7 US Destinations Taking Action Against Climate Change
Many cities and countries rely on tourism. In fact, prior to the outbreak of the pandemic, travel and tourism represented approximately 10% of the total global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) or approximately $7 Trillion US dollars.
Yet, tourism leaves one of the most significant impacts on natural resources, consumption patterns, pollution, and social systems.
A species of animal or plant life disappears at a rate of one every three minutes.
More than 80% of the world's coral reefs are at risk.
Air travel dumps 40 million tons of CO2 into the atmosphere annually.
Every round-trip trans-Atlantic flight emits enough carbon dioxide to melt 30 square feet of Arctic sea ice.
And this is just the tip of the iceberg.
Global tourism's impact on environments, communities and different species is alarming, which is why it is so important that travelers make the shift to traveling responsibly and sustainably.
We want to explore the world, but we need to learn how to do it without leaving a negative impact on it.
Thankfully, we know there's a better way. Sustainable tourism protects our favorite destinations around the world so that we, and other travelers, can return repeatedly for years to come.
The need for sustainable/responsible travel is imperative for the industry to survive.
And it starts with us.
Below, we will break down some of the easy things you can do to be a responsible traveler on your next vacation and dive into 7 of Authenteco Travel’s top destinations around the US, where we know the communities are fighting back with green initiatives.
These are destinations choosing to put a focus on sustainable practices, and that is why we love sending responsible travelers there (when it is safe to do so with risk mitigations).
Want to see what responsible travel is about when you take an Authenteco travel vacation? Submit your trip request here.
Our Founder, Shelby, exploring Mexico responsibly
How to be a Responsible Traveler on your Next Vacation
While there is no definitive list for being a responsible traveler, there are various things that can help put you on the path to traveling responsibly on your next vacation.
These are just SOME of the practices you can do to travel responsibly:
Always pick up your trash.
Carry your shopping bag to avoid contributing to the plastic problem in many countries.
Remove all packaging before leaving home…avoid excessive waste and the use of plastic bottles (in many countries, there is no way of disposing of these, therefore creating plastic mountains due to tourism)
Bring your reusable mug, cutlery, and straws when eating out
Reduce energy consumption. Unplug your mobile phone charger, turn off the lights, etc.
Conserve water. Take shorter showers… the average hotel guest uses over 300 liters of water per night! In a luxury hotel, it is approximately 1800 liters!
Always ask before taking photographs. If someone says no, respect their wishes.
Educate yourself about the place you visit and the people, and be respectful.
Respect cultural differences and learn from them! People in different places do things differently – don’t try to change them.
Dress respectfully. Cover up away from the beach. Cover your head in religious places. Notice local dress codes and adhere to them.
Do not purchase or eat endangered species (e.g., turtle egg soup, crocodile handbags, etc.).
Where possible, eat locally grown produce.
Support the local economy. Buy locally-made souvenirs, eat at local restaurants – enjoy the local culture!
Take public transit, use a bicycle, or walk.
Support a local charity or organization that works towards responsible tourism.
Before you go, ask your travel provider (concierge, travel agent) about the company’s environmental and responsible tourism policies – support those who support responsible tourism.
Ask your accommodation provider (hotel, guest house, lodge) about their sustainability practices – do they compost? Recycle? Support local workers? Focus on the environment?
Support local organizations – either in the place you visit or where you live.
Do not support industries that exploit or harm animals. Always do your research when visiting a sanctuary, as more often than not, they still do not treat animals right.
Our travelers falling in love with Hawaii on their honeymoon
Bozeman, Montana
Bozeman, Montana, is one of our favorite destinations to visit. Not only for its easy access to some of the best National Parks in the US but for its incredible green initiatives.
Cities contribute 70 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Like many leading cities worldwide, Bozeman has created climate action plans to reduce its impact on global climate change.
Bozeman is one of the fastest-growing communities in the west, and for a good reason. The rivers, trails, and unparalleled access to natural and recreation resources make Bozeman an ideal community to work, live and play. Sustainability is a core component of the City of Bozeman. Prioritizing the protection of our natural resources and planning for smart and responsible growth to maintain the community's unique character and sense of place.
The City of Bozeman's Office of Sustainability is committed to reducing our impact on the environment through several projects and initiatives which are already making a difference in the community they serve.
The City of Bozeman adopted the 2020 Bozeman Climate Plan to serve as a comprehensive strategy for addressing climate change in Bozeman. This includes Bozeman Solar Project, The Climate Vulnerability Assessment and Resiliency Strategy, and The Bozeman Energy Project.
Not to be outdone, the nearby town of Jackson has been diligent in striving to meet and exceed these goals aimed at reducing global warming pollution levels and taking action on a local level to meet and exceed Kyoto Protocol targets for reducing global warming pollution. These efforts include installing over 3,415 photovoltaic solar panels that supply the town with 1,017 Kilowatts of electricity, estimated to produce 1,405,411 kilowatt-hours per year.
For the remainder of the municipality's electricity usage that is unable to be produced through our solar panels, an agreement with the local power company, Lower Valley Energy, guarantees that all the electricity pulled from the grid comes from 100% renewable energy sources (wind, solar, and hydro).
