There are lots of different types of volunteer projects out there for the environmentally-minded traveller
Travelling is fun especially if you’re a nature lover, as every country holds a unique natural beauty that only adds to the worlds diversity and wonder. Nature encloses us in warmth and protection. When we come in contact with it we feel at peace.
Yet thanks to technology and energy-hungry inventions the luxury of nature is at risk. More things are poisoning our environment. Every man and his dog has read about Global Warming, but by volunteering on green projects we can help to counteract all that.Green travel has nothing to do with living in a jungle or among trees. The label refers rather to travelling to destinations and residing in accommodations that are considered eco-friendly. Taking measures to protect the culture and natural arena of the visiting places – whether it’s by conserving animals and plants and respecting the values of those places – is crucial.
Volunteering encloses itself in an oath to protect the environment and its surrounding places and to not contaminate it further by any means. It also means helping locals to maintain their livelihood and an eco-friendly environment.
Organic Farming
You can volunteer for organic farming all around the world. Involving the growing and culitvation of plants and crops through natural means like fertilizers, this type of farming limits the use of any synthetic fertilizers or pesticides that might hamper the environment. Organizations supporting organic farming include WWOOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms), who help place volunteers willing to help.
Wildlife Conservation
The conservation of wildlife is another important key part of helping to maintain an eco-friendly environment. Wildlife preservation is important for saving animals from dying and preventing them being hunted for leathers and other products. There are many organizations working around the world to save them. The Nature Conservancy, The World Wildlife Fund and the Natural Resource Defense Council are just some of the main players you could work with. All aim to protect the land and the wildlife of the local communities around the world and also to prevent toxic chemicals from spreading to the environment.
Environmental Conservation
In volcanic areas like Hawaii, organizations like the WMO (The World Meteorological Organization) are working hard helping people and clearing the land and planting trees in order to help remedy some of the loss from volcanic disasters.
Likewise organizations like the Sierra Club deal with providing clean air and energy solutions and also play a crucial part in environmental justice. Haleakala National Park in Hawaii as its own agency working to preserve the area’s local parks and protect the area’s natural beauty.
Ocean Conservation
Groups like the Oceania Organization enable volunteers to work to preserve the ocean and its sealife by preventing chemical waste and garbage from contaminating the ocean
Responsible Tourism
You can also volunteer by choosing to work in green hotels that strive not to waste materials and wash cloths and make use of renewable sources of energy. Volunteering on responsible sightseeing tours is another way of using your services to better the environment.
Green travel volunteering will enable you to contribute to the environment with your time instead of money. Hopefully we’ve helped to give you a good idea of what’s out there and what you can do!