Travel greener by tracking emissions with iPhone

Pristine beaches and breathtaking views can be the highlight of a vacation. Getting away from it all and reconnecting with nature recharges the soul and reminds us of our roots, but traveling to exotic, untouched parts of the world also contributes to the destruction of those very same beaches and views. Unless traveling by foot, transportation causes pollution. Visitors often trample native plants, introduce invasive species and toss out waste. Resorts contribute to the erosion of local cultures, natural habitats and resources. Ecotourism offers an environmentally responsible way to see the world, as long as you actively seek to reduce your footprint.

Not all tourism is bad. Revenue from admission fees and tours can be used to conserve natural areas and endangered species. According to think tank Global Development Research Center (GDRC), national and foreign tourists in Costa Rica generated about $2.5 million in admission fees in 1999 and formed nearly ten percent of the country's gross domestic product. As nature becomes valuable for nature's sake, countries establish strict laws to protect native plants and wildlife. Tourism also provides jobs in areas where local residents would otherwise engage in practices like poaching and deforestation to eke out a living.

On the other hand, GDRC reports that tourism now accounts for more than 60% of air travel and is responsible for an important share of air emissions. Ecotourism can be as environmentally damaging as traditional tourism if greenhouse gases are not taken into account. Heavy traffic can also burden roads and sewage systems in areas that have not been equipped to handle high volumes of people and waste.

However, true ecotourism according to the International Ecotourism Society (TIES) is "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people." This means being mindful of leaving no trace, being sensitive to host countries' political, social and environmental climate and providing financial benefits for both wildlife and local people.

TIES estimates that eighty percent of the price of a conventional vacation package goes to large international companies rather than to the local economy, and to counter this the non-profit organization encourages the involvement of local community members as hosts, guides and resources. From mammal-watching in Estonia to cave exploration in Zanzibar, TIES facilitates ecotourism trips that give travelers an opportunity to experience nature while sustaining it. Visitors can donate time or money to conservation projects.

In April, TIES partnered with Cleaner Climate and Pocketweb to promote responsible travel with an iPhone app that tracks carbon dioxide emissions. With two clicks, the Green Travel Choice map shows possible travel options for various modes of transport and the estimated emissions for each option. Unlike other carbon emission calculators, the application tracks emissions while you are on the move and then lets you view a summary of your travel footprint over time.

Beyond leaving no trace, travelers can make a positive impact on the environment through volunteer work. It may sound like a contradiction to work while taking time off a job, but volunteering can connect you to organizations and local communities in a way no hotel or resort can. You're guaranteed to walk away with a better understanding of local culture and a few new skills as well. Whether to learn, be challenged or simply experience another country hands-on, volunteer vacations can make a tangible difference in protecting the environment. You might sign up to track wild animals, plant trees or help out a pineapple farmer. For a fee of about $25, Worldwide Opportunities in Organic Farming (WWOOF) connects travelers to organic farmers around the world to provide free room and board in exchange for a willing hand.

Travelers can make any trip greener by following a few simple rules. Conserve water by taking fewer or shorter showers, put money into the local economy by spending it on local shops and services, prevent habitat destruction by sticking to designated trails and learn about local culture and practices before setting foot on its soil. Many of the world's poorest countries depend on tourism and it would be irresponsible for travelers to not only harm the lands they trek on, but to tear down the local people's livelihoods and traditions.