Ecotourism is a newer term for the growing movement (and need) for sustainable tourism. Because we want to look after our planet Earth, while still being able to travel, many are opting to plan an eco-friendly vacation.
As passionate supporters of sustainability, we at Spring Creek Vacations want to help you plan a more eco-friendly vacation. Read on to learn how you can become a more eco-friendly tourist on your next trip.
Ecotourism Tip #1: Use Reef-Safe Sunscreens & Products On Your Body Before Swimming
Whether you’re surfing in Hawaii or taking a soak in Quarry Lake, using reef-safe products is an easy step toward becoming an eco-friendly traveller. When swimming, your products will wash off and mix with the water, leaving the product behind. Many chemical sunscreens and body products will have ingredients that can be harmful to wildlife and water purity. Look for reef-safe sunscreens and body products, as they have less harmful ingredients and will be safer for the environment.
Ecotourism Tip #2: Use Reusable Travel-Sized Containers For Your Eco-Friendly Vacation
Instead of buying travel-sized products, consider getting reusable, refillable containers for your toiletries. This means there will be less waste, as you can re-use the containers for other adventures down the road. Or, consider reusing the bottles from products you can open and refill instead of throwing them out once they are empty. This is a simple way to reduce the amount of plastic that will be thrown away. At Spring Creek Vacations, our vacation rental toiletries are refillable and are made sustainably to reduce our waste.
Ecotourism Tip #3: Try To Plan Your Eco-Friendly Vacation To Be as Walkable as Possible
This, of course, depends on where you’re hoping to visit. But, if you can make your vacation as walkable as possible, you’ll help to reduce your footprint. Consider renting a bike or choosing a central location that’s close to restaurants, activities and attractions. For things that are too far, use public transportation, carpool or book a tour that provides transportation, instead of renting a car. Of course, this isn’t always easy or convenient, but if you can, it’s a great way to reduce your footprint. Located in the walkable community of Spring Creek, everything is within walking distance of our vacation rentals.
Ecotourism Tip #4: Support Local Businesses Where Possible While On Vacation
Supporting local businesses is not only important for the local economy but is often a more sustainable way to travel. If you can shop at locally owned and operated businesses, you are helping to support the local community. Many local businesses also have a smaller footprint than larger corporations. And, you can support more sustainable efforts by keeping your shopping localized. As a locally owned and operated business, we know the value of supporting our local community whenever possible.
Ecotourism Tip #5: Cut Down Your Waste During Your Eco-Friendly Vacation
Minimizing your waste is as important while you are on your vacation as in your day-to-day lives. But, it might sound more difficult to achieve than it is. There are plenty of ways you can reduce your waste, such as:
- Use recyclable or reusable options as much as possible
- Recycling any waste as much as possible
- Don’t litter and always pick up after yourself, or others if you can
- Avoid non-reusable or non-recyclable plastic
- Don’t use straws
- Pack reusable water bottles and containers (to avoid disposable plastic)
- Turning off the lights when you leave a room
Ecotourism Tip #6: Reduce Your Water Usage When Possible While On Vacation
Reducing water consumption is a great way to be an eco-friendly traveller, and can be used when you’re back home. Some ways you can do this are:
- Don’t leave the tap running when not using the water (such as turning off the water while brushing your teeth)
- Extend the use of your towels and linens and don’t send them to be cleaned by housekeeping until necessary
- While of course, you want to relax while on vacation, try limiting showers or baths during your trip.
It can be hard to reduce your water usage while on vacation as you are trying to relax and indulge. Even using your towels another day, or having faster showers can reduce your water consumption. At Spring Creek Vacations, we are looking to limit our water usage as much as possible. During your stay, there are no linen changes unless requested to reduce our water use.
Ecotourism Tip #7: Be Respectful Of The Environment And Wildlife During Your Eco-Friendly Vacation
While visiting a place like Canmore, which is full of vibrant plant life and wildlife, it’s important to be respectful of the environment. This means:
- Staying on paths when hiking or cycling
- Avoiding damaging or removing native vegetation
- Following the rules and signage
- Picking up after yourself
- Don’t approach wildlife and respect your distance
- Please do not feed wildlife.
These are all vital to preserving our beautiful environment and keeping our wildlife, and you, safe.
Ecotourism Tip #8: Support Businesses And Organizations That Prioritize Sustainability
You should also support businesses and organizations that focus on sustainable practices. While this isn’t an easy commitment for every business, you should support those that strive for a more eco-friendly future. Whether it’s a coffee shop that uses compostable cups or a shop that only uses paper bags, supporting sustainable businesses is a great way to be a more eco-friendly traveller.
Eco-Friendly Vacations and Ecotourism with Spring Creek Vacations
Sustainability is an important value for Spring Creek Vacations, and we are committed to using more sustainable practices where possible. As part of the Built Green certified Spring Creek community, our buildings were built with sustainability in mind, and we work hold to uphold that standard where we can.
If you’re hoping to visit Canmore and want to plan a more eco-friendly vacation, consider booking your next Canmore vacation with Spring Creek Vacations. Browse our vacation rentals to start planning, or you can learn about our sustainability practices here or by contacting us for more information.
By Spring Creek Vacations
Spring Creek Vacations is a hospitality management company that operates out of Canmore, Alberta. Spring Creek Vacations specializes in luxury vacation rentals and offerings. Its concierge team has years of experience and expertise in helping visitors make the most of their stay in Canmore. As part of the Spring Creek neighbourhood development, Spring Creek Vacations was built on legacy; the Spring Creek land has been in the Kernick family since 1927. With a true appreciation for the beauty and unique experiences of living and visiting Canmore, the concierge team at Spring Creek Vacations is the ideal expert for advice on having a great vacation. Learn more about Spring Creek Vacations or book your luxury vacation rental now.
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