SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL
Sustainable Travel is perhaps best viewed as a vision to pursue whole heartedly and with wisdom. Scientific research strongly indicates that we are at a tipping point in being able to sustain our environment. There is a negative relationship between travel and green house gases with some people even suggesting that you not travel at all. On a more positive note, travel can alleviate world poverty and contribute to peace. You can take responsible steps to diminish your environmental and social footprint by giving back in a mindful manner that embraces sustainable environmental, cultural and economic practices.
Sustainable Environmental Practices: Carbon offsetting is being done for our office and tours with ClimateCare. Your participation in carbon offsetting while traveling does not completely address your environmental and social footprint. Sustainability practices begin at home. Be mindful, think, and use the simple practices of recycling, bicycling and walking more, shopping organic, using cloth and not plastic shopping bags, changing to sustainable lighting, and much more. Blue Bee Odysseys is entirely electronic with all information available on the web site or in email form. Any printing done is on high quality recycled paper. Our groups are kept small, under 12, in order to reduce environmental impact. Trains and other local transportation will be used when possible.
Sustainable Cultural Practices: Travelers are given resources to learn more about the culture traveled in as well as encouraged to be tolerant and respectful of other traditions. Guidelines are given for appropriate dress and behavior. Authentic interactions are fostered between the traveler and host community in hopes of greater understanding between all.
Sustainable Economic Practices: It is important to buy local handicrafts and products, honoring the principles of fair trade and bargaining fairly. Local hotels and sometimes homestays are used whenever possible. Local guides are used on all international travel.
CARBON OFFSETS
Carbon dioxide gas emissions are one of the biggest contributors to global warming. Reducing our carbon footprint is critical to preserving and healing the Earth. This begins at home with changes in thinking about how we use transportation, buy food, and use utilities in our homes. Travel is an obvious contributor to CO2 emissions. BlueBee Odysseys is using carbon offsetting with www.my-climate.com. Carbon Offsets allow an individual or a business to reduce their carbon dioxide emissions by contributing to a company such as myclimate™ which is one of the top rated companies in the world. Carbon Offsets include wind and solar power, energy efficiency and reforestation projects. We would strongly encourage you to offset your air travel with carbon offsets.