Whether you’re a seasoned eco-friendly traveler or just being introduced to the concept of sustainable tourism, here are some tips to keep in mind before, during, and after your adventures to ensure you’re doing your part to keep Alaska, and all destinations, as green as possible.
Find Green Businesses
Businesses certified by the Adventure Green Alaska (AGA) Certification Program are leaders in the tourism industry. They are progressive companies that believe outstanding Alaska experiences can also be sustainable and of benefit to visitors and hosts alike. Since 2009, Adventure Green Alaska has recognized and promoted model Alaska tourism businesses who practice economic, environmental, social, and cultural sustainability. Browse our list of Adventure Green Alaska certified businesses below.
AGA Certified Businesses
Kenai Riverside Lodge is our original log lodge and cabins surrounded by snow-capped mountains and located on the banks of the upper Kenai River...
Alaska's most scenic glacier & river trips. Chugach Adventures offers rafting & kayaking from Anchorage, Girdwood, Portage, or Whittier via the...
Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge is the only lodge located within Kenai Fjords National Park. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound from this...
The Kenai Riverside Fishing program is your destination for incredible Alaska fishing experiences. Kenai Riverside Fishing is a long-time...
Steamboat Bay Fishing Club is the elite luxury Alaska sport-fishing experience presented by the Waterfall Group. The luxury lodge closest to the...
Above & Beyond Alaska (ABAK) has been organizing small group adventures in the Juneau area for over 21 years. Our commitment is unwavering — we...
K2 Aviation, the Denali flightseeing company, invites you to experience the majestic wonders of Denali, the tallest mountain in North America...
Family-owned and operated since 1963, Rust's Flying Service will fly you to some of the most pristine wilderness Alaska has to offer. With an...
Join Wrangell Mountain Air for a range of unique experiences in Alaska's Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Encompassing the largest collection of...
Step into Alaska with a small-group, fully-guided Photo Safari adventure. Your certified Naturalist Photography guide will lead you to local...
Princess owns and operates five custom built lodges in the best locations throughout Alaska - Copper River, Kenai, Mt. McKinley, Denali and...
See the world's best lightshow on this one-of-a-kind ecotour. Enjoy unique activities like dogsledding, soaking in hot springs and hiking with...
A smaller group makes for a larger wilderness experience! Gastineau Guiding offers travelers fully guided, small group tours to one or more of...
THE BEST OF ALASKA AND THE YUKON.
Holland America Line gives you two incredible ways to experience Alaska's incredible interior. Choose one of...
Sunny Cove Kayaking offers half-day, full-day and multi-day adventures into Resurrection Bay, Fox Island, and Kenai Fjords National Park. Each...
Join us for a day of fly-in bear viewing, safely observing grizzlies foraging sedge grass, salmon, and more (depending on the season) in remote...
K2 Aviation, the Denali flightseeing company, invites you to experience the majestic wonders of Denali, the tallest mountain in North America...
The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) is located in Portage Valley and is surrounded by the breathtaking Chugach Mountain Range and...
Princess owns and operates five custom built lodges in the best locations throughout Alaska - Copper River, Kenai, Mt. McKinley, Denali and...
A collection of full service hotels & inns throughout Alaska & the Yukon, each reflecting the personality of the community it calls home. Each...
Tips for Sustainable Travel
BEFORE TRAVELING
Do your research: Find out as much as you can about the climate, communities, history, culture, and activities offered. The better prepared you are, the more you will be able to soak in all of your surroundings and enjoy yourself.
Lodging and excursion options: Do the lodging and activity companies you’re choosing from support sustainable tourism? Look for hotels, inns, B&Bs, lodges, guide services, tour operators and the like that have a written policy explaining their commitment to the environment, community, and local culture.
WHILE TRAVELING
Immerse yourself in the local culture: Whether you’re in one of the larger cities in Alaska, or a small rural community, take the time to get to know the locals. Many cities and communities have museums and/or cultural centers where you can learn in depth about the history of that area and the entire state, and learn about the many Alaska Native cultures and their ways of life.
Support locally owned and operated businesses: There are many restaurants, shops, art galleries, large and small tour operators – to name a few – that are owned and operated by local Alaskans. When you support these businesses, not only does the money go back into the community, helping it to thrive, but you get a unique and authentic Alaska experience. When purchasing local goods, look for the following symbols:
“Made in Alaska” – This symbol is used to promote products made, manufactured, or handcrafted in the state. Alaska’s businesses manufacture high quality products for markets in Alaska, domestically and internationally.
“Silver Hand Program” – This program was created to enable consumers to readily identify Alaska Native artists’ work. The black oval tag with a silver hand and the phrase “Authentic Alaska Native Art from Alaska” certifies that the artwork: 1) was created by an Alaska Native artist, 2) created in Alaska, 3) is an original contemporary or traditional piece, and 4) is not manufactured. This seal ensures that the artwork you are purchasing is authentic.
“Alaska Grown” – The Alaska Grown program markets fruits, vegetables, meats, and aquaculture that were grown in Alaska to help support the state’s agricultural industry. As more and more residents, visitors, chefs, and foodies embrace the local food movement, the Alaska Grown certification has earned a reputation as the easiest and most consumer-friendly way to support local agriculture in Alaska.
Leave No Trace (LNT): Of Alaska’s 365 million acres, only about 1 million of those acres are private. This means there is A LOT of wilderness and land to explore. The LNT Principles were developed as a means to help preserve Alaska’s pristine and wild environment for generations to come. By following these guidelines, you can help to keep Alaska a prime destination for sustainable tourism.
Reduce, reuse, and recycle: There are many ways you can help to preserve the environment. A few suggestions: bring your own water bottle and/or coffee thermos to refill, rather than purchasing bottled water and/or coffee in paper cups. Reduce your shower time to not waste water, especially in remote areas where water sources may be limited. Bring your own reusable shopping bags. Do not litter – when you’re exploring the great outdoors of Alaska, remember if you pack it in, you must pack it out.
Follow best practices – Keep yourself safe and wildlife wild by being a responsible wildlife viewer.
Adventure Green Alaska Partners
Thank you to Alaska Airlines, the Premier AGA Sponsor, and Supporting Partners: Alaska Railroad, Explore Fairbanks, Mat-Su CVB, & Seward Chamber.
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