How to travel responsibly

Beware of 'greenwashing'
Although the way we travel can make a huge difference to the places we visit, the term 'ecotourism' has also been abused by some unscrupulous travel companies looking to make a fast buck out of the eco label. It can sometimes be hard to tell which hotel or travel company is telling the truth about its eco credentials and which are merely using the term as 'greenwashing'.

If you're unsure whether your hotel or travel company is eco-friendly, there are a few organisations that can point you in the right direction. Green Globe is a worldwide label that recognises hotels and travel companies that have been certified for their environmental achievement.

In the UK, The Association of Independent Operators lists travel companies that have achieved its three star status for responsible tourism, including undertaking a specific project which contributes to the economy, culture or environment of a destination.

You can also ask if your holiday company has a responsible travel policy: they should be able to demonstrate how the trip helps benefit local people, such as staying in locally run hotels, hiring local guides and visiting local markets. For holidays in the UK, The Green Tourism Business Scheme recognises certified hotels and other green places to stay. These are likely to provide sheets made of cotton, use biodegradable detergents, provide recycling bins and have an environmental leaflet in each room that gives tips on how to be more environmentally friendly.

Making just a few small changes to the way you travel can make a huge difference, not just to the local environment but also to the people who live in the places we so love to visit.

More information:

• Climate Care www.climatecare.com
• The CarbonNeutral Company www.carbonneutral.com
• Traidcraft mail order catalogue www.traidcraft.co.uk
• Green Globe www.greenglobe21.com
• The Association of Independent Operators www.aito.co.uk
• The Green Tourism Business Scheme www.green-business.co.uk