June 2008

Holiday's that don't cost the earth

With an increase in environmental awareness, it is hardly surprising that tourism has been the latest industry to "go green". The environment has become an important priority for today's traveller and eco holidays are proving to anything but bland and boring.

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Several websites (listed below) cater especially for ecotourism, a phenomenon which is defined by Ecotourism Australia as "Ecologically sustainable tourism with a primary focus on experiencing natural areas that fosters environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation".

Ecotourism Australia is a non-profit organisation, formed in 1991 as an incorporated non-profit organisation and has a diverse membership which includes key industry sectors such as ecotourism accommodation, tour and attraction operators.

The organisation offers the world's first Eco Certification Program, which has been developed by industry for industry and identifies genuine ecotourism and nature tourism operators in Australia. The Program is now being exported worldwide as the International Ecotourism Standard.

However, the Eco Certification Program accredits products not companies. The types of nature tourism or ecotourism product that may be accredited include tours, attractions and accommodation.

Another handy ecotourism guide is the Green STAR Accreditation, which is applied to green-friendly properties. The Green STAR standards were developed by AAA Tourism in partnership with Green Globe under the guidance of the Australian Government-established Sustainable Tourism cooperative Research Centre.

Green Globe is an internationally recognised certification system that promotes responsible tourism and increases operational efficiencies.

Green STAR is a self assessment program followed by a desktop audit conducted by AAA Tourism. Properties that successfully complete this audit are awarded a Green STAR Accreditation and must achieve adequate points against a set of practical environmental criteria. These criteria include:

Energy Efficiency - examples include: energy efficient light bulbs and fixtures, zoned heating and cooling, signage reminding guests to turn off lights and air-conditioning, correct seals on doors and windows and natural ventilation available.

Waste Minimisation - examples include: recycling program, towel re-use option, optional newspapers, printer cartridge recycling, linen no change options.

Water Management - examples include: dual flush toilets, environmentally friendly cleaning products, unbleached paper products, no leaking taps, water efficient dishwasher, use of recycled water on gardens.

Responsible Eco Travel not only gives consideration to the environment but also to ethical issues, particularly the impact tourism has on local people. When planning your eco travel consider companies that provide a fair income from tourism, support local conservation and social projects and ensure that any negative environmental or cultural impacts are reduced. While this may not be problematic in Australia, it is often overlooked when travelling abroad.

Currently there is no global accreditation scheme for responsible travel, however, Virgin Travel has taken a positive step by founding the annual Responsible Tourism Awards in 2004. The Awards aim to inspire tourists and the tourism industry by awarding the best examples of responsible tourism around the world.

Of course, another major travel concern is the carbon emissions created by flying as well as driving. A majority of travel companies, ranging from travel agents and airlines to hotels and car hire companies, now offers travellers the opportunity to offset the carbon emissions emitted by their travel.

In Australia, The Carbon Institute has a user-friendly website that allows you to calculate you carbon emissions. You are then given the option to neutralise your emissions by paying for the carbon offsets. For example, an economy-class return flight from Brisbane to Broome for two people staying at a Four-Star hotel for five nights would emit 3.98 tonnes of CO2. For a modest fee of $65.73, one could fly almost guilt-free. Visitors to the site can also calculate the use of a rental car based on the size, type of fuel used and kilometers traveled.

The Carbon Reduction Institute donates 10 per cent of all money paid for carbon credits to Clean Up Australia to support their Clean Up Our Climate campaign.

Visit the following links for some interesting holiday options and more information:

• www.responsibletravel.com you could find yourself staying on an organic farm in Scotland or swimming with wild dolphins in Azores
  
  
• www.ecotourism.org.au search for accreditated accommodation and tours
  
  
• www.takeabreak.com.au great holiday destinations in Australia and most with GreenSTAR accreditation
  
  
• www.ecotourdirectory.com covers Australian and international destinations
  
  
• noco3-px.rtrk.com.au to calculate and offset your personal carbon emissions
  
  
• www.responsibletourismawards.com see website for current nominations.

Thea & Sami is a Design and Screen-Printing Studio based in Brisbane which specialises in hand-printing Eco-Fashion and Homewares.

Thea Samios Thea & Sami "Queensland Style with an Eco Smile" m 0411 270 263 e thea@thea-sami.com.au w www.thea-sami.com.au