What if your next journey could do more than just fulfill a bucket list? Imagine travel that actively builds a better world.

Five pioneering cities are redefining tourism with low-waste, community-first, and climate-smart approaches. Which one will inspire your next purposeful adventure?

With six of seven sea turtle species threatened or endangered, conservation efforts are crucial. RED Sustainable Tourism, a Mexican conservation adventure company, connects travelers and volunteers to support these efforts, offering unique experiences. Similarly, SEE Turtles provides conservation travel opportunities for families and volunteers seeking a positive impact.

These initiatives promote ecotourism, sustainable travel, and community conservation. They offer tours and school programs in regions like Mexico, Costa Rica, and Trinidad, enabling travelers and volunteers to contribute to the protection of sea creatures.

Sustainable Travel International (STI) educates travelers and certifies service providers. CEO Brian Mullis explains how STI helps businesses, consumers, and destinations protect their unique environmental, cultural, and economic attributes.

Their program development for tour operators includes initiatives focused on sustainability and philanthropy.

International expert Costas Christ explores how sustainable tourism is transforming the travel industry. He discusses the shift where good environmental stewardship now equates to sound business practice.

Christ further elaborates on the significant implications this evolution holds for global conservation efforts.

Glenn Jampol, President of the Cámara Nacional de Ecoturismo (CANAECO), shares his journey from Berkeley to Costa Rica, where he founded Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation and Inn. This "Boutique" hotel in Santa Bárbara de Heredia, built on sustainable standards, is now recognized by the New York Times and Conde Nast Traveler as "one of the best hotels in the world." It also features 35 acres of certified organic, shade-grown coffee, processed on-site.

Glenn's interview was videotaped by Barry Heidt of sustainabletv, with editing support from Tom Hopkins of Sustainable Today. The recording took place at The International Ecotourism Society's (TIES) 2010 ESTC event in Portland, Oregon, from September 8-10, 2010.

Hunter McIntosh, VP of the Alaskan-based The Boat Company, is a second-generation conservationist. After working on Capitol Hill, he joined the family business, now focusing on advancing ecotourism. The Boat Company, in business for 30 years, emphasizes collaboration and a unified political voice for the industry.

Hunter was videotaped by Barry Heidt of Sustainable TV, with editing support from Tom Hopkins of Sustainable Today. This occurred at The International Ecotourism Society's (TIES) 2010 ESTC event in Portland, Oregon, from September 8-10, 2010.

Glenn Jampol, President of Cámara Nacional de Ecoturismo (CANAECO), presented on "The Role and Challenges of Certified Sustainable Tourism..." at the 2010 EcoTourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference in Portland, Oregon. His talk was part of a panel sponsored by The International Ecotourism Society (TIES).

In 1985, Jampol founded Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation and Inn in Santa Bárbara de Heredia, Costa Rica. This "Boutique" hotel, based on early sustainable standards, is now lauded by the New York Times and Conde Nast Traveler as "one of the best hotels in the world." It also boasts 35 acres of certified shade-grown organic coffee, cultivated and roasted on-site.

The presentation was videotaped by Ruth Ann Barrett of EarthSayers.tv.

Alvarado Guzman from the La Cusinga Eco Lodge in Costa Rica discussed his hotel's role in promoting national sustainability.

He was interviewed by Barry Heidt of SustainableTV at the Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference, organized by The International Ecotourism Society (TIES). The video, edited by Sustainable Today, is available on EarthSayers.tv.

Tamara Hill-Kennedy of the Green Meeting Industry Council (GMIC) addressed the "Where's the ROI in green travel?" panel at the Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference. Sponsored by The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), the event was held September 8-10 in Portland, Oregon. EarthSayers.tv recorded Ms. Kennedy-Hill's presentation.

The GMIC is a premier global non-profit organization dedicated to advancing sustainability in the meetings and events industry. It spearheads education, research, policy, and standards, with member representation in over 20 countries.

Rick Ridgeway, Patagonia's Vice President of Environmental Programs and Communications, was a keynote speaker at the Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference in Portland, Oregon. The event, held September 8-10, was sponsored by The International Ecotourism Society (TIES).

Ridgeway was interviewed by Barry Hiedt of Sustainable Action Media (SAM) for Earthsayers.tv. In the interview, he urged individuals to identify one specific area each day where they can effect positive change.

Bruce Poon Tip, CEO of Gap Adventures, leads the world's premier adventure travel company, serving 100,000 travelers annually.

In an exclusive interview, Bruce shares his corporate and personal philosophies. This discussion was filmed by Barry Heidt of sustainabletv and edited by Tom Hopkins of Sustainability Today.

The interview took place at the 2010 Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference (ESTC), organized by TIES, The International Ecotourism Society.

At the Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference (ESTC) in Portland, Oregon, Christina Tunnah discussed her experiences with World Nomads Insurance, the Footprints network, and using social media for community engagement.

This content was produced by Sustainable TV and Children Feeding Children, and edited by Tom Hopkins of The Center for a Sustainable Today. The ESTC is organized by TIES, The International Ecotourism Society.

Jeff Greenwald is a bestselling travel and science writer, with five books and hundreds of features to his credit. He serves as executive director of Ethical Traveler, a non-profit dedicated to empowering travelers to change the world.

Jeff was filmed by Barry Heidt of Sustainable TV at the 2010 Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference, organized by The International Ecotourism Society (TIES).

Editing was provided by Tom Hopkins of Sustainable Today.

EarthSayers.tv recorded Steve Faulstick, General Manager of the DoubleTree Hotel Portland, presenting on the significant Return on Investment (ROI) from their sustainability initiatives. His staff's commitment to energy reduction, recycling, and composting demonstrates effective environmental practices.

These efforts not only save money but also attract talent through employee recognition and reward programs. The hotel successfully draws both business and personal travelers who prioritize companies committed to sustainability principles. This presentation was delivered at the 2010 EcoTourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference in Portland, sponsored by The International Ecotourism Society (TIES).

Kip Ward, owner of the Historic Anchor Inn in Lincoln City, Oregon, shares insights on sustainable living.

He emphasizes the critical importance of taking the initial step.

Ward encourages individuals to simply get started on their sustainability journey.