Menu is not displayed because Javascript is disabled. Spiders crawl here.

Reader Follows Through on Eco Commitment

08/03/2009 6:17 pm

Strategies in Southeast Asia

Nancy, the trip was everything I had hoped for and more! Your "eco" suggestions were really excellent. I used them all whenever I could.

Most importantly, I'm taking off next year to volunteer for six months to help save the tigers in Laos.

Below are Derek's pre-trip posts

Hey Nancy-- enjoy your blogs even though some of them make a little uncomfortable (LOL) that I'm not doing more. I'm making a late spring trip to Thailand and Laos, getting off the beaten tourist track as much as possible. Can you give me a checklist of things I can reasonably do to be "eco"?
Derek from Merry Old England

Yesterday he wrote Nancy, great recommendations! I've found some great looking eco-lodging, especially in Laos. And I've already done my carbon offset for travel (that really felt good!!) When I've told my friends about the --take your own utensils-gig, they all laugh and then go -- oh, yea, that's a great idea. I'll keep you posted!

Derek, soon to be blogging while floating down the Mekong

Nancy's reply

Derek, lucky you! my fingers could be clicking until the sun goes down, but here's my favorite short list.

>Research before you go! Check out eco-accommodations. You're luck because there are some excellent ones particularly in the northern parts of Laos and Thailand.

>Seriously consider carbon offset credits to minimize the results of your air travel.
Hint-Pay it up front -- less painful than after the trip

>Eat in restaurants owned by locals. Not only does it help the places you visit, but the food is usually fresher and more local than chains

>Buy items made with natural, local products

>Take your own utensils. I've found in my travels that it's more hygienic to have my own. Now we also know that it's more environmental not to be polluting Asia with thrown away chopsticks, plastic spoons and god forbid styrofoam

Hope this helps and you've inspired me to keep upgrading the eco-list for our travelers

Have an amazing time and let me know how it goes!

Post your Comment: Join the Conversation