK'MIP Desert Cultural Centre
- Preservation of natural desert habitat - signed "Environmentally Sensitive Areas" on and around greens
NK'MIP Cellars
- Drip-system irrigations water management in vineyard
- Considering on-site composting of organic materials (vineyard and restaurant)
- Considering options for paper/plastic-less bags for consumer wine purchases
- Purchase of local and organic food ingredients where possible
NK'MIP RV Park
- Campfires prohibited on-site due to environmental impact. Propane campfire use is promoted and is available for rental
- On-site collection of all paper, glass and plastic for recycling
- Trialing new eco-cleaning product called Urine-Oust
NK'MIP Desert Cultural Centre is the only location in North America which tracks by radio telemetry the daily travels of the rattlesnake.
