Green Honeymoons
Posted by Lisa Carey
Starting married life off right can include a committment not only to each other but to go “green.” Find out about these environmentally friendly honeymoon options.
You’ve made a commitment to each other and to the Earth. You’re taking steps to plan a more eco-friendly wedding and now you’re checking out green honeymoon options. Eco-tourism is a growing industry and there are more options than ever before to travel and honeymoon green. You’re among a growing group of citizens that care deeply about the Earth and you’re putting your time, money and resources into supporting green causes. A word to the wise; marketers know this too. Watch out for “green washing” campaigns that have green labeling but no substance.
What makes a honeymoon or any travel green?
Green travel destinations will offer eco-friendly lodging, culturally sensitive activities, promotion of sustainable community and a greater appreciation of the environment to visitors.
Local Honeymoons:
There’s no one look or feel to a green honeymoon. Going local is always one way to go green. Is there a local “get away” that will eliminate travel and support local sustainability? Are there local museums, galleries, trails or parks that you keep meaning to explore? (You don’t even have to let anyone know that you’re still in town.)
Ministries and Missions:
From rebuilding homes in New Orleans and Mississippi following Katrina to kayaking down rivers and doing a river clean up along the way, some couples want to enjoy themselves, help others and make an Earth beneficial difference during their honeymoon. You can visit the ecovolunteer web site to research volunteer opportunities during your honeymoon. Volunteering often cuts the cost of a honeymoon and can be rewarding in many other ways as well.
Just Married & Just Hiking:
Camping and hiking honeymoons on the Appalachian trail and other trails are popular green choices that offer newlyweds a car free, electricity free, unplugged honeymoon to commune with each other and with nature.
Exotic Green Honeymoon Ideas:
While some are some couples may want to keep their honeymoon domestic, simple or low cost, others may really want an exotic green adventure. Want some ecotourism ideas about where to go and what to do? How about…
Eco-lodging in the cloud forest in Costa Rica
Nature walks and bird watching at the Caiman Ecological Refuge in Brazil
Biking or horseback riding in National Parks of Chile
Diving in the coral reefs or watching the wildebeest migration in Kenya
Mountain biking or stargazing in Namibia
Taking eco-cultural tours in Tanzania
Find out about more Highlights in Eco Tourism
Carbon offsets for Honeymoons
What are carbon offsets? Carbon offsets are a way of going carbon neutral by offsetting the environmental impact of energy use that leaves damaging carbon footprints on our planet. Carbon offsets are purchases that attempt to mitigate the carbon footprints from greenhouse gas emissions, electricity use and transportation fuels. One carbon offset represents a reduction of one metric ton of carbon dioxide or other equivalent greenhouse gases.
What is a TerraPass?
TerraPass offers individuals and businesses carbon-offsetting products. TerraPass uses money from member purchases to fund greenhouse gas reduction projects such as methane digesters or wind farms. TerraPass has specific products to allow members to offset their carbon footprints in certain areas.
TerraPass products include Road TerraPass to offset car emissions, Flight TerraPass is for offsetting airplane emissions, Home TerraPass to offset home energy use, Business TerraPass is for organizations and Wedding TerraPass is to offset weddings and other events.
You can also visit the carbonfund.org web site and use their calculator to estimate the carbon footprint of your honeymoon and make a donation to offset it.
A honeymoon is special time in the life of newlyweds to say “you mean the world to me,” and that takes on a much deeper meaning when you commit to a green honeymoon.
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hahaha… this is a very entertaining post… thanks a lot and all the best!
Warm and green regards,
J. Hoogstrate / Climatarians