Sustainability

Feel great about your holiday, knowing that your stay at The Moso is an investment in the island’s sustainability and the well-being of future generations.

Sustainable Construction

From the start, we prioritised sustainability. All building materials were sourced within Vanuatu. Recycled cedar louvres were crafted from a house severely damaged by Cyclone Pam. Coral excavated from building foundations was repurposed into retaining walls, and much of our furniture was locally made from trees felled by Cyclone Pam or sustainably sourced timber.

Harnessing Solar Power

Our commitment to sustainability extends to our energy use. The entire resort runs on solar power. Dedicated solar systems now power our water and pool pumps. This year, we introduced heat pump hot water systems in our new hilltop villas, significantly reducing gas consumption. Additionally, our chlorine-free swimming pools offer a healthier option for both you and the environment.

Locally Sourced Food

We prioritise fresh, local produce. Most of our fruit, vegetables, and herbs come from our resort garden or nearby villages. Our seafood is caught by local fishermen, and our beef, prawns, and pork are locally raised, grass-fed, and organic. We even have our own laying chickens, which feed on organic food scraps.

Island Gardens

We’ve learned from local villagers how to make the most of our island’s unique microclimate. Since Moso Island receives less rain than the mainland, we focus on cultivating plants that thrive naturally, reducing water waste. Fast-growing bananas and pawpaws create a lush tropical setting and are also used in our bistro and bar.

Water Conservation

Our water is filtered through a five-step process, eliminating the need for bottled water. We don’t sell or supply single-use water bottles; instead, reusable water bottles are provided in your villa. Our wastewater is treated through an E-bin septic system, which filters it through a four-chamber process, allowing grey water to be used for watering our gardens.

Recycling and Waste Reduction

We choose metal cans for soft drinks, as metals are recycled in Vanuatu. Plastics are sent to town weekly for recycling. We only sell locally produced Tusker beer in glass bottles, which are returned to the factory for sterilisation and reuse, along with Cascade sparkling water bottles. Glass from the bar is crushed and repurposed in concrete slabs.

Upcycling

Whenever essential items cannot be sourced from local villages or within Vanuatu, we ensure they are carefully wrapped and padded using upcycled clothing generously donated from Australia and New Zealand. These garments are then given to local villages, where they find a second life as valuable resources for personal use. This practice not only reduces waste but also supports our commitment to sustainability and community engagement.

Composting and Waste Management

If our chickens don’t eat the food scraps, we compost them for our garden and share them with local villages for their pigs and chickens. We avoid using garbage bags in our kitchen or bar; instead, we sterilise bins after each service. Paper and cardboard are burned with garden waste. While we strongly discourage the use of straws, we provide paper ones if necessary. We also avoid using plastic stir sticks or umbrellas in drinks, opting for decomposable options like fruit or flowers.

Protecting Our Reefs

We are dedicated to preserving our reefs. We ask guests to use reef-safe sunscreen and to avoid touching or walking on coral. Due to the environmental impact, we no longer supply snorkels and flippers, which frequently break and contribute to landfill waste. We encourage guests to bring their own gear if they are passionate about snorkeling. This decision is driven by our commitment to sustainability, not financial reasons, and we hope our guests appreciate our efforts.

Supporting the Local Community

Our entire team is Ni-Vanuatu, as was our construction team. We support our local villages by using them for guest transportation, goods delivery, and building materials. We make annual donations to the local school and village, and 50% of our staff comes from these villages. We believe in giving back and encourage our guests to visit and connect with the local community.

At The Moso, we walk our talk. We appreciate your respect for our environment, as together, we can ensure a better planet and future for generations to come.

Anton & Joel