Today Thursday ocTober 13, 2011

T17

ON A DIFFERENT SORT OF TRIP

Eco-travel is not just for environmental warriors
ELIsABETH LEE

Being green doesnt mean seeing red when it comes to travelling. True, travelling burns fossil fuels, expands your carbon footprint, and generates much more waste than if youd stayed at home. But travel also brings huge economic benefits to local communities, and there are plenty of ways you can travel sustainably and responsibly, many of which dont even have to involve roughing it out in a tent, struggling with a composting toilet or giving up (most of your) creature comforts. So what does sustainable travel really mean? According toThe international ecotourism Society, the worlds oldest and largest international eco-tourism association, it is defined as responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people . For starters, an easy way to reduce your impact on the environment is to reuse hotel towels and linens, and bring your own reusable water bottle, instead of buying endless plastic water bottles while on the road. Take it one step further and conserve the environment by reducing electricity and water consumption, and adopting environmentally-friendly modes of travel whenever possible. Travel by train or bus when you can, or consider carbon-offsetting schemes. For us, eco-travel means looking at promoting environmental conservation

Tat Kuang Si Waterfall near Luang Prabang, Laos.

through travel and focusing on sustainable living, said Cindy Chng, founder and man aging director of ecoTravel Services, a local travel agency specialising in sustainable travel. Travel creates harm air travel, for instance, has a large carbon footprint. We recognise that and participate in tree planting schemes to reduce our carbon footprint. if youre planning a trip, Cindy suggested: instead of heading to a theme park, try other activities that are more sustainable, such as white-water rafting, diving, rockclimbing or zip-lining. even if youre based in a city, you could take a cycling tour, for

instance. Cycling tours are both better for the environment and a great way to explore the local neighbourhoods, she added. eco-travel is really something to try no matter your comfort level there are many destinations that are

comfortable and luxurious, but still offer activities that give the traveller a different, unique experience, said Cindy.Try Jetwing Hotels (www.jetwinghotels.com) if youre a traveller who wants to go green in 5-star comfort, she added.

GOING GREEN

Here are some green travel options for your next trip: Get away from it all at Koh Kood, Thailand
www.sixsenses.com/Soneva-Kiri Have your cake and eat it too, at Soneva Kiris Eco Villa on the remote island of Koh Kood. Swim in a natural swimming pool that uses plants, not chemicals, to clean the water, or relax on a daybed made from locally-sourced building materials. Powered by a wind turbine and solar panels, the Eco Villa allows you to holiday guilt-free.

PHOTO SIX SENSES RES COURTESY ORTS & SPA

Live the green life in Laos

www.greendiscoverylaos.com Check out the evergreen highland forests and jungle waterfalls of the Nam Ha National Protected Area, an ASEAN Heritage Site, while on a kayaking, biking or trekking tour. Learn more about harvesting food from the forest and spend a day with Laotian woodsmen.

the lodge are home to more than 50 species of birds and 80 species of butterflies. If youre a keen birder, the lodge can also arrange for a day trip to the nearby island of Nusa Penida, where you might catch a glimpse of the elusive Bali Starling.

Learn while you play in Darwin, Australia

Go birding in Bali

www.ecolodgesindonesia.com/udayana Just 15 minutes away from Jimbaran beach lies the Udayana Kingfisher Ecolodge. With a beautiful view of Mount Agung, the grounds of

www.ecotravelservices.com Featuring an authentic backcountry experience with farmstays, outdoor camping and more, Eco Travel Services 7-day Eco Nature trip to Darwin packs in tonnes of fun while you learn more about local history and the outback way of life.