Romantic Planet Vacations' Green Role

As we continue to gain better awareness and knowledge of the challenges our planet faces, we have compiled a collection of information for those couples passionate about sustainability and of having an environmentally friendly destination wedding or trip. Please find more information as follows.

Not only is it's the company's goal to make the planet more romantic, it is our goal to make it a greener one too. It's important for you to find a tour operator that has put forth a strong and dedicated effort towards sustainability. This can be found with Romantic Planet Vacations Inc.

GREEN BROCHURES: To help save our forests, Romantic Planet Vacations Inc. introduced flippable ON-LINE travel brochures in 2007. These can be found at www.romanticplanet.ca/ebrochures.html

CHARITY DONATIONS: Romantic Planet Vacations gives 1% of it's sales to a chosen foreign charity each month in one of the 45 different destinations it sells travel packages to including the Caribbean, Asia, South and Central America, Mexico, Europe, and the South Pacific.

GREEN WEDDING INVITATIONS: With every wedding group booking made with Romantic Planet Vacations Inc, we provide you with a FREE E-flyer invitation including information on your selected resort, destination, rates etc. This is for you to email to your guests, instead of, or in addition to, printing and mailing traditional invitations.

If you choose to print invitations, we recommend that you:

• Choose a printer that offers alternative paper options such as recycled card stock, plantable papers or paper made out of tree-free substances such as hemp, bamboo, banana stalks, kenaf or organic cotton.
• Turn a photo into a post-card with your details on the back instead of sending out multi-envelope invites.

TRAVEL SUPPLIERS: We tend to work more with those travel suppliers for whom share our concern for the environment and who makes a conserted effort and commitment to our planet. These includes:

G.A.P. Adventures has always had a commitment to socially conscious, grassroots style of travel. The company's goal to become impact neutral includes the creation of The Planet Positive Project which includes planting trees around the world and carbon offsetting the fuel of all their marine vessels and corporate flights. Their offices are 100% powered by green energy providers including Bullfrogpower. These companies provide green electricity and purchase power exclusively from wind and low-impact hydro generators.

Signature Vacations, who donates US$5 to The City of Joy Foundation for every client staying in one of five Real Resorts & Hotels, a founding and supporting member of the foundation.

SkyService Airline, who has a program in place called “SAFE” to reduce fuel consumption, which will translate to over 7,000 less metric tones of CO² being released into the environment in one winter travel season.

Virgin Atlantic has made the first commercial jet airliner flight partly fuelled with bio-fuel made from natural tropical oils. The Boeing 747 flew from London to Amsterdam using a fuel made from a combination of 80 per cent regular kerosene-based jet fuel and 20 per cent biodiesel composed of babassu oil (from a tree in Brazil) and coconut oil.

NatureAir, in Costa Rica, is committed to being the world's first and only zero emissions airline. They have implemented a year long analysis of their carbon emissions for each route and aircraft and ultimately has chosen two sustainable programs in Costa Rica which provide clean energy through solar and wind farms to off-set their carbon emissions.

and many, many more.....

RECOMMENDED GREEN HOTELS & RESORTS

El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels by Karisma
As pioneers in the going green trend, El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels by Karisma are practicing sustainable tourism through environmentally friendly technology and education in Riviera Maya, Mexico.

• A 70,000 sq ft Greenhouse at El Dorado Royale that produces fresh fruits and veggies!
• Hydro jets installed in all toilets to reduce the amount of water used.
• Water treatment process to reuse water for gardens.
• Solar panels heating 40 – 100% of the water at each resort.
• Ozone laundry system, eliminating harmful chemicals.
• LED light bulbs used throughout property.
• Extensive efforts to insure garbage is separated and recycled properly.
• All air conditioners use Ecofreeze which saves approximately 30% electricity.

Barceló Hotels & Resorts
Located throughout the Caribbean, Barceló Hotels & Resorts have made a solid commitment to the social and environmental aspects of the tourism industry. Signing the United Nations Pact on Human Rights and the Environment, Barceló is governed by several high impact principals and commitments. (for details, refer to www.barcelo.com)

RIU Hotels and Resorts
For many years RIU Hotels and Resorts have been working to preserve the environment in which its hotels are located. Focusing on many following guidelines, RIU prides itself on being a better choice for travellers. (for details, refer to www.riu.com)

Marriott Resorts
Marriott recognizes that sustainable environmental practices reflect the interests and concerns of today’s traveller. Proving its commitment to sustainable practices Marriott has been recognized in several ways by many leading environmental companies. (for detailed list of Marriott’s awards and efforts, refer to www.marriott.com).

CARBON OFF-SETTING YOUR TRIP

Carbon Credits provide a way to counter the greenhouse gas emissions from personal or business travel by donating a monetary value to a carbon development company. While there is still much debate about the validity of Carbon credits, the general consensus within most circles is they are a valuable and highly recommended concept. Companies such as Carbonfund allow you to calculate your exact emissions and then donate the equivalent dollar amount to carbon reducing projects such as renewable energy, energy efficiency and reforestation projects.

VOLUNTEERING ABROAD

Romantic Planet Vacations can assist you in finding a rewarding volunteer holiday. Look for charities where a couple of hours of your time can make a difference, such as food preparation programs or basic construction & repairs on homes or schools. If you are travelling with a group of family and friends, ask everyone to come along and turn the day into a pre-wedding event. A group volunteer project promises to be a unique addition to your wedding and something each guest will always remember.