By exploring alternative travel choices, you can
have a unique trip and avoid leaving negative
marks on cultures, economies, and the
environment.
Travel focused Environmentalism
Besides off-setting your jet set, there are many other factors that constitute a truly eco-friendly experience. Certainly, reducing our carbon
footprint can be considered a primary resolution for saving the earth, but social development and resources are also part of the picture.
Here are some ways in which we can invest in ourselves and the planet:
Look for accommodations that support environmental practices: The International Ecotourism Society provide information
on environmentally-responsible hotels and resorts. So you can research your options at:
www.ecotourisim.org In Australia you can
source similar details from: Eco-tourism Australia
www.ecotourism.com.au Socially responsible accommodations will also provide
good working conditions for their staff and support community projects. Alternatively you could choose to stay with locals in home-stay
accommodation. This grass-roots option costs travelers less and provides financial support to families with little or no income. It is also an
exceptional way to experience the culture and traditions of native people who in-turn, will get an invaluable education about the world from
their international visitors.
Give house-keeping a miss: Avoid requesting new towels or linens from room service as this small step helps conserve water and energy
and is a cost-free way to do something positive for the environment. Another way to reduce your laundry requirements is invest in clothes
made from bamboo. Bamboo is 100% biodegradable as a natural fiber, so it is good for the environment. It provides 98% protection from
harmful UV rays, whilst the anti-bacterial and absorbent qualities mean you wont need to wash as often. You can find bamboo clothing in
some general department stores or online from sites like
www.bambooclothing.co.uk or for a more athletic line try Sahana Organics
www.organicfoodbar.com/apparel
Hire a hybrid: EV Rental Cars offers fleets of hybrid vehicles in popular destination cities like San Francisco , Las Vegas, Phoenix, Los
Angeles and San Diego. Travelers can also reserve hybrid cabs through companies like PlanetTran
www.planettran.com or Ecolimo
www.ecolimo.com.au
Go public: In addition to reducing your carbon footprint, public transportation has many other merits. In cities like London or New York
and throughout much of Europe, public transportation is cheaper and less stressful than driving. The other aspect of public transport is the
rich culture you encounter, where travel by taxi or hired car falls short. Government initiatives mean many countries now service the public
with environmentally friendly vehicles, like the Ecobus by The Allison Transmission of General Motors. These buses save 20 to 55%
on fuel, and produce a dramatically cleaner exhaust, including 90% fewer particulate, hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions.
Promote pedal power: Cities like Vancouver and Seattle have always encouraged visitors to get about by bike and for good reason,
riding exposes you to fresh air, exercise and areas where cars can’t go! In cities like Barcelona, Paris and now New York the option to ride is
also free, through bike share programs. You can learn more about these community based programs and which cities offer them from The
International Bicycle Fund
www.ibike.org If you need a rest but still want to travel by bicycle, consider hiring a rickshaw. This popular
mode of transport is extensively used in Asian countries and offers locals a viable source of income.
Explore the world on foot: Perhaps cycling isn’t for you but the benefits of open air travel still appeal and you like the idea of an active
holiday. Walking is the next best thing and many tour companies organize trips to suit a wide range of fitness levels, from the simple
wanderer to the avid trekker. Companies like Country Walkers
www.countrywalkers.com or Walking Adventures International
www.walkingadventures.com specialize in such adventures.
Hit the water: If you fancy a nautical experience with a different view then traveling on the water might be for you. Aside from the
aforementioned benefits of the above carbon-free alternatives, an adventure on the water allows travelers to access areas not possible any
other way. The opportunity to see aquatic life up-close and observe land features and creatures from a safe distance make water a great way
to go! Sea Kayak Adventures
www.seakayakadventures.com and Island Expeditions
www.islandexpeditions.com are
companies that offer tours by water.
Eat and shop local: When you’re exploring a new city, look for restaurants and stores that promote locally-sourced produce, ingredients
and products. Food, goods and souvenir items that come from nearby farms, artisans and other producers travel shorter distances and use
less packaging. The benefits to the environment include reduced fuel consumption, fewer carbon emissions and less waste from packaging
that uses non-biodegradable materials. In addition you will be supporting community economy, when you buy local you are also more likely
to bring home something unique or enjoy foods that are organically grown.
Leave no trace: When hiking, always stay on marked trails and maintain a safe distance from any animals you encounter. Deposit your
trash in marked receptacles or take it with you when you leave. Light campfires only in established fire rings and be sure they're completely
extinguished before you leave. It is a good idea to check with park services who can provide guidelines on safety and clue you in on the best
sight-seeing trails. When snorkeling, do not touch the coral or stir up sediment, as these actions can damage the reef's fragile ecosystem.
Look for a local guide: Sourcing a local guide is a great way to see things through native eyes, and discover the hidden treasures that
tourists aren’t privy too. If you choose to support local economy in this way be sure to ask for proof of license and residency, or check to see
if they are recommended by tour operators.
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