rainbowSustainability is the capacity to endure. In ecology the word describes how biological systems remain diverse and productive over time. For humans it is the potential for long-term maintenance of well-being, which, in turn, depends on the well-being of the natural world and the responsible use of natural resources.

Because abundant scientific evidence has proven that humanity is living unsustainably, i.e., global warming, environmental and land degradation, ozone depletion and coral bleaching to name a few, it is necessary to switch to a more sustainable form of living. Together we can do this by reorganizing our living conditions: establishing sustainable cities, by reappraising economic sectors: permaculture, green building, and sustainable agriculture, by switching to more sustainable work practices and architecture, by using science to develop new technologies: green technologies or renewable energy, and, finally, by making individualistic adjustments in our lifestyles that would conserve natural resources.

Ecotourism & Sustainability:

By traveling under the principles of ecotourism, we optimize our efforts focusing on environmental conservation and the preservation of local communities. nepal_marketTo be a sustainable traveler, one should ensure to minimize impact while building environmental and cultural respect; be aware, and raise sensitivity to the host countries' political, social, and environmental climate.

Of course sustainability is much more intricate than simply having an awareness for a greener way of travel but, to set off even the smallest of ripples can, in turn, create a wave of change. As the dawning of environmental consciousness becomes more pertinent in our daily lives, the time to be a supporter for a greener Earth has arrived.

Ecotourism & Greenwashing:

lodgeA major problem with the tourism industry is greenwashing; literally a "washing over" of what it means to be green. A traveler may find a vacation, a resort, or a tour operator marketed as ecotourism but, alternatively, it is simply conventional mass tourism swaddled in a thin veneer of green. Much of the tourism industry is propelled by travel agents, tour operators, hotel chains, airlines and cruise lines that only promote quick, superficially "green" visits within conventional packages. This is the antithesis of sustainable travel. Unfortunately, it is true that many times it is much easier to locate the nearest travel agent to have them do the research for us and this is why humanity needs to be educated concisely on the importance of sustainable travel, on behalf of our planet.