We operate using a Quadruple Bottom Line methodology. As such, we require sustainability in four areas:
Environmental Sustainability
As much as possible we travel towards our destination through environmentally-friendly modes such as walking, catching public transport or biking
In our overnight programs, we foster health and wellness by eating healthy meals with fresh ingredients, organic and fair trade where possible and we choose products with minimal packaging.
As part of our advocacy for the environment, we ask participants to follow our Environmental Code of Conduct, which includes waste segregation and limiting the use of packaging.
We keep our program sizes small so as to minimise our ecological footprint or impact at our location. For example, we can only accept up to 50 participants for our outdoor educational programs.
We always keep to the paths and respect local rules and restrictions.
A portion of the proceeds from our programs go towards environment or social development programs.
We don't use air conditioning in our office, and keep energy and water use to the bare minimum. Our business cards are printed on recycled paper.
We offset the carbon emission involved in running our website
Cultural Sustainability
We try to incorporate Filipino folklore, history, culture and games into our educational programs.
As much as possible, for foreign participants we introduce language, history and tradition into our programs.
Whenever permitting and appropriate, we will engage with the local community and participate in their traditional ways
To minimise our intrusion upon the local communities, we rotate our programs to various different locations. Furthermore, we keep our trip sizes to the bare minimum.
Social Sustainability
As much as possible, we adopt a "Buy Pinoy" philosophy, from our camping equipment, to our materials, down to our food
We adopt a 'tour local' approach, whereby we only hold programs in the provinces where we ourselves are based or grew up.
In our overnight camping programs, we buy fair trade where possible, and support the local communities by purchasing our fresh produce at location (being sensitive to their own resource needs, and in the event of a potential conflict, we will walk in our fresh produce).
So that we don't negatively contribue to resource conflicts in our host destination, our trip sizes are kept to the bare minimum
Part of the proceeds from each tour goes towards community initiatives.
Financial Sustainability
Barefootprint Outdoor Adventures needs to be financially viable in order to deliver sustainable social and environmental benefits to host communities, as well as participants. Therefore we operate as a for-profit social enterprise aiming for continuous improvement and maximum efficiency.
