While there are many benefits to traveling the world, packing up your suitcase and striking out on an adventure isn’t always the most environmentally friendly endeavor.
One way to minimize your impact? Heading to an eco-friendly destination.
As more and more people become concerned about climate change and environmental sustainability, global interest in responsible travel has skyrocketed. A Travel Foundation report found 84 percent of survey respondents working in travel PR and marketing said it’s increasingly important for destinations to boast “green” credentials. Meanwhile, a Center for Responsible Travel report found 33 percent of travelers would be willing to pay more for service providers who demonstrate environmental responsibility.
These days, it’s possible to make smart, sustainable vacation choices that allow you to get some rest and relaxation while minding our planet’s resources. Below, we take a closer look at what eco-resorts are, then link to a piece highlighting some of the most exciting options to book in the U.S.
What Is an Eco-Resort?
First things first: What are we talking about when we talk about eco-resorts? The Travel Channel sums it up nicely:
Simply put, an eco-resort is a lodging facility that takes active steps toward environmental sustainability and social responsibility by helping its natural surroundings and the local community.
The term “eco-resort” is often used interchangeably with “eco-lodge” or “eco-hotel.” (We’ll be doing that in this article.) However, some sources distinguish between each of these lodgings. For instance, Green Global Travel states that eco-resorts tend to reside on larger properties than eco-lodges and eco-hotels and are therefore equipped to provide more amenities. Additionally, eco-resorts and eco-lodges may be located in more remote natural environments than eco-hotels, which can often be found in towns and cities.
No matter what you call an eco-friendly lodging, the general principle remains the same: It’s a destination that strives to implement sustainable practices and minimize the eco-footprint of both guests and the business itself.
Curious about staying at an eco-resort? Several certification programs exist to help you identify green destinations that actually walk the walk. Look for places that have met the Global Sustainable Tourism Council Criteria or have been certified by Green Seal, Green Key Global, and/or Green Globe.
To make it easier, just book a stay at any of the proven eco-lodges you’ll find here, with the original posting of this article! With 7 states covered, one of these 10 places is sure to tick your sustainability boxes.
If you’re looking to travel but are concerned about environmental impact, booking a stay at an eco-resort is a great way to serve your travel bug and your conscience.
Make sure to do some research ahead of time. As eco-friendly destinations become more popular, some lodgings are “greenwashing” themselves to be more sustainably-minded than they actually are. Greenwashing is a practice which has been explored here, and Investopedia describe it as conveying a false impression or providing misleading information about how a company’s products are more environmentally sound. It’s considered to include unsubstantiated claims to deceive customers into believing that a company’s products are environmentally friendly. Familiarize yourself with legitimate credentialing bodies, and don’t be afraid to call the company in question and ask about their environmental track record. A great eco-resort will be happy to educate its guests while providing a relaxing and sustainable stay.
We absolutely acknowledge how difficult these past few years have been, with families, by blood or by choosing, not seeing each other for impossibly long stretches. And we know that the call for adventure and cultural exploration is incredibly strong in some of us. So all we ask is that you plan your travels mindfully, perhaps stay longer in more expensive places (we saw above that those extra dollars are worth it for our Earth!), select your transportation modes wisely, and wherever you go, tread on this beautiful planet lightly.
