At Green Planet Expeditions, we strive to align with ethical travel principles, although we acknowledge that perfection in sustainability is an ongoing journey. Our commitment to responsible tourism is reflected in tangible actions, such as engaging with local communities, prioritizing sustainability in our hotel choices, and supporting local businesses. While we’re proud of our efforts, we recognize the complexities of sustainability, and we’re not immune to the challenges.
Travel is a dynamic experience, and we understand that achieving absolute sustainability is a complex goal. Our aim is not to present ourselves as flawless stewards but rather as enthusiasts dedicated to continuous improvement. We believe in sharing the journey with our guests, acknowledging that, like any journey, it has its twists and turns.
Here are just a few ways in which we translate the promise of “Pack it in, Pack it out” into tangible actions:
1. Travel Driven by Human Energy: Most of our trips involve human-powered travel and activities, allowing us to intimately connect with the natural world. Whether it’s visiting a place by foot (climbing, trekking, snowshoeing), by bike, sailing, rafts, kayaks, etc, we minimize our environmental impact while fostering a deeper connection to the destinations we cherish.
2. Local drivers: We make conscious efforts to utilize vehicles sparingly and hire local drivers, ensuring that the economic benefits of our travels directly enrich the communities we visit.
3. Respecting Wildlife: Throughout our journeys, we hold profound respect for the wildlife and their habitats. We observe these creatures from a respectful distance, ensuring that our presence does not disrupt their ecosystems or life cycles. Importantly, we never endorse or encourage the feeding of animals.
4. Reducing Single-Use Plastic and bringing environmentally friendly toiletries: To minimize the use of single-use plastic water bottles, we encourage our guests to bring water bottles and also provide a packing list with many items now available in eco-friendly presentations.
5. Sustainability practiced at chosen hotels: We work and prioritize hotels that have strong sustainability practices.
6. Engaging with the communities and locals we visit: Sustainable travel is about more than just visiting a destination; it’s about immersing oneself in its essence. We firmly believe that a deeper understanding of the way of living of the local people, natural environment, wildlife, culture, economy, and politics enhances the richness of the travel experience and inspires stewardship.
7. Prioritize local guides: Our guides provide a well of information and are proud to show you the country and share as much as you are willing to learn. These guides are not merely experts; they are storytellers who weave narratives of natural history and culture, fostering meaningful connections between our guests and the places they visit. We firmly believe that learning from those who call a place home is the most enriching way to experience it. Our commitment to hiring local talent not only aligns with our sustainable travel practices but also ensures that our guests embark on an authentic and transformative journey, guided by those who know the heart and soul of the destination.
This not only provides our guests with authentic and enriching experiences but also ensures that the economic benefits of tourism directly support local individuals and their families.
8. Supporting Local Businesses: We make a conscious effort to dine at locally owned restaurants and cafes, savoring the unique flavors of the destination. This choice stimulates the local economy, benefiting chefs, servers, and suppliers within the community.
9. Community Visits: Our itineraries often include visits to community initiatives. These visits serve as an opportunity to learn about local challenges and contribute to projects that make a positive impact in areas such as education, healthcare, or conservation.
10. Shopping Local: We encourage our guests to embrace local craftsmanship and products by purchasing handmade and locally sourced items. This not only supports artisans and small businesses but also allows travelers to take home meaningful souvenirs with a story.
11. Cultural Exchange: Fostering meaningful connections between our guests and the welcoming locals goes beyond financial support. It’s about sharing stories, traditions, and experiences, creating a bridge between cultures and fostering a deeper understanding of the destination. Many activities include Homestays, cooking classes, language exchange, art and craft workshops, travelers join cultural performances and meet local musicians, dancers, and storytellers. We also encourage travelers to participate in community projects, such as volunteering for local initiatives, helping with conservation efforts, or contributing to educational programs. Traditional Celebrations are a great way to join in the festivities and witness cultural traditions in action. When possible, travelers participate on workshops on traditional dances, chocolate making, drumming lessons, and many other art forms to gain a deeper understanding of the local heritage. When families are open to it, we coordinate cultural Q&A Sessions where travelers can ask questions about local culture, traditions, and daily life, encouraging open dialogue and mutual learning.
12. Distributing Wealth Through Travel: Travel presents a unique opportunity to redistribute wealth, and we embrace this responsibility wholeheartedly. At Green Planet Expeditions, our investment in the people and culture of the destinations we visit is genuine and profound.
At Green Planet Expeditions, we recognize that our travel choices carry the power to make a positive impact on the world. We invite you to join us in this journey of exploration, connection, and stewardship—a journey that leaves behind a legacy of sustainable travel for generations to come.
As we invite you to explore the beauty of the world responsibly, we encourage open dialogue and welcome your thoughts on how we can enhance our sustainability practices. Together, let’s navigate the path of responsible travel, recognizing that every positive choice contributes to a more sustainable future. Cheers to the adventure ahead! The GPE Team