At Pure Adventures, we are proud to say that we’ve been “green” before it was considered trendy. At our head office, we opt for e-mail over snail-mail, use cloud storage and electronic document sharing to help diminish paper printing and storage. In 1997, we went to an E-brochure only presentation method in 1997 (our detailed website at www.pureadventures.com) then eliminated paper brochures and mailings in 2002. Over the years we have contributed more than $10,000US to wind farm projects and other sustainable energy projects. We hire remotely and allow people to work from home no matter where they live – which in the past has been global locations. Best of all, self-guided cycling tours are the ultimate eco-friendly vacation and have low-t0-no-impact on the planet.
To celebrate Earth Day on April 22, we offer up these ideas and products to make your European cycling vacation even more earth friendly.
Buy carbon offsets to reduce the environmental impact of your flight
Did you know that a flight of up to 100,000 miles has a 19 tonne carbon footprint? Purchasing carbon offsets help organizations invest in green initiatives which offset the impact of your flight’s carbon use. At carbonfund.org, the purchase of a carbon offset is invested in reforestation, renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.
Wear gear made from recycled materials
The Grind bike jersey manufactured by Atayne is made from 100% recycled polyester mesh fabric. Form fitting and lightweight, this jersey wicks moisture and dries quickly and best of all, looks great.
Use biodegradable soaps
What’s better than a biodegradable soap made with all-natural ingredients? How about one that is made using pedal power! Just Soap is a US-based company that blends all of their soaps by pedalling a bicycle. The idea was dreamed up by environmentalist and cyclist Frederick Breeden who has extended the product line to include lip balms – a must for cyclists.
Sleep at ecologically responsible hotels
We are proud to include Hostal Empuries among the hotels travellers will stay in while on the Catalonia Wine and Wheels tour. Hostal Empuries is the first hotel is all of Europe with LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. They produce approximately 1/3 of the energy they consume, 100% of their energy is sourced from renewable resources and they are dedicated to identifying products which may be biodegradable or reusable.
We are looking to partner with more “TRUE” eco friendly hotels like the Hostal Empuries and welcome recommendations from customers from their travel experiences.
Be careful what souvenirs you buy
Just because a product is for sale in a market, doesn’t mean that it is legal to bring home. According to the World Wildlife Fund, more than 170 nations have signed the CITES treaty to protect endangered species and the import of products made from them, meaning that coral necklace should be left on the shelf.
Send e-postcards
Instead of buying and mailing a paper postcard, send an e-postcard to your family and friends. Travellerspoint.com has scenic e-photographs from Italy and with a click, can be in your family’s mailbox instantly. Better yet, send us your Postcard Moment and be entered for a chance to win your next trip to Spain for free!
What are your best tips for eco-friendly vacation planning?