GREEN TRAVEL

Many faculty and staff are increasingly interested in ways to travel “green,” although what this means and how it can be applied to study abroad varies widely. “Green travel” is an overarching term used to describe responsible travel practices that focus on economic, socio-cultural and environmental sustainability. Green travel is about making sure that travelers choose businesses, tour operators and transportation methods that maintain and preserve the ecological integrity of the environment and contribute to local community development, meeting the needs of the present without compromising the needs of current or future generations.

M - Modes of transportation Consider walking or cycling during your trip.

O - Offsets and environmental policy Calculate and offset the carbon dioxide emitted by your travel and buy your trip from companies with policies that consider environmental, economic and socio-cultural norms.

D - Dollars spent locally Ensure that local people benefit from your trip by spending money in community or locally-owned business and working with tour operators and lodges that employ local people.

E - Environmental conservation Choose a trip that strengthens conservation efforts and enhances the natural integrity of the places you visit, including protected areas and wildlife habitats.

R - Respect for local culture Immerse yourself in and accept the differences of other cultures — learn about their customs and social norms before you visit, and speak their language when possible.

N - Natural resource use Reduce, reuse and recycle — consider the efficient use of water, energy and building materials, as well as the method of waste disposal used by your tour operator or lodging establishment.