Vacation sustainability

It is that time of year when many of us start planning our summer vacation.  It is also a perfect time to exercise your power as a buyer.   When you are booking transit, accommodation and entertainment why not ask about the sustainability initiatives of those organizations?  A simple query can go a long way to impacting the world.  Maybe the vendor your are choosing does not have a sustainability practice but now that customers are asking starts to look deeper into some initiatives.  You may not know how extensive the efforts are with other vendors but once you learn you have some bragging rights and can relax that much extra knowing you are doing your part  - even on vacation.  Many hotels are cutting costs significantly with their sustainability initiatives.  It may be that the extra profit floating around will serve you better with discounts or excellent service!  Also, if an organization does not care about the planet what kind of culture do you think you will experience with them?  – how much will they really care about you?  Part of the memories of a holiday are telling the stories after so learn more about your providers and you might just be surprised how your vacation changes for the better.  Remember, sustainability goes beyond waste, water and air and includes social elements as well.  You may be on the receiving end of a genuine smile from the staff serving you or they may be struggling to share a good vibe since the vendor you booked has a bad social track record.  One little question or a bit a research could really change the dynamics of your trip.  Ask and you shall receive – or at least be for warned.