Published on October 22nd, 2007 | by Stephanie Evans

Are Eco Vacations Really Saving the Earth?

Eco vacations are all the rage among those dedicated to green living, however, the question has been raised as to how much of an impact they really have. Some ecosystems are so fragile that more visitors, no matter how respectful, are just too much for the area to handle.

One area that is often mentioned is the rain forests of the Amazon. It’s best to content yourself with viewing pictures of this beautiful area, knowing that even the most minimal carbon footprint will do damage.

Another viewpoint is that no matter how careful we are, we generate greenhouse gases just by being present in an area. Those who espouse this viewpoint feel that the best green vacation is the one taken close to home.

If you do crave travel to faraway places, consider volunteering with Earthwatch or another organization that combines tourism with work to preserve wildlife habitats or participate in scientific research. Also consider purchasing carbon offsets to help reduce the environmental impact of your journey.