Most of us aren't to the point of environmental awareness that we feel guilt at the greenhouse emissions caused by the planes that fly us to Carribbean destinations or ski resorts. Vacations are meant to be times of excess and self-lavishing, right? Well, the folks at REI travel have found a way for travelers to pay for the damage they cause with "Green tags." These certificates support renewable energy sources, including wind and solar power. REI is partnering with the Bonneville Environmental Foundation in this effort, and the cost of the green tags is built into the entire price of the trip, covering 100% of the cost of carbon damage generated by each traveler.
Bonneville has an option for independent travelers to buy green tickets for trips as well, with a calculator on their website which determines the number of green tags necessary for miles travelled by plane or car. For example, my upcoming trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, involves a round trip journey of approximately 4500 miles, which translates into 5 green tags to neutralize the roughly 6,120 lbs of greenhouse gases that my activities will create. You then have the option of choosing between two types of green tags. "Cooler Future" tags cost $20 each, and 99% of the proceeds go to wind power, with the remaining 1% used to produce solar powered energy. "Brighter Future" tags cost $24, and 90% of the money is spent on wind power, with 10% left for solar power (creating solar energy is a more costly endeavor).
An extra $100 really isn't that much in the big picture, but I am a very poor college student and have already used the past weekend's waitressing tips towards next month's rent. Call me a hypocrite, but i doubt i'll be purchasing any green tags for my upcoming trip.... I already shelled out $850-- i'm not an ATM machine! But one day when i've climbed out of my deep hole of debt (thanks, NYU!) i'll be an eco-tourist, I promise. Who knows, maybe airlines will begin taxing travelers for carbon emissions. What's one more fee?
No comments:
Post a Comment