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From Wasteful Tourist to Ecotraveler
The convenience of tourism, complete with tiny non-recyclable
toiletries, gas-guzzling airplanes and over-packaged fast food, leads to an
accumulation of waste. In order to revamp travel into a more sustainable
practice, we must abandon the traditional idea of tourism and adopt a new goal
to become an ecotourist. As ecotravelers, we must strive to explore with a
higher consciousness of our surroundings and the environmental impact of our
decisions instead of purchasing waste generating fast food and supporting big
Environmental Impacts of Air Travel
Aircrafts account for 12 percent of carbon dioxide
emissions from US transportation sources and three percent of our total carbon
dioxide emissions. The US is responsible for nearly half of worldwide carbon
dioxide emissions from aircraft.
Airplanes emit nitrogen oxides, which are chief contributors to smog, acid rain, and water quality deterioration.
Eco Cars
Let's get this straight: the most efficient mile you can drive
is a mile you don't drive. Despite technological advances, cars are still 3,000
pounds of steel moved around by (mostly) fossil fuels. That said, there are
some exciting new technologies which promise more efficient driving, which can
help both the environment and your pocketbook.
Eight years after the Prius was first introduced, hundreds of thousands have been sold, far outpacing all other hybrids, and it is a cultural symbol. After-market plug-in modules for the Prius are now available to the
The Reality of Carbon Offsets
Carbon offsetting is a method of counteracting the
environmental impacts of carbon emissions by investing in carbon-reduction
efforts. While reducing your fossil fuel consumption should be your
first focus, individuals can purchase carbon offsets for air travel,
cruises, big events, cross-country road trips, or everyday commutes-activities
that increase your carbon footprint that you find difficult to avoid.
Individuals purchasing carbon offsets usually work through organizations such as CarbonFund or Climate Trust, which reinvest the money in
Climate Change Stories
Thousands of Minnesotans are taking real, measurable actions
in their homes to lighten their carbon footprints, save money and curb global
warming.
