Eco-Tourism: Saving the Earth Without Sacrificing Comfort

Photo credit goes to M. Sajid

We are all made conscious of the fact that the environment is in bad shape, and that we should all do what we can to improve it. However, when it comes to traveling, whether for business or pleasure, some of us are inclined to be a little reluctant to go for green lodging, thinking that we will have to spend our holiday doing without the luxuries we have all become so accustomed to.

Now, if we want our children and grandchildren to have the pleasure of enjoying this world as we have, we should all do something to preserve the earth. Going on a holiday is a great way to relax and unwind from the stress of everyday life – wouldn’t it be even more wonderful knowing that the accommodation you are staying in is also doing its bit?

Opting to stay in places offering ‘green’ lodging definitely doesn’t mean that your choices of holiday destinations are limited either. Go to that hotspot you have been dreaming about by all means – pack your briefcases and enjoy the type of holiday you want – just make sure to book your accommodation at a place that offers ‘green’ lodging.

Sustainable and Geo-tourism, according to National Geographic’s website, means simply to leave your holiday destination as you found it, so that other can also benefit from its beauty and culture. Now this doesn’t mean taking care to not litter, or leaving graffiti on mountains, but it also means supporting the local area by shopping at the local stores and markets, eating at the local restaurants, rather than supporting outside commerce.

Taking an environment-friendly holiday is definitely not limiting – whether taking a holiday in your own area or to some exotic location abroad, you will find places of accommodation to suit your pocket as well as your lifestyle. Whether you are taking a camping holiday, a business trip, or want to live in the lap of luxury at a five-star hotel, the whole point is that, even though you are on vacation, to do something to help improve the environment.

A voluntary initiative called the ‘Green Lodging’ program, has been created by the State of Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection, that recognizes all places of accommodation that are committed to conservation as well as the prevention of waste of resources and energy. A list of these places can be found at www.MyFlorida.com.

When browsing through this list, you will be really surprised to find that it includes not only cozy bed and breakfasts, or small hotels tucked away somewhere remote, but also some of the many high-end hotels available as well – luxury hotels such as Best Western, Marriott, The Diplomat (one of Donald Trump’s hotels), as well as the magnificent Ritz can be found on the list. So book that family holiday you have been dreaming about for so long, or plan that all-important business trip, but while doing so, please do your part to improve this wonderful earth of ours, and make a little effort to look for, and stay at, places offering ‘green’ lodging.

Lynette writes for briefcases and lives in a beautiful little village called Korinberg in the Western Cape, South Africa with her two dogs and two cats.