SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL
2021 by the European Commission , Lahti aims to be Finland ’ s first carbon-neutral city by 2025 . Its ecological efforts have ranged from an app that helps residents track their respective carbon footprints to FSC-certified wood sourced locally . It ’ s been ranked among the best sustainable destinations for
outdoor sports .
Helsinki is another low-carbon choice worth exploring , as it ’ s a capital city with the purest water and air in the European continent . Nature spots are also very accessible to those with limited mobility and families using strollers .
Palau
Sitting in picturesque turquoise waters 800 miles southwest of Guam , Palau is a hidden island paradise and an uncommon vacation destination . It is a collection of 340 verdant islands , only nine of which have inhabitants . It has been regarded as among the top diving spots in the world due to its rich biodiversity . It is home to more than 1,300 types of fish and 500 coral species .
responsible tourism . In fact , the country requires each visitor to sign the first mandatory pledge in the world , the Palau Pledge . By doing so , visitors promise not to exploit or damage the islands ’ natural treasures or culture during their visit .
The nation aims to be the first carbon neutral tourism destination in the world . It is working with a non-profit dedicated to protecting the most
vulnerable travel spots in order to accomplish its green goal .
Bhutan
The country with the signature Gross National Happiness index is also the greenest in the world . This Himalayan kingdom , arguably the happiest in the world , is the first carbon-negative and
carbon-neutral country .
It ’ s interesting to note that Bhutan ’ s admirable green status quo remains despite increasing tourism . That ’ s because the Buddhist kingdom ’ s constitution provides that no less than 60 % of the land
be forested . This is on top of its keen efforts to preserve its culture and work on its goal of becoming a zero-waste country by 2030 .
Visiting this dreamy destination is one way travelers can add to the nation ’ s conservation efforts . Tourists can expect to pay a minimum daily package fee and book tours via an officially approved operator . It already includes lodgings , tour guide , meals , trekking and camping gear , domestic travel fees and the usual taxes and other fees . There ’ s also a daily sustainable development fee included in the said package .
Rottnest Island
Car free and peaceful , this island off the coast of Western Australia ’ s Perth has a flourishing
community of quokkas . These marsupials are known as the happiest animals in the world , which affirms this vacation destination ’ s serene atmosphere .
Rottnest Island also values sustainability and is working to increase the energy generated by solar power and wind turbines . It has engaged in marine area protection and wastewater management . It offers ferry and bike trips , hiking trails and glamping experiences .
Have you decided on your next lowcarbon vacation destination ? Go ahead and take the plunge , and help contribute to the sustainability efforts of any of the choices on this list by simply visiting .
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Travel + Lifestyle 47