Sustainability must be the focus of the future of travel. As the world population grows and the map continues to get smaller, tourism will only increase, putting more and more pressure on the dwindling resources and historical sites of the world. I saw this first hand on my recent trip to Myanmar, where hotels were sold out months before travel dates and businessmen and women from around the globe {especially China} were boarding the same flights as I, eager to take advantage of every opportunity in this country so new to recent tourism.
According to the World Tourism Organization, ecotourism is the fastest growing market in the industry. Following some tips for sustainable travel doesn’t take a lot of effort for most of us. Travel is a time for us to do what we love, whether having a relaxing getaway or taking part in the global marketplace, but it is indeed important to travel responsibly. Here are 10 tips to try and put into regular practice.
1. Do your homework. Study some history before you hit the road.
I’m one that spends hours pouring over information before I go somewhere new. Travel books and magazines make up my night time reading. I find if I haven’t done any research beforehand, my eyes quickly start to glaze over when I’m getting bombarded with information. You’ll have a much richer experience and know what sites you really want to see if you have a context with which to filter information. Documentaries, You Tube and travel sites-I’m touting TRAVEL BLOGS here-are all great spots to get some first hand experiential information. Another great read is cookbooks of your intended destination. When I got ahold of Naomi Duguid’s Burma-Rivers of Flavor, it wasn’t long before I was inspired enough to book a ticket. Filled with mouthwatering recipes, fantastic photos and local history, it was definitely my kind of research!
2. Stay in hotels that work toward responsible, sustainable business practices.
In this category , it’s most important to be careful of green washing. Just because a hotel says it’s eco friendly, doesn’t mean its doing anything more than recycling kitchen scraps. Certification from one of the many organizations will get you started in the right direction. LEED, Green Key Global, Green Global Certification, Energy Star, Green Seal and Luxury Eco Certification Standard are all reliable sources. The Inle Princess Resort {shown at top} was socially responsible and sustainable from head to toe. World wide, eco-resorts, boutique hotels and luxury hotels are finding new and inventive ways to keep it local and give back to the community all the while capturing an authentic sense of place. At all price points there are accomodations doing positive sustainable work. We just need to look a little deeper when researching and making travel plans.
3. Research indigenous crafts and support keeping the tradition alive.
One of the things I hear again and again from elderly crafts people is that their children are not interested in learning the craft that has been handed down from generation to generation. Artisans are a link between the past and the future. If we value their talent and pay a fair trade price for their work, it becomes easier for the next generation to perhaps follow in their footsteps. Keep that in mind when you are trying to bargain away an extra dollar in the market. Learning about their indigenous craft helps to keep it alive. Above-traditional weavers outside Hyderabad, India making impossibly long cloth.
4. Visit markets where the locals go.
Markets geared for the tourists pop up in cities around the world. Try and find out where the residents shop. Frequent flea markets, where you can often find unknown artists and craftspeople. You’ll get an inside look at the locals and a peek into the culture. If you’re staying in an apartment, shopping at the market and cooking local ingredients can save you money and give you the opportunity to learn more about the culture. I found some real treasures searching through an artist’s stall in Yangon.
5. Try a staycation and enjoy your hometown.
Exploring close to home can greatly impact your carbon footprint. We’re often so worried about the exotic destination, that we can overlook the wonderful things our own locale has to offer. After all, we did choose to live here, right? I had just such an experience when I worked with AFAR Media to curate their Boston Destination Page as the local expert. Looking at my wanderlist for A Perfect Day in Boston might give you some new ideas for your own hometown.
6. Support Organic and Sustainable
Farm to Table is the new black. It’s possible to find restaurants that support this concept just about anywhere. Look for businesses that use organic and sustainable methods. Businesses that promote sustainable farming or fair trade products are the ones that should get your dollars. These are the leaders trying to support a sustainable economy. Try eating Meatless on Monday. Speak with your wallet, it has the power to make positive change. I’ve had more than a few pleasant surprises trying the local wine. The banana leaf salad below was made from just picked ingredients in the organic farm on the property of Inle Princess Resort.
7. Support Non Profits with a Travel Perspective.
There are many charities that can benefit from your travel. Pack for a Purpose is one of my favorites. The group is dedicated to helping travelers make an impact in the communities they visit. Finding out the specific needs of a community and encouraging visitors to pack these items is their goal. Make room by leaving an extra pair of shoes at home and tuck 4 deflated soccer balls or 400 pencils into you suitcase. Plus, you get the added benefit of additional space to put those local crafts you are now sure to buy!
8. Buy carbon offset
As a way of making up for the environmental impact of your travels, you can purchase carbon offset when you book your tickets. The money is put toward advancing environmental protection. Most airline sites will allow you to do it when you buy your ticket. You can look for the Green-e-Climate certified logo on offset programs in the voluntary market.
9. Learn a few key phrases before you go and smile.
You are an ambassador for your country. Learning a few key phrases and smiling thru as you butcher “Mi soon persa. Potresti aiutarmi? the first time you try to it in public will be greatly appreciated by the locals. Your behavior leaves a lasting impression. I was in a small village in Gujarat, India many years ago. Lingering to get the last picture and make sure I didn’t miss anything, the rest of my group got ahead of me. Suddenly I found myself being pulled by a male elder away from the group. He was adamant and I was terrified. It turns out he wanted to show me the shiny brand new tractor under a tarp the village had just purchased. He was proud and wanted his picture taken in front of it. I was seconds away from a scream. That encounter changed something in me when I travel, and opened my eyes to make a connection with people even when I’m out of my comfort zone.
