Verifying Your Eco-Conscious Travel

Green travelers may want their trips to be eco-friendly at the same time they may also be looking to immerse themselves in a special natural or cultural situation in a way that both preserve the environment and supports the local communities.

But finding the best vacation places can be confusing. Too often, labels such as "eco" and "green" are used as promotional devices for properties that only want to cash-in on the traveling public's desire for ecological awareness. In addition, regular resorts and hotels may implement different green practices that assist them save cash by saving the environment. Though admirable, these efforts are not adequate to meet the criteria of a place as an eco-resort. Thus, it is important to always get into an eco-conscious travel.

Below are the things to take into account to verify the eco-consciousness of a green resort, hotel or tour operator:

• It must have a written policy concerning the local people and the environment. If in case they don’t have this written policy, they possibly aren't taking ecology seriously.
   
• They should detail any kind of contribution they have made to conservation or the local people of which they are most proud of.
   
• They must know how to measure their contribution to conservation.
   
• Consider the number of employees and staff as well as the professionals who hold the management positions.
   
• It must have lists of the things they do to help preserve and protect the environment and support conservation.
   
• To verify the eco-consciousness of a certain place, find out if the entire resort is eco-conscious or green every aspect. Also, a percentage of their produce and services that come from local sources should have records for proof.
   
• The means of treating waste water is important to protect the environment. They must also provide sustainable energy for their buildings.
   
• The kind of information and advice they offer to guests on local cultures and customs is one of the most important parts to be classified as eco-conscious travel.
   
• Tour guides from the community serve a vital role in eco-conscious travel.
   
• Eco-conscious travel must allow you to get involved during your stay with local people and conservation efforts in a way that is worthwhile and rewarding for both you and the destination.
  
  At the end of the day, it is up to green travelers to look for and assess eco-resorts and green hotels for themselves. EnviroCitizen.org suggests you begin by searching your areas of interest. You’ll be surprised to see how many countries at the present offer ecotourism through a broad array of options.