Eco Links

(scroll down for links)

When faced with a choice, one must consider the outcomes of their decisions not only immediately but into the future. Every aspect of our lives from what we eat and drink, to where we shop and what we buy, to how and where we travel, has an effect on the planet. In recent years, the notion of environmental sustainability has emerged. This is the concept that in order for an individual or a company to continue to exist, it must not over use the resources that its environment can provide. It is essential to support businesses which do their utmost to protect our resources and operate in a manner that is sustainable for the future.

 

 

 

 

The tourism industry is represented by a wide spectrum of companies with different goals and visions. Some of these companies operate for purely intrinsic reasons, hoping to maximize profits, while often negatively affecting the health of the environment and the people it supports. Others show a great deal of consideration in their operations in order to minimize the negative effects on the environment and often making improvements to its overall health. You can help by making educated decisions and supporting these organizations.

Below are a few examples of leaders in the areas of environmental sustainability and conservation as well as links to further information on the subject:

Sustainable Operators

Coast Mountain Expeditions - This kayaking company on Vancouver Island is a leader in its eco-tour operations with green policies and low impact tours. (www.coastmountainexpeditions.com)

Blue Water Adventures - This charter boat company running tours on the B.C. coast has been recognized for its cultural heritage tours while supporting local communities, using organic foods and making an effort to reduce waste and pollution. (www.bluewateradventures.ca)

Sooke Harbour House - This resort/restaurant on Southern Vancouver Island has been recognized as a leader in environmentally sustainable operations with an all organic garden, grass parking lot, on-site water treatment facility, and other eco-friendly policies. (www.sookeharbourhouse.com)

Planet Organic - This is Canada’s leading natural and organic supermarket chain, who support the use of pesticide and herbicide free food options. They also provide healthy lifestyle alternatives and recipes. (www.planetorganic.ca)

 

Environmental Conservation Organizations

Sea Change - Sea Change is a group of dedicated people working to preserve the marine envrionment through youth education and restoration projects. (www.seachangelife.net)

Oceanwise - A Vancouver Aquarium conservation program created to help restaurants and their customers make environmentally friendly seafood choices. (www.oceanwisecanada.com)

Georgia Strait Alliance - This organization helps protect the marine ecosystems around the Pacific Northwest by offering information on green boating techniques, wildlife viewing, and preventing marine pollution. (www.georgiastrait.org)

Raincoast Conservation Society - This organization is involved in the protection of habitat throughout B.C. as well as research on species at risk. (www.raincoast.org)

The Land Conservancy - This not-for-profit organization is responsible for the protection and conservation of key habitats and properties on Vancouver Island through public donations. (www.conservancy.bc.ca)

CPAWS - The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society is Canada's pre-eminent, non-profit wilderness protection organization who are responsible for helping to conserve over 400,000 square kilometers of this country's wild places. (www.cpaws.org)

Stewardship Centre for British Columbia - This website was designed to support and advance stewardship activities in B.C. by providing a centre for information exchange, communications and outreach. Stewardship involves a commitment to act in an environmentally, socially and economically sustainable manner. (www.stewardshipcentre.bc.ca)

David Suzuki Foundation - This Vancouver based foundation does important research to provide information on climate change and sustainable living. (www.davidsuzuki.org)

Sierra Club of Canada - This organization's mission is to develop a diverse, well-trained grassroots network working to protect the integrity of our global ecosystems. (www.sierraclub.ca)

PADI Project Aware - The world's largest association of scuba diving instructors (PADI) has created an organization for protecting the environment through education, fundraising and restoration projects. (www.projectaware.org)

Red Dot Campaign - This campaign was designed to help Canadians take action against the production of excessive junk mail and other print advertising waste. (www.reddotcampaign.ca)

 

Sustainable Travel

National Geographic Sustainable Travel Destinations - This website is designed to provide information for travellers and communities alike on ways to make envrionmentally sustainable travel decisions. It also ranks various travel destinations for their environmental efforts. (www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/sustainable/travelers.html)

 

Have you ever wondered how much "nature" your lifestyle requires?

Calculate your environmental footprint by clicking here!