Green Hands USA: America Volunteers

Ah, summer. Time to get out of the house and enjoy yourself somewhere else. But where is a discerning eco-positive vacationer to go? Not just any hotel or destination will do. Don't worry, we have an answer for you.

More specifically, the Rainforest Alliance has an answer. The Alliance runs the fantastic SustainableTrip.org website which lists a robust selection of hotels, tour operators, restaurants and more so that you vacation can have a smaller carbon footprint. All of these businesses have been certified or verified by the Rainforest Alliance or other trusted conservation NGO. These businesses benefit from the endorsement by the Alliance to markets in the United States, Canada, Europe and Latin America.

The standards which the tourism businesses listed must meet are based on the principles of the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria, and include using ecosystem and water conservation, reduced energy use, support of local businesses, and hiring from within the community where each business is located.

SustainableTrip.org features a more powerful search engine, an updated design, Google Maps of business locations, links to promotional videos and information in French. 

So go ahead and book that vacation, and leave the guilt at home!