With such easy access to miles of hiking and biking trails, rivers and streams full of fish, fabulous skiing in the winter, and culture and arts experience like no other, Bozeman is a destination that is easy to fall in love with and one that is so vital to the environments across the US.
Planning on traveling to Montana soon? Submit your trip request here!
Our signature gift box for a trip to see Yellowstone National Park & Glacier National Park in Montana!
2. Missoula, Montana
The City of Missoula has a long history of conservation and climate action-related commitments, planning, and work. Energy conservation and climate action activities maintain progress in the City's commitment to the triple bottom line: People, Planet, Prosperity.
Missoula County has shown its commitment to addressing climate change and building resiliency in government operations and communities. According to the Montana Climate Assessment, average temperatures in Montana are expected to rise by 4.5-6.0°F by mid-century, resulting in a wide variety of impacts, including reduced snowpack, earlier spring snowmelt, and more frequent and intense floods and wildfires.
Missoula County has addressed the threat of climate change and environmental impact, seeking to reduce its contribution to climate change while promoting resiliency and adapting to its impact on the natural environment and communities.
The Missoula County Sustainability Programs aim to advance these goals with three main points.
1) 100% Clean Electricity
In April 2019, Missoula County and the City of Missoula jointly adopted a goal of 100% clean electricity for the Missoula urban area by 2030.
2) Carbon Neutrality in County Government Operations
In March 2019, Missoula County established a goal of carbon neutrality in county government operations by 2035.
3) Climate Ready Missoula
Missoula County, jointly with Climate Smart Missoula and the City of Missoula, led a two-year stakeholder-driven process to develop a plan to prepare and adapt to the local impacts of climate change. The resulting Climate Ready Missoula Plan was adopted as an issue plan of the Missoula County Growth Policy in May 2020.
A successful group trip to Montana with signature Authenteco Travel Gift Box mugs and Magazine
3. Oregon
Founded in 1859, Oregon is known for its wild west past, its quirky present-day traditions, and its many natural marvels. A beautiful coastline, over 360 State Parks, and home to some of the top-rated breweries and restaurants in the nation, you will never run out of things to do while you’re here.
And it’s carving a path to a sustainable future, which is why we love sending travelers there.
The Oregon Sustainability Act defines sustainability as ‘using, developing, and protecting resources in a manner that enables people to meet current needs and provides that future generations can also meet future needs from the joint perspective of environmental, economic, and community objectives.’
The state of Oregon is on a mission reach the goals of a safe, clean, and sustainable energy future set forth by the Oregon Board of Sustainabiliy. Through programs that focus on saving energy, improving energy efficiency, and investing in renewable energy.
Some of these programs are:
These programs are helping each city throughout the state move towards implementing these smart growth strategies where Portland has been a pioneer. Half its power comes from renewable sources; a quarter of the workforce commutes by bike, carpool (so-called Flex Cars) or public transportation; its city planning minimizes sprawl; 35 buildings are certified by the US Green Building Council; 67% of all waste is composted and treated locally; the recycling ethic is widespread, and over 200 green roofs cover buildings
4. New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s Lakes Region is a great place to live, work, and play with its abundant natural resources and variable seasons. It is home to 273 bodies of water, including Lake Winnipesaukee (the largest lake in the state), with many of its communities thriving in these locations.
There are warm summer days on the lake, crisp autumn days in the woods, and snowy winter weekends on the slopes.
It’s no wonder that the region’s economy is so closely linked with seasonal tourism- and why so many people flock to the region to explore it.
But, when we travel to faraway destinations, the activities we participate in usually have the greatest effect on the local environment, culture, and population. And this is often because of over-tourism.
Developed in 2016 by the Partnership for Public Health (PPH) with assistance from the Lakes Region Planning Commission, the Health & Climate Change in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region: An Action Plan was initiated.
The climate of northern New England is changing, and models indicate that these changes will continue over the next several decades. Changes such as more days with extreme heat, shorter winters, and heavier rainfalls will impact the plants, animals, and people of New Hampshire’s Lakes Region. There are substantive implications for the health of many of the region’s residents and visitors, putting added pressure on the region’s public health and emergency response resources.
To better understand the regional vulnerability to climate/weather, improve preparedness planning, and reduce negative health impacts, this Health and Climate Change Action Plan's steps included:
• identification of environmental exposures and weather hazards,
• identification of health effects and impacts,
• documentation of baseline public health data,
• setting of goals for health impact reductions
• identification of intervention and supporting activities.
• At a couple of points in the process, prioritization occurred to maintain focus and ensure that the resulting actions were important to the region.
The continued advancement and development of a new plan of action is still in progress as new information regarding climate change and public health is released, but they are taking the initiative to implement change.
Want to book a vacation? Submit your trip request here!
A last minute family trip to New Hampshire for Christmas and New Years 2020
5. Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is known for many things, but its history is one thing that draws many visitors to the city each year. With such a rich history comes a great responsibility to protect and preserve the past.
