The Eco-Traveler's Guide To Avoid The "Green Sheen"

On one hand, you have “genuine ecotourism” that preserves the planet; on the other hand, you have “greenwashing,” a marketing tactic designed to deceive well-intentioned tourists.

What Is Genuine Ecotourism?

According to “The International Ecotourism Society," it is defined as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserve the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people and involves interpretation and education.”

The Pillars Of Ecotourism

Conservation: This refers to providing direct financial benefits for nature conservation.

Community: Empowerment of local inhabitants by providing them job opportunities for a living and also respecting the other indigenous cultures.

Interpretation: Educating both staff and guests about the local ecosystem for their better knowledge and understanding about their own surroundings and nature.

Low Impact: Teaching them ways to minimize the physical, social and behavioural impacts of the visit.

What is Greenwashing

Greenwashing refers to the condition that occurs when a company spends more time and money marketing itself as environmentally friendly than actually minimizing its environmental impact. It is a “veneer” of sustainability used to justify higher prices or attract conscious consumers without making any substantive changes.

Common Greenwashing Red Flags To Stay Away From

Vague Languages: If you see usage of terms like “all-natural,” “eco-chic,” or “green” without any specific data or certifications to back them up, then consider it suspicious.

The “Towel Trick”: A hotel asks you to reuse towels to “save the planet” while simultaneously using single use plastic toiletries and high energy lighting throughout the property.

Hidden Trade-offs: An airline promoting “carbon neutral” flights while ignoring the massive environmental cost of airport expansion of non-CO2 emissions.

Irrelevant Claims: Highlighting a small “green” feature such as paper straws, to distract from a massive “brown” footprint(like dumping waste into local waterways).

Verifying A Travel Provider

Before booking your next trip, do a 5-minute “eco-audit” of the provider: 

Check for Third-Party Certification: Keep an eye to notice recognized bodies like the “Global Sustainable Tourism Council”( GSTC) or “EarthCheck.” Always avoid “awards” that can be bought.

Ask For Specifics: Instead of reading the “About Us” page, try to look for a “Sustainable Report.” Does the hotel track their “kWh” per guest or their waste diversion rate?

Investigate Wildlife Policies: If a tour involves touching, riding or feeding wild animals, it is not ecotourism.

Follow The Money: "Does the company mention specific local NGOs they partner with? True co-operators are very much transparent about where their conservation fees go.

True ecotourism is indeed a powerful tool for global conservation, but it requires a wise and thoughtful traveller. By looking a bit far from the pretty “green” branding and demanding transparency, you can ensure your adventures protects the very places you have fallen in love with, without damaging your tour experience.