For the past year, Casa de las Olas has been composting the vegetable and fruits leftovers from Hartwood Restaurant in Tulum in a joint effort to continue their ideas and beliefs in sustainability. I think culinary compost is a new word, made up by us but if you have ever eaten at Hartwood, shared in meal crafted by Eric Werner the chef and creator of his unique slow smoked farm to table concept, me thinks that our compost pile may become a local attraction in Tulum!
Shared beliefs and philosophies about our planet
Casa de las Olas is a Tulum beach villa that was built using sustainable development principles. The owners feel a deep responsibility to preserve, protect and contribute to the delicate eco-system that exists on the property and the surrounds the area. Additionally there is a very strong committment to the local economy in Tulum, local residents and artists including fisherman and farmers. Buy local, is not a new concept, and in recent years the buy local philosophy has grown into a movement throughout the planet. Casa de las Olas supports and fulfills the buy local concept and furthers their committment to include the support for local tours, local guides and highlighting the gifts in the Tulum area.The result is a new way of cooking in Tulum with a great following of his farm to chef’s table slow roasted menu!
Hartwood Restaurant shares in this way of life and continues to support local farmers, ranchers, residents and businesses. All produce is sourced locally, Eric hand picks his seasonal fruits and vegetables, the menu changes to reflect the best choices of the day. Originally from New York, Eric has joined a new community in Tulum and supports the area that he now calls home.
Over a beer on the beach, Eric and James have shared their similar beliefs and joined forces to ensure that both properties and businesses maximize what they can offer. The composting idea was a no brainer. Eric had compostable items, James needed to fuel his compost for the continued planting of his indigenous plants, James had staff who could manage the compost and the extra land to keep it from interfering from anyone’s vacation.
Sustainable development and sustainable practices on the beach in Tulum, Mexico
Both Casa de las Olas and Hartwood are 100% solar. Dinner left overs are composted at Olas for the continued planting of indigenous plants. Information is shared so that local ranches, local artisans, carpenters and fisherman contribute to the ongoing success of these buy local, share locally, sustainable businesses. Every effort is made to partner resources and information so it stays in the Tulum family so we like to say. This is really a match made in sustainable heaven and the results have been….a culinary compost fit for a king, just like the meals at Hartwood.
Stay tuned for more amazing sustainable plans developed by the Tulum team of Casa de las Olas and Hartwood where nothing is overlooked and everything is possible. Their most recent endeavor was the Oh! BBQ held at Casa de las Olas and food prepared by Hartwood. Local residents, partners and players were all there to join in on this spontaneous treat. And if there were leftovers, which if we remember correctly there were few, all was added to the culinary compost!
Tulum is being kept as an untouched beach front vacation destination thanks for the many that think of the area, the ecosystem, local residents and local businesses first when designing your dream vacation in the Mayan Riviera. It is sustainability with a surprise once you witness the quality and committment Tulum businesses and accommodations have made to its dreamy and unforgettable location.
