Greenheart's Ethical Travel Tips

It’s well known that carbon dioxide from air travel pollutes the atmosphere, and other effects of travel are detrimental to the environment as well: large hotels guzzle resources and destroy the beauty of natural landscapes, tour buses chug exhaust into the air, and constant streams of tourists into rural areas can begin to erode the fascinating traditional cultures that drew travelers in the first place. Some of the effects of travel on the environment are unavoidable; for example, unless you have lots of time to kill, chances are you’ll have to take a plane at some point if you want to explore far-off lands.

CCI believes in building a sustainable planet and is committed to helping its travelers do so too. The good news is there are a few things you can do before, during and after your trip to help make sure you’re minimizing the impact of your trip as much as possible. Here’s our guide to treading lightly:

Before You Go

While You're Away

When You're There

Before You Leave

After Your Trip

Before you go:

• Choose destinations that aren’t tourist hotspots. Don’t support over developing practices, such as sprawling, resource-hogging resorts and hotels.
• Try to book stays in lodging that follows local cultural practices and heritage. Not only does it support cultural sustainability and helps local producers, it’ll immerse you in the heart of your destination
• Read up on your destination’s cultures and customs. The more you can learn about a country and its citizens before you arrive, the more prepared you’ll be to act respectfully.
• Research the appropriate style of dress for your destination. Some cultures are offended by revealing clothing or flashy colors. Something that feels normal to you may offend others.
• Try to avoid bringing excess packaging on your trip, like film boxes and plastic casing. Not only will this prevent the burden of outside garbage on the places you visit, but it will free up room in your suitcase.
• Bring a water purifier for drinking water. Invest in a strong water bottle to avoid buying bottled water.
• When planning and researching, look for lodging that uses environmentally conscious renewable energy and water/waste systems.
• Look for a green guide for the specific location you’re traveling to. Traveler’s Notebook (http://thetravelersnotebook.com/category/destination-guides/) houses Green Guides from Las Vegas to Bavaria.

While you’re away:

• Set a timer that turns lights on and off automatically instead of leaving some on constantly. Set your thermostat so that the heat or air conditioning remains off.
• Put a hold on your newspaper delivery.

When you’re there:

• Remember that you’re not at home. Be respectful of other people’s cultures by adapting your behavior to local customs. Use common sense—don’t yell in quiet spaces, don’t run through peaceful sanctuaries, etc.)
• When shopping, try to bring your own bag and avoid plastic. Politely say “no” if a clerk offers to package your items in plastic

• In shopping locations where bargaining is acceptable, always keep in mind that a small amount to you could be a lot to the vendor—ask for a fair price, but don’t get carried away.
• Avoid restaurants, stores, shows and zoos that promote animal cruelty and mistreatment of endangered species.
• Support locally owned businesses, restaurants, hotels and products.
• Use public transpiration, bike or walk whenever possible. It’s easier on the environment and offers a means to meet local people and get to know the place even better.
• Leave room in your pack for garbage you may generate in case it can’t be properly disposed of right away.
• Never buy souvenirs made from wild animal products (such as skins, ivory or bone). It’s illegal, and in most cases, supports poaching practices.
• Don’t buy products made from old-growth trees or taken from endangered forests. Ask if they were taken from renewable sources.
• Don’t have your linens and towels washed every day; it’ll save water. Turn off lights, the television and air conditioning when they’re not being used.
• Be conscious of where you spend money. Buying local art or products helps preserve cultural heritage, and it also leaves you with some authentic souvenirs.
• Remember that some cultures have different standards of time than you may be used to. Don’t become frustrated or angry when something takes longer than you’d like it to—it’s all part of experiencing a place in its entirety.
• When hiking, stay on established trails. Don’t cut new tracks or take shortcuts; it promotes erosion and disturbs wildlife.
• Keep an eye out for native flora, especially at high altitudes and latitudes. It can be slow growing and take years to grow back after being crushed by boots.
• Keep adequate space between yourself and wildlife. Learn and honor suggested or legal approach distances. If an animal is behaving differently because of your presence, you are probably too close.
• Do your best to pay suggested donations when entering protected wildlife habitats. They help support local conservation efforts.

Before you leave:

• Fill out comment cards at places you stay to praise them for their environmental consciousness or suggest that they employ more sustainable practices.
• Don’t leave non-biodegradable trash in your hotel room; it may not be properly disposed of.

After your trip:

• Carbon dioxide from air travel is the single greatest polluter of the atmosphere. Try offsetting the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by your air travel by contributing to an organization that works to counteract the effects of carbon dioxide on the earth.
• Encourage other trip planners to follow some basic sustainable travel guidelines.

Sources:

Sustainable Travel International: http://www.sustainabletravelinternational.org/documents/gi_travelpractices.html

Intrepid: www.intrepidtravel.com/about/allabout/rt/toptips.php

Lonely Planet: www.lonelyplanet.com/responsibletravel/travel_tips.cfm

Road and Travel Magazine: http://www.roadandtravel.com/earthtones/2008/eco-friendly-vacations.htm

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