Sustainability and "going green" are hot topics of discussion on Anguilla these days. With development at a virtual standstill from the global recession, the island's movers and shakers are using what is being seen as a gift of time to take the long view on developing ways to ensure that Anguilla's natural resources are protected and preserved. A Sustainable Energy Committee is looking at ways (windpower, solar power) to make the country more sustainable and less dependent on traditional energy sources. In other developments, a forward-thinking government agricultural initiative to farm vegetables on a large swath of land is putting fresh sweet potatoes, peppers, corn, squash, tomatoes, lettuces, and pigeon peas into the marketplace. Old farmers are rediscovering the pleasure of growing food, and new farmers (and future chefs) are being initiated in this agricultural renaissance. Local chefs are also getting in on the act, designing menus around local seafood instead of expensive imported fish. Ecotourism is on the rise, with increasingly popular eco-tours offered by the Anguilla National Trust. The Trust also makes monthly species counts on the local ponds and wetlands.
General Resources for Responsible Travel
The following websites provide valuable wide-ranging information on sustainable travel.
- Responsible Travel (www.responsibletravel.com) is a great source of sustainable travel ideas; the site is run by a spokesperson for ethical tourism in the travel industry. Sustainable Travel International (www.sustainabletravelinternational.org) promotes ethical tourism practices, and manages an extensive directory of sustainable properties and tour operators around the world.
- Carbonfund (www.carbonfund.org), TerraPass (www.terrapass.org), and Cool Climate (http://coolclimate.berkeley.edu) provide info on "carbon offsetting," or offsetting the greenhouse gas emitted during flights.
- Greenhotels (www.greenhotels.com) recommends green-rated member hotels around the world that fulfill the company's stringent environmental requirements. Environmentally Friendly Hotels (www.environmentallyfriendlyhotels.com) offers more green accommodation ratings.
- Volunteer International (www.volunteerinternational.org) has a list of questions to help you determine the intentions and the nature of a volunteer program. For general info on volunteer travel, visit www.volunteerabroad.org and www.idealist.org.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
