1. Vacation at a true eco-resort:
While plenty of island lodges, hotels and resorts claim environmental sensitivity, you’d be surprised how many confine their efforts to encouraging the re-use of towels. Ask about an establishments efforts before making a reservation. And if their answers dont impress you, book elsewhere.
2. Take nothing but pictures:
A seashell plucked from the sands may seem like a great souvenir, but it might also be the future home of a hermit crab. Personal photographs, postcards and bar coasters will secure your vacation memories just fine.
3. Offset your carbon:
Ever wonder how much CO2 a jet liner releases into the air? Short answer: Lots. Long answer: Compensate for the negative environmental impact of your island-bound transportation by contributing to Seacology’s Carbon Offset Fund. Your dollars will assist Seacology’s efforts to support tree planting and clean energy projects on islands all over the world.
4. Cool off responsibly:
Many tropical islands are adequately cooled by trade winds. Shutting off the air-conditioning will not only save energy, but allow you to hear the chirping of sea birds and the breeze through the palm trees. If conditions are sweltering and you simply must use air-conditioning, please turn it off when you leave your room.
5. Respect and appreciate the diversity of island cultures and languages:
The devastation of island cultures occurs at an alarming rate. Papua New Guinea alone has over 800 languages, many spoken by only a small number of tribal elders. Before you go, learn a little about the culture and language of the island you plan to visit. The smiles that greet you when you use the local language will be worth the price of your ticket.
6. Mind the underwater life:
When scuba diving or snorkeling, do not touch anything. Coral reefs are extremely fragile and take a long time to grow. A no-touch policy will also save you from nasty stings, scrapes and bites.
7. Avoid disposable products:
Waste disposal is a critical problem on many of the worlds islands. Do not bring disposable products on your vacation.
8. See an islands hidden treasures and get closer to nature:
Reduce your impact on an islands environment by engaging in eco-friendly activities. Kayaking, biking, hiking and sailing are great ways to witness the beauty of island ecosystems, and far less damaging than motorized tours via jeep or helicopter.
9. Support local economies, save fossil fuel and experience new flavors by eating locally caught and produced foods:
Not only that, but the local coconut dessert is a lot fresher than the pre-packaged cupcake shipped in from thousands of miles away.
10. Help launch new projects to protect island environments and cultures by supporting Seacology:
Seacology works directly with island villagers to create initiatives that protect precious habitats and improve quality of life. In the words of Dr. John McCosker of the California Academy of Sciences: Dollar for dollar, pound for pound, Seacology gets more output than any conservation group that I’ve seen.
Source:
- Authored by Seacology (June 6, 2007)
- Website – http://www.seacology.org/index.cfm
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