With all the news around global warming it’s a wonder people travel at all. It’s no secret that air travel contributes a part to pollution, but that shouldn’t stop you from flying. Instead of banning the airplanes, why not travel green and explore the world without damaging the earth’s atmosphere.
Offsetting Carbon Emissions
It was only a matter of time until the travel industry adapted to new technology. New on deck is the carbon offset calculator, a software program that calculates the amount of carbon emissions your trip will generate. Typically used today by travel companies, hotel chains and non-profit eco-travel organizations, the calculator can help environmentally-friendly travelers give back to the green. After calculating the amount of carbon emissions one has their trip, the travel agency will offer optional purchases in the form of contributions (using the monetary amount recommended by the calculator) to conservation and renewable energy projects.
Stay "Local" at Your Destination
Eco-travel companies are focused on both social and natural environment trips. They hire local workers, buy groceries from local farmers and markets, and collect art from their native neighbors. What’s more, eco-travel companies will usually put a percentage of their profits back into the community. This technique has been used in several new eco-travel resorts throughout Africa, from Morocco to a coral island in Zanzibar to a beach resort in Mozambique.
Green Travel at Traditional Destinations
You don’t have to fly to Africa to help save the planet. U.S. green travel is an option for travelers who care about the environment, but don’t want to travel too far from their home state. Whether you’re heading to a neighboring state or across the pond to the UK, here are some green travel tips to help you stay environmentally focused:
- From the airport, take a shuttle bus or public transportation to your location. If you’re traveling to a major city, take a walk or bike to your tourist attractions. In most European countries, you can rent bicycles to get around. In Copenhagen, bicycles are loaned out for free.
- Don’t rent a car when you can take the train. The train is a great way to see the countryside and meet local people, as well as doing your part to travel green. Some train trips, like the route through the Canadian Rockies between Vancouver and Banff, are wonderful adventures in themselves.
- Look for environmentally friendly hotels and resorts, such as ones that use renewable energy. There are an increasing number of them throughout Europe including the mountain eco-lodge in Norway that has its own micro-hydro plant to power the heated pool and ski lift.
- Reuse disposable items such as water bottles and plastic bags. Request that the hotel not change your sheets and towels everyday (this cuts down in water usage) and when you leave your hotel room make sure to turn off the heat or AC.
Travel That Contributes
Do you want to do something more active to help the environment? There are many organizations that can use your help. Because of the rise in popularity of eco-tourism, travel companies are now offering service travel packages in a wide variety of places. Check with your local travel agency to find out what eco-travel trips they have planned. Or, visit Earthwatch, a nonprofit organization that matches volunteers with scientific field research around the globe, from archeology to zoology. You can help researchers track Greek bottlenose dolphins in the Mediterranean, find ways of growing sustainable coffee in Costa Rica or trace the life cycle of an endangered butterfly at the foot of Japan's magnificent Mount Fuji.
Expanding Your Horizons
How would you like to swim with dolphins in Florida? Or get up close and personal with penguins in Antarctica? Some tours give two meanings to the "friendly" in environmentally-friendly travel. Learn more about our earth while supporting organizations that work to protect our environment. Visit one of our spectacular national parks. Go on a rafting, sailing or biking outing with the Sierra Club. Or indulge in a National Geographic expedition to Belize's rain forest and Mayan ruins or the awesome splendor of the high Himalaya-the sky's the limit!