10. Incorporate travel into your family life.
It doesn’t have to be exotic, but sharing travel with your children can open their eyes to the world. We see horrific examples everyday of the fear some people have of education. Why? Because it will change the world, and they don’t want to change. The next generation will have plenty to deal with, and learning the importance of sustainable travel early on will leave a lasting impression. It certainly did on me!
“Let every individual and institution now think and act as a responsible trustee of Earth, seeking choices in ecology, economics and ethics that will provide a sustainable future, eliminate pollution, poverty and violence, awaken the wonder of life and foster peaceful progress in the human adventure.”
— John McConnell, founder of International Earth Day
Do you have any tips for sustainable travel to add to the list?
If you’re a fan of the actor like I am, you’d have to investigate any eco-resort named after the iconic movie legend found on a tiny private island in the South Pacific. Reached by air, 20 minutes from Papeete, Tetiaroa is the location of a sustainable Tahitian hideaway on what was once Marlon Brando’s luxury escape.
The actor first discovered the island in 1960, after 5 Oscar nominations and the life changing movie, On The Waterfront. During filming of Mutiny on the Bounty, Tahiti captured Brando’s heart, and coincided with the long, downward spiral of his falling out with Hollywood. The 1200 acres of flora and fauna with endless coconut trees became the actors mission and escape. The lagoon, protected by outer coral reefs, looks to have some of the bluest water I have ever seen in these photographs by Tim McKenna.
Fast forward to the 90’s and extensive research to build a self-sufficient resort relying only on renewable energy that included air conditioning fueled by seawater. Richard Bailey, a long established resident of Tahiti and fellow environmentalist agreed to help the actor achieve his dream. The Brando , which will officially open July 1st, is a reflection of that initial legacy both men hoped to create.
The resort is designed to reflect the Polynesian lifestyle and culture. Management is committed to preserving and protecting the natural environment and biodiversity, while maintaining a negligible carbon footprint. 35 villas circle the white sand beaches which are often visited by sea turtles, manta rays and exotic birds.
Structures blend into the surroundings and invite the outdoors in. Care has been taken during construction to treat the area with the highest level of respect. All building materials used are of local or certified origin, renewable, or incorporated recycled components. Large windows provide views of the lagoon, miki miki and coconut trees. The private deck leads to a plunge pool.
- Remember the 3 P’s-Pizza, Pasta and Polenta are everywhere.
- Soups are on just about every menu and with the Italian dinner time being quite a bit later than ours, make a welcome light meal, especially after a lot of plane travel.
- The ‘Primi’ section of the menu is filled with delicious side dishes meant to ‘flatter’ the main course. Pomodori col Riso {rice cooked in roasted tomatoes}, Cicio e Pepe {the most delicious pecorino and black pepper combo}, and zuppa di farro {faro soup} are all great choices.
- If you feel like a little break-don’t hesitate to visit the local market and pick up supplies for a wonderful lunch/picnic. You will be dizzy from all of the offerings. Just remember to pack your Swiss Army Knife in your luggage. {complete with corkscrew!} Sometimes a meal in the room can be a refreshing, relaxing change when you’ve set a hectic travel pace. An added bonus will be the Euros you save.
Finally, Happy Cow offers a great list of vegetarian restaurants across Italy {and elsewhere}. Just be sure to check ahead and make sure the listing is open and accurate.
Buon Appetito!
Trendsetting design house, Good Earth, embodies an eco chic aesthetic based on the values of sustainability, quality workmanship, and the revival of traditional crafts in India. Founded in 1996, it has a well established reputation for style and comfort, and at the same time keeps its focus on pure and natural materials.
Many thanks to Good Earth’s Director, Beenu Bawa for her generosity.
All photos used with permission from Good Earth.
It seems like Brooklyn is bursting at the seams with talent these days. Every turn I take brings new information about a designer, artist, blogger or restaurant from the Borough being featured on the information highway. It only made sense for someone on the cutting edge of all things cool {said very tongue and cheek in case you didn’t get it} to plan a getaway with my best gal pal and go check it out with a little eco-friendly excursion. You’ll see we were quickly becharmed by Brooklyn. Starting with a quick trip to Coney Island we found it hadn’t changed much since our previous grammar school visits. The boardwalk was just starting to wake up on this gorgeous morning, and it was a visual treat for the senses.
The graphics on these walls in particular caught our eyes. It was a perfect start to the day, walking the boardwalk and taking in the ocean breeze.
Next up, we checked into the Nu Hotel, an eco-conscious, stylish and affordable spot in a great Boerum Hill location.
The loft inspired rooms feature recycled materials, organic bedding, cork floors and some pretty mean original artwork.
The central Smith and Atlantic Avenue location allowed for an afternoon of walking, window shopping and exploring; the street was literally lined with upscale boutiques that would give Madison Ave. windows a run for their money. Sharp, well edited vintage collections rubbed elbows with taxidermy and African imports selling fragrance oils for every mood imaginable. It was such an interesting mix of clothing, antiques, second hand furniture, green hardware stores, cafes and gift shops. Most were serving up an olde world neighborhood vibe in a fresh new eco-savy way.
