The earthly environment is what we all have in common, and the greatest gift we can give is by sustaining it.
–Wendell Berry
What does sustainable travel mean to a typical traveler? Sustainable travel refers to adopting sustainable practices to minimize the negative impacts and maximize the positive effects of tourism.
Timberline Adventure’s journey began 40 years ago with key components committing to limiting its carbon footprint through sustainable travel practices, and providing human-powered experiences. As the years passed, they, as travelers, began to discover how the environment was changing around them. How significant damage has been done to the ecosystem, and how nature has been deprived and wasted.
As a resilient company, Timberline Adventures continues to lead the eco-friendly way by being the first commercial tour company to offer a fully supported, sustainable, end-to-end ride on the entire length of the East Coast Greenway from Maine/Canada to Key West, Florida. This year, we will cycle the first segment of the greenway from Maine – NY and next year we will ride the second segment, from Manhattan, NY to Raleigh, NC. Throughout this ride, they packed litter-less lunches, wasted less food & ditched the plastic water bottles.
To contribute their quota to the preservation, management, and sustainability of the environment, Timberline Adventures founded a way to connect the dots between having a good traveling experience and keeping the environment healthy.
Education is key to turning around the adverse effects of endangered ecology. Awareness of the scale of the planet’s waste problem is growing. Opening the dialog of the healthy ways we can protect this planet is how we solve complex human problems. Recycling and recovering reusable items for environmental preservation is the most effective way to preserve, protect and save.
A passion for locals and indigenous is evident in the adventure tourism industry. We all build stronger communities by supporting local businesses, hotels & restaurants by empowering the local economies and linking neighbors. Local foods don’t require transportation. Therefore, it increases employment and income within a community.
Saying NO to single-use plastics, composting food waste, steering clear of plastic straws, and carrying reusable shopping bags are easy ways to make a sustainable shift in tourism. Each day, think about how you are impacting the environment and challenge yourself with the question, “what can I do today to reduce plastic waste?”.
If you can’t reuse it, refuse it!
Packing biodegradable shampoos and sunscreens with fewer chemicals will reduce the environmental mark on natural environments. Filling your suitcase with articles of clothing that can be interchangeable with other pieces to create a capsule wardrobe. Lighter suitcases = less carbon waste.
Exploring the national parks for the last 40 years has really left an impression on the Timberline Adventures family. Furthermore, the seven principles of Leave No Trace are essential when exploring the outdoors, but many of the lessons can be applied to urban travel as well. The principle “Plan Ahead and Prepare” will help you pack appropriately for your adventure. Packing a reusable water bottle is just one way you can tread more lightly on the planet. The same goes for having extra room in your pack for that yummy lunch you buy locally.
The principles “Leave What You Find” and “Respect Wildlife” are just as important on urban parks & trails as the backcountry. Simply put, being respectful of the world around us not only helps our planet, but it enriches the experience and enjoyment while out in nature. Timberline Bike & Hike Adventures is going next level by representing what a genuinely sustainable tour company stands for. This is important for our planet’s health and the well-being of the people and communities we visit and love around the world.
Our travel discussions and actions really do make a difference.
For more information about Leave No Trace, you can visit the National Park Service website at https://www.nps.gov/articles/leave-no-trace-seven-principles.htm
