Audubon: How Ecotourists Can Avoid Getting Greenwashed

« Look for seals of approval from Global Sustainable Tourism Council, The Long Run, and Rainforest Alliance; all of these groups factor energy and water use, as well as sustainability and improving the livelihoods of local people. « 

Randy Durband, CEO of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, emphasizes the importance of choosing accredited accommodations and operators. “Certification equals verification by neutral third-party assessment,” he says. “That’s true of proving that an electrical appliance is safe, and true of businesses certified as sustainable. Certification verifies self-made claims.” He recommends the website bookdifferent.com, which filters hotels by carbon footprint and sustainable certifications.