My that's a large footprint you have (continued)

Part Two of Two

At least every other year I head west during the month of October.  Somehow I never make it past the Santa Fe/Albuquerque area, in large part because there are almost limitless opportunities to be outdoors*.  And, because of other reasons including that in the heart of one of the country’s most impoverished states, you can fly into Albuquerque, step off the plane and step onto a train to Santa Fe (http://nmrailrunner.com/route_map.asp).

Two years ago, I drove west with my sister in crime and conservation (we specialize in laughing) for a week.  We tested Starbuck’s discount for providing your own cup, sought out fast food options that did not include Styrofoam and stopped for recycling opportunities.  Some retailers offer recycling for most routine waste generated during travel: Target offers bins near store entrances for aluminum, glass and plastic beverage containers, plastic bags, MP3 players, cell phones and ink cartridges; some WalMart stores may collect more than plastic bags at the entrance in a partnership with Terracycle. And, some communities have easily accessible recycle stations like the one pictured here in Amarillo, Texas.

There are resources to assist you in understanding your impact through travel and specifically on locations you visit.  A UK-based company, Responsible Travel offers destination guides to venues.  Sustainable Travel International offers information on a mindful approach in your travel and by location.  One of my longtime favorites, National Geographic lists sustainable travel destinations.  Look for true sustainable travel opportunities and avoid “greenwashing.” A recent visit to Tennesee’s Sustainable Travel web page was filled with great marketing copy, but digging deeper I was able to find that Chattanooga is actually walking the walk through a certification program that includes long term goals.

Travel is one of my favorite topics, so we’ll talk more.  But before closing, let me introduce you to another way of travel.  It’s so easy to rent a room and check off a destination that’s been on your top 100 places that I believe we have lost the sense of adventure and relaxation that created the travel industry.  John Ruskey of Quapaw Canoe Company reminds us that below that massive bridge we’re driving over and down the riverbank we’re walking beside flows one of our forgotten natural treasures.  John specializes in the Lower Mississippi River and is part of a small network of river guides in the U.S. who can lead you on truly life-changing travel experiences.  Now that’s the way to go!

*Beginning in 1981 the Santa Fe Group of The Sierra Club has published a very thorough guide "Day Hikes in the Santa Fe Area."  Last time I spoke with the author, he was close to retirement.  Hopefully someone in the organization has picked up this project and continued the updates.