Save Eco Destinations

photo by instatravel.org

The U.S.-based NGO Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) has conducted research to determine which manners of transportation incur the lowest carbon footprints.

I know what you’re thinking—WALK, BABY, WALK!!

Yes, I agree most sincerely. Bicycling is another fabulous option.

Speaking of which, let me introduce you to a man who traveled throughout New Zealand for 30 days—on a bicycle! While his main intent was to explore the country’s landscapes as cheaply as possible, the grand bonus is his basically nonexistent carbon footprint. Except for the couple of rides he took with his bike on a stranger’s truck, this guy cycled his way through mountains, hills, everything. And he’s blogged all about it here. (He’s not done, so keep checking for updates.)  So. Fabulous.

On to the study.

UCS compared CO2 emissions from different types of vehicles plus emissions per person, per pair, and per family of four. It concluded that the three most crucial factors to help determine the carbon footprint of one’s travel are the type of vehicle, distance traveled, and number of travelers. With these in mind, you can figure out how [un]green your next trip would be.

The researchers found that if you’re traveling farther than 500 mi. by yourself or with one other person, the environment is better off if you take a nonstop coach flight (don’t even think about flying first class) than if you take a car.

Bus trips are most often greener than coach flights and car trips by 55-75%. But what about a fuel-efficient car, you ask? Taking the bus will probably reduce a couple’s CO2 emissions by 50%. If you are taking a car, then, naturally, a hybrid will kick an SUV’s bum.

Considering taking the train instead of driving or flying? Train trips will reduce emissions by 60% per passenger per mile when compared to one-person car trips and by 30% as compared to a 500-mi. small jet flight.

Low seasons are also greener because less traffic means less fuel waste for both land and air travel. Besides, gas and plane ticket prices will be lower too! Here you can read about other ways you can use the study’s results to save money (woohoo!).

Download the full report here.

Greenspace, New Zealand

Note: I’d like to say that I think it’s awful to have to say anything is “LGBT” friendly or “eco” friendly, etc.-everything, by default, should be these things. Everywhere and everything should be open-minded and progressive enough so that we stop viewing the standard as heterosexual white males. (What’s the deal with “chick” flicks vs. flicks? Why not “guy” flicks? Because all films are for men unless otherwise noted, right? It drives me up the freakin’ wall!!)

Anyway, until our world gets its shit together, here is some data I’ve rounded up where you won’t find conservative heterosexuals hogging all the eco fun:

1. Canada-based OUT Adventures will organize your vacation itinerary at affordable prices. This company claims to use 100% green power in its head office and that all its trips will be carbon neutral by 2011.  You can choose from Active, Comfort, In Style, Independent, and Family trips.

I think they have a long way to go in terms of greening their trips in addition to their approach (which I of course applaud). When they say travel green they mean not littering and not wasting water-but what about staying at lodges with a sustainable wastewater management system? Let’s hope that’s next for OUT!

2. Visit Christchurch, New Zealand and stay at GreenSpace. It touts itself as the only genuine urban eco lodge in NZ. In any case, check it out: it’s got solar water heating, non-toxic interior and exterior painted surfaces, recycled carpet insulation, on-site organic veggie and herb garden, planting of native trees, chemical-free and cruelty-free cleaning and other products (yay for animal rights!), they buy food from local Co-ops, compost, recycle, serve organic coffee, are vegetarian/vegan (very cool!), and even the toilet paper is unbleached and eco-friendly!

It makes me want to go if only to use their bathroom, in which, by the way, I could use my laptop (that’s right: wi-fi!). Prices go from $85-140. Then you can hit the beach, they’ll help you plan your trips, and they even offer babysitting services.

Also, they give you a head’s up so you can offset your carbon footprint through Kiwi Green Regeneration.

It sounds pretty sweet. What would make it more awesome is a sustainable wastewater management system (I am way fixated on these lately, huh?).

Do you have any resources to share? We’d love to hear about them!

More in our next post!