Sustainable Policy Handbook

We at Footprint Adventure deeply believe that the world needs to be enriched by travel, not drained of it. Our sustainability mission is in the belief that tourism can be an enriching force for nature and society. We try to minimize the environmental footprint, give back to the local communities, support the local economy, cultural well-being, and protect biodiversity. Customers are engaged in responsible traveling with practices for an enriched travel experience. 

Our goal is to create a sustainable future through responsible travel that shows regard and celebrates nature, culture, and heritage. 

Commitment to Evolement

We are aware that sustainable approaches in tourism require progressive thinking, remaining committed to keeping up with emerging techniques, sustainable practices, and trends to stay ahead of the curve. Whether it’s adopting eco-friendly solutions to reduce waste or exploring new ways to minimize our carbon footprint, we are improving and evolving. Our passion regarding low-impact travel drives us to explore new opportunities for positive change that help adventurers prioritize eco-conscious tourism.

Sustainable Partnerships & Certifications

We collaborate with home-run local suppliers for an authentic and environmentally conscious travel experience. Our partners are selected based on their adherence to the environmental standards and their commitment to responsible tourism practices. Furthermore, we actively pursue regional and local sustainability certifications to validate our efforts and maintain the integrity of our sustainability mission.

Traveler Education

Our eco-conscious approach begins with our travelers. Footprint Adventure strives to assist our guests with the environmental, social, and cultural sensitivities of the destinations. We educate our travelers by giving them the knowledge and tools to make smart, responsible decisions on the road. Through pre-trip educational materials, in-destination orientation, and ongoing communication, we make sure our guests understand the importance of sustainable practices and the reasons behind them. By actively involving them in responsible travel, we encourage them to contribute positively, sustainably, and meaningfully towards the places they visit.

Impact Measurement

At Footprint Adventure, we value transparency. We are committed to monitoring the environmental and social impacts of our operations to ensure that our sustainability efforts are impactful and effective. We monitor some key performance indicators such as energy conservation, waste minimization, water usage, and community contribution. We are open about our performances so that our guests, partners, and stakeholders can see the true impact of their travel experience. Transparency is a central belief that informs the way we behave, to the extent that we try to innovate and contribute to the broader common good.

Local Community Empowerment

One of our principles is empowering our source communities. We are strongly committed to making sure there is a genuine positive social and economic impact wherever we go. Through our sustainable tourism operations, we support local jobs, offering a fair wage and training schemes that allow locals to develop sustainable livelihoods in the tourism industry. We also work closely with local organizations in conservation projects. Through our focus on long-term empowerment, we believe that the benefits of tourism extend far beyond our clients, benefiting local communities for years to come.

Holistic Sustainability

To us, sustainability is a three-dimensional pursuit. It's not just about saving the environment; it's about social justice and economic well-being. We employ an integrated design that brings all three aspects of sustainability, environment, social, and economy together into what we do. From reducing our carbon footprint and waste to ensuring that our guides and local partners receive a fair income and are provided with opportunities for development, we employ a cross-disciplinary strategy that constructs a sustainable, inclusive, and balanced future. By folding all business operations into sustainability concepts, we ensure that our impact is positive and long-lasting in every aspect of responsible tourism.

Animal Welfare Policy

Excursions and attractions in which captive wildlife is held are not offered, except for activities that are properly regulated and are in compliance with local, national, and international laws. Any activities that violate animal rights or involve unlawful handling and trading are strictly prohibited and call for action under the court of law. 

Energy Reduction Policy

One of the major efforts made in the operation of our company is a conscious energy consumption approach. The idea was further reinforced through the Travelife online courses, which helped our team be on the same page and make changes together. Today, this approach is applied not only in the office but our daily lives too. A daily habit that makes us switch off buttons when not in use. 

Waste Reduction & Zero‑Waste Policy

We have a proper segregation and processing strategy in place for our regular operations and destinations. Our collaboration with Doko Recyclers has further opened doors for our institute to be mindful and responsible in our waste management practices. During trekking season, waste is collected from various trekking trails in Nepal and is further handed over to Doko Recyclers.

Our goal is to move toward zero waste in our operations. So, we prioritize waste prevention as the most effective way to reduce environmental impact using the 5Rs: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rot (compost). 

 5R Principles Explained

  • Refuse: Say no to unnecessary disposables (single-use plastics, promotional freebies, over-packaged items).
  • Reduce: Use less, avoid excess packaging, leverage bulk supplies, and avoid unnecessary purchases.
  • Reuse: Opt for refillables (toner, soap), durable furniture, and repair before discarding.
  • Recycle: Sort and recycle paper, plastics, glass, electronics, and compost organics.
  • Rot: Compost food scraps and biodegradable waste on-site or through community composting.

Practical Waste‑Saving Actions

  • Use refillable products (soap dispensers, toner cartridges).
  • Purchase in bulk, designed to avoid small, excessive packaging.
  • Replace single-use items with reusable alternatives: bottles, cups, and cutlery.
  • Prioritize long-lasting, repairable goods and donate or sell surplus furniture/equipment.
  • Encourage staff and guests to finish single-use items before disposal.
  • Avoid hazardous materials and favor eco-friendly substitutes.
  • Ensure guests are encouraged to use refillable water stations instead of plastic bottles.

Managing E-Waste

  • Dispose of shelved electronics through Doko Recyclers.
  • If the equipment still works, donate or resell.
  • Data-sensitive items (phones, cables) are handed in to certified recycling organizations.
  • Cutting brochure printing volume by 50% or to 500 copies annually
  • Increasing bulk purchasing to at least 25%

Child Protection Policy

At Footprint Adventure, we believe that protecting children is everybody's responsibility. We hereby promise that every child who crosses our path in operation shall be safe, dignified, and well taken care of by adopting the policy. We commit to working in collaboration, raising awareness, and taking responsibility to make the world a safer place for children and the tourism industry more responsible in Nepal.

The policy ensures a thoughtful approach to the protection of children, emphasizing cultural sensitivity, conformity with the law, and actionable practice.

Purchase Policy 

Footprint Adventure is committed to implementing sustainability into all purchasing activities by prioritizing eco-friendly products and services that reduce environmental impact. This policy grades goods that can be recycled, are made from recyclable products, and are certified. Every department at Footprint Adventure is encouraged to implement environmental and social implications into purchasing decisions sustainably. 

Feedback Mechanism

Footprint Adventure is always evolving. We believe that the best way to improve is to listen to those who care most: our travelers and the communities we serve. We actively seek out feedbacks from our customers, encouraging them to share their experiences and how we can improve. This two-way dialogue allows us to hone our practices, adapt to face new challenges, and continually improve the sustainability of our operations. By remaining receptive to feedback, we keep our sustainability initiatives dynamic and responsive to the constantly changing world of responsible tourism.