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Sun, Sand and Sustainability
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Summer is here. The sun is shining, bikinis are being bought, sunscreen is being applied and bags are being packed. It’s the season of vacations. Instead of opting for the usual Atlantic City or Cancun, however, many people are seeking out green vacations as an environmentally friendly alternative to travel.
According to WTEN, Travel Weekly estimated that ecotourism could become a $473.6 billion industry in the next few years. In addition, MSNBC reports that green vacations could become a quarter of the percentage of the global tourism industry in only six years. Earth Day isn’t the only green holiday anymore.
Many ecotourism companies have popped up in response to this new demand and dozens of companies such as Intrepid Travel and Peregrine offer trips specifically catered to environmentally minded travelers. The main difference between regular vacation companies and those focusing on ecotourism is that ecotourism companies make an effort to work with local people in vacation host countries, keep the natural environment in mind and make sure their packages aren’t harmful to any local animal species.
The International Ecotourism Society considers ecotourism agencies to be those that have a dedication to "uniting conservation, communities and sustainable travel."
Choosing an ecotourism company or destination isn’t the only way to green your vacation, however. TIES suggests minimizing air travel, packing minimally, eating local foods during your stay and being conscious about your water usage as great ways to reduce the carbon footprint of your travel. You can also make sure all your plugs are pulled out of the outlets before you leave and check out the possibility of renting a bike or walking to get around your destination instead of taxis.
The number of people taking vacations this summer is up from last year; according to the San Diego Union-Tribune, nearly one-third of Southern California travelers are planning vacations for this summer. Many of them are sure to be green.
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