Leisure time is a key part of quality of life—what we do, where we go, how we recreate. Recreation and travel provide many benefits, but they may have unintended environmental consequences on the land, water, and air.
At the Living Green Expo you can learn about green practices for your travel and recreation, what businesses are doing to go green, and how green economy strategies can help create economic value.
Recreation and Travel: Things to Consider About Going Green
There are many ways a destination can demonstrate green and sustainability practices. Assess which are important to you and communicate what you expect from a destination. For example, you can ask if the tourism destination or business:
Demonstrates a commitment to higher environmental performance by implementing green policies, practices, and operations.
Communicates messages about environmental practices and educates customers.
Designs and maintains facilities, buildings, and sites to maximize energy and resource efficiency.
Conserves and protects ecologically and culturally significant areas and minimizes environmental footprints.
Utilizes renewable energy sources.
Maintains a high level of water quality through water conservation practices.
On the front end water conservation:
On the back end reclaiming and recycling water.
Minimizes the generation of waste, optimizes reuse and recycling opportunities, and provides disposal options for special wastes.
Provides low-impact transportation options — to and from the destination, within the region of travel, and at facilities.
Implements practices that prevent emissions and improve air quality.
Demonstrates a commitment to local environmental quality and support the local community.
Traveling Green in Minnesota
Minnesota has an emerging travel green initiative: Travel Green Minnesota. The emphasis is on protecting the environment, promoting tourism business practices that reduce environmental impact, educating travelers, and promoting Minnesota tourism. Visit the Travel Green Minnesota web site for links to resources, information, and best practices: www.travelgreen.umn.edu
