What is Green Travel?
Green, organic, eco-conscious, eco-friendly, responsible, sustainable, eco-tourism
In the past year, these environmental catchphrases have cropped up everywhere — in newspaper articles, online, in stores. But what do they all mean in the context of travel? Since these concepts are still in their formative stages, defining them is tricky. But we’ve compiled definitions from reputable sources and added our own two cents:
- Eco-conscious travel Conscious means being aware of something. Eco means concerning the environment, so “eco-conscious travel” essentially means being aware of the environment, and your impact on the environment, when you travel.
- Eco-friendly travel Again, eco relates to the environment and we all know what friendly means, so “eco-friendly travel” means being nice to and having little impact on the environment when you travel.
- Eco-Tourism From our good friends at Ecotourism Australia, “Ecotourism is ecologically sustainable tourism with a primary focus on experiencing natural areas that fosters environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation.”
- Responsible Travel expands beyond the traditional notions of environmentalism and encompasses socially-conscious travel. It means understanding, respecting, and supporting the cultures and people in the area you are visiting. We like this definition from Lonely Planet:
Responsible tourism can be more-or-less defined as travel that takes into consideration the ‘triple bottom line’ issues of:
Environment: travel that minimises negative environmental impacts and, where possible, makes positive contributions to the conservation of biodiversity, wilderness, natural and human heritage.
Social/Cultural: travel that respects culture and traditions and fosters authentic interaction and greater understanding between travellers and hosts.
Economic: travel that has financial benefits for the host community and operates on the principles of fair trade.
- Sustainable Travel is defined as “a level of tourism activity that can be maintained over the long term because it results in a net benefit for the social, economic, natural and cultural environments of the area in which it takes place” (from Detour Destinations).
- Organic Travel Honestly, “organic travel” doesn’t make sense. Organic, in the context of being green, generally means produce or dairy grown or raised without the use of pesticides or hormones. So strawberries can be organic, shirts can be organic, even sheets can be organic. But travel can’t be “organic.”
- Green Travel: (defined by us)
- Thinking about your impact on the environment (both the physical and social environment) when you travel
- Doing your part to minimize your impact on the environment – so that tourism in your destination can be maintained in the long run
- Understanding eco-friendly choices you can make
- Making eco-friendly choices when they are options
- Doing your research to be a responsible traveler
- Saving money by making low-impact choices
[...] you need understand exactly what you’re aiming to do and what green travel is. There are many definitions of green travel, but here’s what we believe green travel is really [...]
There is a brand new travel website that I have been using for over a year now called http://www.RezHub.com. I have booked several flights, car rentals and hotels using RezHub.com
What I like about RezHub.com is when you book through them you are helping to make a difference in the world and you may not even know it.
With the launch of their Green Travel website, travelers can book with green hotels, hybrid rental cars, and participate in carbon offsetting programs…OR book the vacation of their dreams and still feel good (and green) about it.
Even though you might be flying the friendly skies just think how good you will feel about traveling when you use RezHub.com. This company is donating 20% of their revenue from all travel booked at the Green Travel Hub to a green organization.
Not only can you have fun on your vacation, but you feel good about making a difference knowing 20% went to help out a green organization.
Another cool feature that RezHub.com offers is their Volunteer Travel section. Your trip can still make a difference. When you book your vacation at the Volunteer Travel Hub, 20% of their profits are donated back to VolunteerMatch.org this way you can help spread the spirit of volunteering whether you have time to give or not.
Yes, I know there are MANY different travel sites out there, but I have to say this is by far the best one I have yet to come across.
I know times are tough right now. But at least when I have to travel I know I feel good about traveling!!!
@Kimbereley- Thank you for your comment. Since it seemed a little spammy I took the liberty of googling your name and along with rezhub. It seems that your significant other is a Director at Rezhub.
We always appreciate comments at GGTG, but if you are aligned with an organization in any way, full disclosure is appreciated.
Also, everyone should know about http://searchgreentravel.com The only site that allows you to search for travel and give back at the same time.
Since I first used RezHub.com to book my trip to Texas last summer. This is the only place I go to for all my travel needs. Regardless, that my significant other works there. I think RezHub´s concept in what they do is wonderful. With everyone trying to go green and do more to save our planet. I have changed as much as I can to become greener. I am sorry if I came across as a little spammy. I was only only trying to share my experience on feeling good about traveling again.
[...] But the more I read about it, the more I realized how broad the topic of green travel is. As far as definitions of green travel, I had no idea there was a distinction between eco-conscious travel, eco-friendly travel, [...]
This is great advice and I also agree that the term can be subjective. Eco-this and green-that is everywhere but not necessarily something people associate with traveling. Congrats for raising awareness and that it is possible to travel and be environmentally conscious at the same time.
Ps. I think the only “organic” way to travel is to walk.