Ecotourism: Support the Environment as you Explore the World!

While traveling, you may notice the not so environmentally-friendly habits of hotels and other travel destinations. For example, hotel staff may wash all bedsheets and towels every day, or use incandescent bulbs instead of LED bulbs. These wasteful hospitality industry standards create a negative impact on the environment.

But fear not! With hotels that partake in “ecotourism”, or, “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education” (ecotourism.org), you can feel good about your environmental impact.

The second part of ecotourism’s definition mentions supporting the locals. Ecotourism is not only environmentally based, but community based as well. By interacting heavily with the local community, you, as an ecotourist, can have an authentic experience while at the same time giving back.

Hotels that support ecotourism are more common than you may think.

Sustainability has become more mainstream, and the tourism industry is adopting more environmental practices for their hotels. In 2015, Virginia Green hosted their Travel Star Awards ceremony in Arlington, Virginia. Twenty-one tourism businesses were recognized. Check out the full list of recipients at http://www.deq.virginia.gov/Programs/PollutionPrevention/VirginiaGreen/VirginiaGreenAwardWinners.aspx.

Before you book your next vacation, here are a few questions to ask your potential hotel:

•         Do you have a recycling or compost program?

•         Do you hire locally?

•         Do you have a linen/towel reuse option?

•         Is your hotel a member of Green Hotels Association?

•         If the hotel is in Virginia, is your hotel Virginia Green certified?

•         What kind of water-saving strategies does your hotel practice?

•         Does your hotel buy food locally?

•         What kind of energy-conservation programs are in place at this hotel?