Earth Day
Today is Earth Day, a day where we honor the achievements that have been made to raise the awareness of protecting our planet through restoring ecosystems; as well as the importance of creating a more sustainable environment.
It is also fitting that as we see travel opening up more and more, that we think more carefully about the choices we make, and look toward companies and brands that offer a more sustainable choice. Earth day gives us all a chance to reconsider our values, and the actions we take so that we can all help protect our planet.
When looking to book travel, there are a few companies that take their corporate social responsibility seriously, as well as offering up exceptional sustainable travel experiences. These companies integrate thoughtful, eco conscious practices into aspects of the business showing us that we can all play a central role in taking care of our planet.
Tale a look below at some of the information on sustainable pioneers I received via a recent press release.
Wilderness Scotland
Wilderness Scotland has introduced carbon labeling to achieve true netzero status. They take their commitment to sustainability seriously, they understand that there is a profound paradox that exists in travel and tourism; we want people to travel and experience destinations, but that also contributes to the global effect and the crisis that’s destroying it.
They signed the Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency and Glasgow Declaration in 2020, and have strengthened their commitment to reduce carbon emissions across the entire operating system, while also continuing an investment in environmental conservation. They are making solid progress to reduce emissions by 90% over the 2020-2030 period, this has been helped by their new net-zero HQ, powered by renewable energy, as well as the introduction of Tesla vehicles to their transport fleet.
It is their groundbreaking new Carbon Labeling project launched in 2021, that is important in the climate change conversation fight. Not only is Wilderness Scotland set up to track and measure the carbon impact of its day-to-day business operations, they can also track the output of every single trip in its portfolio.
To this end… every traveler knows exactly what the carbon footprint is of their holiday with them ends up being.
Wilderness Scotland will also be investing in carbon removal via local reforestation and afforestation projects for any emissions that can’t be eliminated directly from their services by 2030.
Wilderness Scotland hopes that providing these insights will empower everyone to make more meaningful and responsible holiday choices. More information can be seen here https://vimeo.com/515708921
Natural Habitat Adventures
In business for 37 years, Natural Habitat Adventures has built its business on a core commitment to lead globally in terms of conservation. They have heightened awareness and demand for sustainable practices across the entire industry, raising the bar for ethical travel.
The company recognizes that any travel company today ( including Natural Habitat), contributes to climate change. They believe that by directly supporting and preserving natural habitats, infusing economic resources into local communities, and transforming individual travelers into enthusiastic ambassadors for enhanced global conservation, they can help mitigate the negative impact of its operation.
Natural Habitat is the world’s first 100% carbon-neutral travel company… they do this by calculating the carbon emitted from activities on specific adventures (the majority of these emissions result from burning fossil fuels for transportation including traveler flights), then, they fund carbon reduction projects to balance emissions in an amount equal to what is released on their trips, and via their guests’ transportation to and from their adventures. They also double down on these efforts, and ameliorate any destructive consequences tied to the company’s operation; reducing waste, and greening trip, office, and transportation operations; or deepening partnerships with leading conservation organizations like World Wildlife Fund.
This summer they are debuting their new Alaska Bear Camp. Tucked away within the remote wilderness of Alaska’s Lake Clark National Park on 15 acres, the company’s commitment to Alaska Bear conservation is furthered by offering intimate encounters with Alaskan brown bears, and is a new model for sustainable tourism.
Mining, gas, and oil interests impact and continue to threaten bear numbers across the North, Natural Habitat aims to showcase the camp as an economic alternative.
To learn more, watch the video:
Exodus Travels
For almost 50 years, conservation and localized community development efforts have been the solid foundation upon which the small group tour company’s ethos is built. Exodus Travels’ goal is simple … do more good than harm.
As our planet continues to warm, and communities everywhere face escalating challenges as a result, Exodus Travels has risen to the o the challenge and adds their own innovative flair for creative capital of color, collaboration to the problem solving equation
They were among the first signatories of the Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency in 2020 and they have ramped up efforts for conservation with the launch of three major conservation initiatives last year. These include halving their carbon footprint by 2030, rewilding 100+ square meters on behalf of every passenger, and offsetting carbon emissions from all flights and trips), as well as a recent promise to become Nature Net Positive by 2024.
In partnership with Rewilding Europe, their exclusive Restoring Italy’s Wild Heart trip for 2022, offers a unique opportunity for travelers and staff to contribute directly to the restoration of the local ecosystem and biodiversity. This way it supports the long-term goals of the local community, while driving the creation of a revolutionary Nature, and Carbon Corridor.
The tour company firmly believes sustainable travel can be net positive in every destination they visit.
Learn more here:
Happy Earth Day, next time you are planning that trip… see if there are changes you can make to lessen the impact, and choose more sustainable travel options.
All images and video courtesy of Bannikin Travel & Tourism.
