Sustainability Policy

At Your Friend in Reykjavík, we recognize that sustainable tourism is essential to the future of our environment, society, and business. As a small, family-owned tour operator offering walking tours in Reykjavík and small-group countryside excursions, we are committed to minimizing our impact and maximizing our positive contribution to Icelandic nature, culture, and local communities.

• We minimize emissions by operating walking tours and using an electric vehicle (Mercedes Benz EQV) for countryside trips whenever possible.
• Our guides encourage guests to stay on marked paths, respect wildlife, use reusable bottle and drink the Icelandic tap water or so-called Kranavatn.
• We avoid unnecessary printing by using digital contracts, e-vouchers, and electronic communication.
• We are making plans for that our office and transport use will be monitored for electricity consumption and waste generation. – working on implementation.
• Our tours and office practices follow all local waste and recycling laws. We sort all waste in accordance with Reykjavík city regulations into four categories: general waste, food waste, plastic, and paper.
  Guests and staff are encouraged to use reusable items and minimize plastic waste.

• We support local businesses by collaborating with restaurants and service providers that offer Icelandic products.
• We follow Slow Food Travel principles and have a staff member active in the Slow Food movement.
• Our small group sizes allow meaningful guest experiences while reducing community and environmental pressure.
• We foster cultural understanding and respect through local storytelling and historical insights.

• All employees and guides work under formal contracts in accordance with Icelandic labour law, which ensures fair wages, access to benefits, and protection of rights such as freedom of association, collective bargaining, and non-discrimination.
• We uphold principles of equality, inclusion, and respect for all team members and guests.
• We have a grievance procedure to address any form of harassment, bullying, or mistreatment.
• We prohibit child labour or sexual exploitation and are committed to upholding human rights across all operations.
• Our guides are advised to attend annual CPR and safety training, it is not mandatory according to the laws in Iceland. Several are active in organizations such as ICE-SAR, Landvernd, and Fuglavernd.
• This policy is supported by our full Social Policy and Human Rights Policy, which is available upon request and shared internally with staff.

• Guides are asked to communicate sustainability topics naturally throughout each tour.
• Guests are informed before and during tours on how to travel responsibly and respect Icelandic nature.
• Our communications include links to our blog, safety tips, and environmental messaging.
• We are implementing a post-tour survey with sustainability-related questions to collect feedback.

• Our CEO, Valur, serves as the designated Sustainability Coordinator.
• A Sustainability Action Plan has been created to track progress and ensure continued improvement.
• We are fully licensed by the Icelandic Tourist Board as an Authorized Travel Agency.
• Risk assessments and contingency plans are reviewed annually and are accessible to all staff.
• We participate in the Clean & Safe initiative and regularly share updates on sustainability.
• All relevant documents and data are stored in a shared folder for ongoing monitoring and review.
• Our company ensures that no marketing and advertisement document, statement, or other publication, shall contain misleading information, over advertise and under deliver. We guarantee that all our staff are aware of and ensure that what is offered can be delivered to our clients with ease.

This sustainability policy outlines our ongoing commitment to acting as responsible stewards of Iceland’s natural and cultural heritage. We are proud to contribute to sustainable development through our operations and invite our guests, partners, and employees to join us in making tourism a force for good. This policy will be reviewed annually to reflect our progress and changing responsibilities.