And this means it needs to ensure that there is going to be a safe and healthy future for Boston and the world.
Starting in December of 2007, Boston and their newly elected Mayor Walsh initiated an executive order relative to climate action in Boston. The order began in a series of actions that made the City of Boston a leader in responding to global climate change's dangers.
This order also established the goal for Boston to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by 2050 and set broad policy guidelines for reaching that goal, both in municipal operations and in the entire Boston community. Revised initiatives in 2011, the 2014 Boston Greenovation Plan, and the updated 2019 climate action plan clearly showed that climate and sustainability are top priorities for this booming city.
In 2021, Boston was maintaining and expanding energy efficiency programs, educating youth and youth-serving adults about climate action, empowering residents and businesses to take climate action in their neighborhoods, expanding renewable energy programs, and striving to protect and expand green spaces in the urban forest in all neighborhoods. The city of Boston has already completed several initiatives that put them on track to reach its 2050 goal, including:
Develop oil heat efficiency programs
Facilitate peer-to-peer learning for the public
Pilot net-zero buildings
Require new buildings to be solar-ready
Converted all street lights and traffic signals to LED lighting
Ensure all municipal buildings provide recycling
In addition to these initiatives, the Greenovate plan has improved the walking and biking infrastructure and prepared 98 strategies to cut carbon pollution and prepare for climate change.
Anniversary trip to Boston, MA in 2020 with signature trip magazine
6. Franklin, Tennessee
Franklin leads the fight for change as Tennessee continues to battle the worst air pollution in the country and unsafe drinking water due to the mass pollution of its watersheds.
Tennessee is known for music & whiskey, and Franklin, often overshadowed to the north by Nashville, is known for its small-town charm and delicious food, and is considered by some as a country escape. But want to know what else it's known for? Sustainability.
This historic music & local town has some of the best green practices we've seen in a long time. Franklin has claimed its fame as one of the "Best Small Towns" according to Southern Living Magazine” and as the top city in Tennessee by Business Week. Because the locals don't take these honors lightly, they decided in 2008 it was time for Franklin to lead the path to a greener future and established their Sustainability Task Force.
In 2009, they published their Sustainability Community Plan, which states: "From here, it is up to you as citizens, families, and employees to do what is right for the community and environment. The quality of life for our children and the future of our city depends on all of us.."
So what are some of the actions that Franklin took?
Implemented a city-wide recycling program
Created a city composting facility for yard waste
Made Franklin Bikeable, Walkable, and Canoe-able
Installed 1.2 Megawatts of solar power
Converted all street lights and traffic signals to LED lighting
And that’s just the beginning!
In addition to these initiatives, the task force also lists its Top 10 sustainability needs and practices, so they know the priorities and how to continue the work. Specific to these is the need to reduce potable water consumption and the practice to keep pollutants out of its watersheds.
Need a unique getaway with your loved ones? An Authenteco Travel Vacation is the perfect way to travel responsibly! Click here to submit your trip request!
A surprise birthday trip/ babymoon getaway to Franklin, Tennessee
7. Southern California
Southern California is a playground for children and adults alike; with sprawling wineries to the sandy beaches, fun might seem like the only option.
But there is something else in California that sets it apart from the country. And it’s not just its easy access to Hollywood and the beach.
It’s the sustainable practices the state has in place.
The Department of General Services (DGS) Office of Sustainability (OS) supports agencies across all corners of the state of California with renewable clean energy generation (solar and wind), energy retrofits in existing facilities, zero net energy (ZNE) building policy development, electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) infrastructure, benchmarking, and recycling. As of 2020 the Clean Generation order aims to move the state to 50% renewables by 2030 in part, through a trailblazing agreement with the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) to purchase 34 megawatts (MW) of solar power via a long-term power purchase agreement. This will bring many state facilities to zero net energy.
The Cities of Santa Barbara and Laguna Beach are also working to develop and implement programs, projects, and regulations to protect the local environment and improve the community’s future sustainability. The City of Santa Barbara’s Sustainability and Resilience Department currently consists of the Energy & Climate Division and the Materials Management Division. These divisions are responsible for energy efficiency and renewable energy, reducing City-wide greenhouse gas emissions, recycling, composting, and keeping our City clean from litter and waste. While The City of Laguna Beach's Environmental Sustainability Committee provides the City Council with recommendations to address climate change, energy efficiency, water conservation, and public education, it is currently working on a two-year work plan. Both have several initiatives in place now that promise a better future for both cities, including:
Location from a last minute trip to California
While the path to a green world where all cities are sustainable and fighting climate change and the rapidly changing world, we know that one of the biggest parts to preserve these environments, communities, and wonders is traveling responsibly.
By committing to decrease tourism's impact on the local environment and culture while still exposing tourists to what makes that destination incredible, we help travelers explore the world without hurting it.
That means our travelers never compensate for adventure or luxury!
They still get to experience the best- like some of America's most impressive museums, a private historical tour, a local food tour, or an eco-friendly parks tour – while staying at some of the nicest and most unique accommodations.
If you are ready to take the leap and have us take care of your next vacation, submit your trip request here.
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