Steps Towards Planning an Eco Friendly Holiday Do your research. Use contemporary websites such as ReefEscapes to locate eco-conscious companies and organizations. Be sure to check that these companies are doing what they say they do - many use eco-tourism 'lingo' without following up on thier claims. Plan to travel the least amount possible. The unfortunate truth is that you will need to fly to get to most reefs, however shorter and more direct flights are possible. Sometimes saving a few dollars means you are travelling up to double the amount you need to. Also, check into more sustainable air and bus lines. Conserve water. Even if you are not staying at an eco resort, it is no excuse to wash your sheets and towels every day. Opt out of the daily maid service, reuse your bath and beach towels, and turn off the tap when you brush your teeth. Not only are you conserving water, you are reducing waste that ultimately ends up in the ocean. Mind the reef, mind the forest. "Take only pictures, leave only footprints". Do your part to be as unobtrusive and least invasive as possible on the natural landscape. Stay on paths, don't touch or stand on the reef, and support companies that encourage these behaviours. Eat at restaurants that make sustainable food choices. Consider this also when you are buying foods from a local market, it never hurts to ask where something comes from and how it was obtained. Getting in the habit of doing this while on vacation can encourage this behaviour at home, which benefits you & the earth in the end. Make sure its an item that isn't being over-harvested, didn't require the demolition of a forest to grow, and doesn't use chemicals that are bad for us & the environment. Purchase local souveniers. It will be nearly impossible to say don't buy anything- and thats not something we want to encourage, either! But by purchasing locally-made crafts you are supporting local businesses and individuals, as well as saving fuel use and importing costs. Tell your friends. Spread the word on accomodations you enjoyed & reefs that were stunning. The more people that realize they can have a exceedingly enjoyable eco-friendly holiday, the better! - ReefEscapes.com

Green Glossary What it means to be green. Carbon Footprint A carbon footprint is a "measure of the impact human activities have on the environment in terms of the amount of greenhouse gases produced, measured in units of carbon dioxide". Carbon Offsetting Offsetting the amount of carbon emissions (Co2) produced in the manufacture, production, transport, energy, food etc, with the planting of trees. Conservation Is concerned with the long-term preservation of cultural property and environment through examination, documentation, treatment and preventitive care. Eco-Friendly Friendly to the environment or environmentally sustainable. Ecological Footprint Measures the extent to which human beings are using nature's resources faster than the planet can regenerate them. Environmentally Friendly Environmentally friendly, eco-friendly, and nature friendly are synonyms used to refer to goods and services considered to inflict minimal harm on the environment. Global Warming An overall increase in world temperatures which may be caused by additional heat being trapped by greenhouse gases. Green Car Rental Environmentally friendly, fuel efficient cars such as a hybrid or a vehicle that runs on an alternative highly efficient fuel source. Greenhouse Effect The greenhouse effect is the rise in temperature that the Earth experiences because certain gases in the atmosphere (water vapor, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane, for example) trap energy from the sun. Without these gases, heat would escape back into space and Earth’s average temperature would be about 60ºF colder. Because of how they warm our world, these gases are referred to as greenhouse gases. Greenhouse Gas This is a collective term for gases such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxides (among others) that trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to climate change. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the greenhouse gas mostly produced from combustion of fossil fuels. Green Hotel Environmentally friendly properties that take the initiative and implement very important practices and programs to reduce energy, water, and waste. Green Travel Is a method for people to travel while reducing their impact on the environment. - TopCanadianHotels.com