Environmental Care at Altmõisa – Green Key and EUROPARC
Altmõisa's environmental journey carries two recognitions: Green Key (an international eco-label) and EUROPARC (European Charter for Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas). EUROPARC confirms our cooperation with Matsalu Nature Reserve, local entrepreneurs, and the community, while Green Key reflects our everyday environmental choices within the house, from food and water to waste and garden care.
As a small guesthouse on the edge of Matsalu, we understand that sustainability is essential to us. For us, sustainability isn't just a buzzword, it's simply how we work every day. We source raw materials as close to home as possible, support surrounding families and farmers, and care for Matsalu's nature so that it stays just as it is for our children's children.
Green Key
Food from local and seasonal produce
A large share of our kitchen's ingredients comes from local farms and producers. In our own garden, we grow heirloom varieties on permaculture beds, old tomato and pear varieties, for example, that support soil and biodiversity. Our harvest includes herbs, cucumbers, pumpkins, lettuce, berries and fruit, which we also turn into jam for our guests. When our own harvest isn't enough, local organic producers step in: Jahu-Jaani organic flour, eggs and vegetables from local farms just 2 km from us, and fish from local fishermen.
Water, energy and waste
We heat using geothermal energy and manage the heating system according to how many rooms are actually in use. We water the garden by hand, and only when genuinely needed. We plan menus and portions carefully to avoid food waste, any surplus goes to compost in our own garden or to Hansu farm's chickens. We sort all our waste and use paper only when necessary.
Nature and the local community
We maintain natural areas on our grounds: mowing at the right time, avoiding pesticides, and creating good conditions for pollinators, birds and insects. In summer, rare wild orchids bloom in our garden. Books about Matsalu Nature Reserve's landscape and birdlife are available for guests in our common areas, and guided nature walks can be arranged on request.
How you can help
At Altmõisa, we don't clean rooms every day, to save water and energy, just as many of us do at home. If you'd still like daily cleaning, just let us know.
- Turn off the tap when not in use, and switch off the lights when you leave the room
- Take a portion you can finish from the buffet, you can always ask for more
- Move carefully on nature trails: stay on the paths, keep your distance from birds and animals, and avoid noise, especially during nesting season
Thank you for caring about Matsalu's nature and this special place together with us. Every small act matters.
Read more about Green Key by clicking here.