Personal Praxis: suggestions on eco-travel?

praxis

So I’m nicely at the stage of life where I can financially defend some global travel … only to discover that I’ve developed a sensitivity towards, well, flying.

All that jet fuel.

And what kind of footprint will I leave?

Rats! Why is life so complicated?

Readers: have any of you done any eco travel? Do you think it’s greenwash, or do you think it’s genuine? Any recommendations?

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Nancy (aka Moneycoach)
Imagine if Canadians were known for being all over their money. Engaged. Proactive. Getting out of debt. Savvy. Saving. Generous. Nancy wants to help. Nancy started her own journey with money over 15 years ago, and formed her company “Your Money by Design” in 2004 to help others along the same path. It’s not the usual financial advising/investment stuff. It’s about taking control of day-to-day finances –managing monthly cashflow effectively, spending appropriately, getting out of debt, saving. If you're ready to take control over your finances, pop by her business site, YourMoneybyDesign.com

6 Comments

MJ Ankenman

Anytime I have travelled it has opened my eyes to the world beyond my small universe. Seeing how other people live is an experience that can not be replicated by reading or watching documentries. I am a better person for travelling. Maybe you could combine some volunteer work such as Habitant For Humanity or a group that helps with micro loans, might tie in nicely with your bank work.

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May 27, 2008
Esme

I feel the same way. Especially lately. Every time I get on a flight I cringe and feel a little guilty.

I think the legitimacy of eco travel depends. For example, buying ‘carbon emission credits’ to offset your carbon emissions doesn’t really do it for me. The idea is to reduce.

The last trip I took was with GAP adventures. They make it a point to hire local people for their tours, which I think is a good idea.

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May 27, 2008
E

I think the only true eco-travel is a hiking, cycling or canoeing trip in an area that you can bike to, and how many of us are fit enough to do that. Even camping trips you have to drive to … Any other mode of transportation requires fuel (be it jet or car or ferry).
I think if you want to travel, and there are many good reasons to do so, the best you can do is be as socially & environmentally responsible as possible, and enjoy.

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May 27, 2008
Nancy

Thanks, all. I’m not quite up for canoeing, so air travel is probably inevitable. I like the idea of giving back, MJ, as a sort of rebalancing of the karma. And as I think of it, I suspect I’d enjoy the travel experience more too.

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May 28, 2008
Jay Norris

I’ve been feeling the same way. I don’t want to drive or fly because all I can think about is the fuel being used and the pollution being created. We used to drive half an hour each way to go mountain biking every weekend. Now we’ve started biking from our house. Not quite as exciting as riding in the mtns, but we’ve discovered some neat urban trails, complete with lakes and beaver dams (even saw a beaver yesterday) and baby ducks. My goal is to find entertainment every weekend that we can do without using gas. Be a tourist in your own town – you’ll be amazed at what you see on foot or from the seat of a bike that you never noticed all the times you drove past the same places.

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Jun 08, 2008
Raul

I hike a lot (that’d be eco-travel) and when I fly, I offset my emissions. http://offsetters.ca – disclaimer – I am friends with the founders of the non-for-profit!

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Jun 11, 2008