We strive for the sustainability of our farm and tourism
With our responsible actions, we aim to reduce our impact on our beautiful Mediterranean environment, sea, and rivers. We prevent unnecessary waste, conserve energy, and protect nature, air, and water. We try to pass on our positive habits to friends, acquaintances, and the younger generation.
Electricity consumption:
- We have installed a solar power plant.
- We heat with a heat pump.
- We dry laundry in the sun; we do not have a dryer.
- We turn off lights at night and during the day when not in the rooms.
- We switch off air conditioners at night and during the day when not needed.
- We unplug electronic devices when not in use.
- We use LED lights.
- In our outdoor summer kitchen, we cook on a wood stove. In winter, we use a fireplace and burn dry wood stored in our woodshed.
- On summer evenings, we enjoy gatherings by candlelight.
Household waste:
- We compost organic waste in our garden composter (fruit and vegetable scraps, potato peels, eggshells, tree leaves, chicken manure, ash, grass clippings, etc.). Eggshells, rich in calcium, nourish our vegetables, especially tomatoes.
- Leftovers like bread, cakes, and food scraps become part of our chickens' morning meal.
- Meat and fish scraps serve as food for our cats.
- We separate waste: paper, packaging, and glass. Batteries and other hazardous waste are disposed of in designated containers. Bulky waste is collected free of charge by the public company.
Water conservation:
- We have installed a 90 m³ rainwater collection tank from our house roof to irrigate the garden. We do not use expensive, chlorinated tap water.
- We use short wash cycles in the dishwasher and run it only when is full.
- We turn off the tap while brushing our teeth.
- We minimize water use when showering, using only as much as necessary.
- Water used for washing vegetables is reused to water flowers or trees in the garden.
- We do not buy bottled water. We drink tap water and often make homemade fruit compotes. Water is always on our table in a glass bottle.
- We wash cars only occasionally when necessary.
Greening the garden:
- We have planted a variety of trees for shade and cleaner air. Every dead tree is replaced with a new one.
Preserving antiques and the cultural heritage of Istria:
- We do not discard old furniture; instead, we renovate and reuse it. For example, in our cellar, apartment, and courtyard, we have lights made from old cartwheels.
- In the cellar, we created tables from old wooden wine barrels that were no longer usable. Two barrels were repurposed into cabinets.
- We decorate our living and other spaces with old objects, most of which have been collected in our family museum, "Life in Istria," located next to our house.
- Old water containers, bathtubs, and washbasins have been repurposed into planters for herbs and flowers, adorning our surroundings.
- Our house, cellar, and garden are built with Istrian stone, using as much locally sourced material as possible.
We are self-sufficient:
- We grow all the vegetables for our family, using natural pest control methods such as nettles. The nutritional value and taste are completely different, and we never buy vegetables.
- We eat seasonal food and freeze only small amounts—mainly fish, beans, and meat.
- Our fruit trees are treated with natural sprays during their dormant winter period.
- Olive trees are sprayed only upon the recommendation of the Agricultural Advisory Service in case of olive fly infestations.
- We treat our vineyards according to expert guidelines.
- Each year, we produce over 500 jars of homemade preserves: tomato sauce, jams, sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil, pickled peppers, chili peppers, olives, compotes, creams, and juices.
Clothing and footwear:
- We always offer surplus clothes and shoes to families and friends, both for children and adults, and help families save money while preserving our environment.