CONTINUED JUST THE FACTS: ECOTOURISM

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Many countries are seeing that they can make a better profit and attract more visitors by supporting ecotourism, but can supporters of sustainable travel positively impact the Earth?

Peter Krahenbuhl, vice president and co-founder of Sustainable Travel International, claims that international tourism “accounts for 1/3 of the worldwide greenhouse gas emissions” and is a contributing factor to global climate change. One flight is equal to one ton of emissions, which equals an entire year of auto emissions. The Earth can only sustain an estimated one flight per human per year.

Travel Tips

You can help reverse the negative impact your travel has on our planet by purchasing “climate friendly” products that equal your emissions.

At www.my-climate.com, ecologically savvy travelers can balance 500 miles of travel by purchasing carbon offsets for only $7.50. The climate effect of a round-trip, international flight from San Francisco to Marrakech, Morocco, a distance of 12,104 miles, could be compensated for by the purchase of $67 myclimate ticket. You also have the opportunity to purchase carbon offsets for half of your intended travel if you choose.

The money used to purchase carbon offsets is currently being invested in local communities in five countries, including the United States.

Research the airlines and tour leaders with whom you choose to do business. Some airlines, notably British Airways, are leaders in claiming environmental responsibilities. British Airways understands its accountability for carbon dioxide emissions and global warming. The company has pledged to improve its aircraft fuel efficiency 30% by 2010 and is looking into emissions trading as a way to balance larger companies who produce greater amounts of emissions than smaller companies.

Delta Air Lines is also beginning to enter the market of sustainable travel. This American-based company formed an agreement with Nike to offset its emissions by donating to environmental causes in accordance with the number of flights that Nike employees booked with the airline. Hopefully, this progress will not stay limited to just businesses but, in the future, be offered to individual travelers as well. If offered to the public, frequent fliers could benefit from a program such as this.

Be especially wary of companies that “greenwash” themselves. In an effort to appeal to ethically minded travelers, some tourism companies may try to appear environmentally friendly when they are really trying to swindle travelers into paying inflated prices. The GreenLife.org produces a “Don’t Be Fooled” report of the worst greenwashers in the United States, including the National Ski Areas Association.

Eco-laundering for Money

One way to avoid greenwashing is to shop at local businesses. You can be sure that your money is going to benefit the community you are visiting if you eat at restaurants or shop at stores that are owned by locals.

Ethical Traveler’s website, at www.ethicaltraveler.com, details the importance of supporting local businesses as well as providing ideas for many other important ways that a tourist can travel responsibly. The website also outlines a list of the world’s most ethical travel destinations—most of which are attractive spots for travelers with little depth to their pockets.

As Costas Christ said, tourism is like fire—depending on the level of responsibility that travelers assume for their actions, tourism can be very damaging to different areas of the world. But, even as unknowing tourists may be harmful to the environment, informed travelers have the ability to bring opportunity and economic growth to local communities.

Kerri Gilbert is a contributing editor at InsideOut Travel Magazine.

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