I hate to say it, but many people Just Don’t Care. But perhaps that attitude will someday change.

Years ago, in a part of the world that I had always thought of as snow-covered, and pristine, friends and I went trekking in Nepal.  At one point in the journey, a friend of mine took a trash bag and in less than 1/2 an hour had completely filled it – and this was in the mountains at 14,000 feet.  I also understand that the Everest Base Camp is also littered with empty oxygen bottles.  And, I’m ashamed to say, visitors  to that lovely country are the worst offenders.

To make matters even worse, the local children, seeing our complete disregard for the environment, imitate us.  Give one a candy bar (or, OK a toothbrush) and watch the child unwrap it, enjoy it, and throw the wrapper on the ground.

The group we were with though, packed everything in and packed everything out.  Every can, every container, every scrap of paper was brought back to Kathmandu to be disposed of.

At that time most travel companies could care less about the envionment.  Whether it be mounds of trash at the  Everest Base Camp , or cruise ships dumping their waste at sea, it was thought (and unfortunately still do) that the Earth and seas were big enough to indefinitely accept all that we throw at, or in, it.

Fortunely, things have been changing , although perhaps too slowly.  When you choose a travel company, choose one that respects the environment whether on land or at sea.  Even better, use companies that “give back”; that put time and money back into the country they’re visiting.  In this way, those countries that don’t have the resources  can help protect the lands that we visit.

One last note,  Be aware of some travel or cruise companies that advertise “Ecotourism” or “Green” etc., etc  are  not necessarily  “ecological” or “green”.  Investigate these companies as best you can.  Ask questions.  See what organizations they belong to.  Speak to your travel professional if you’re not sure.  Happy Eco-Safe  Traveling!