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
Spirit Walker Expeditions is a locally guide-owned and operated company with over 35 years of experience leading sea kayaking trips throughout...
Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge sits on a bluff overlooking the Copper and Klutina rivers with spectacular views of the Wrangell-St. Elias...
Our Anchorage-based northern lights tours are designed to maximize fun and opportunity with the aurora borealis. They have been highlighted by...
A smaller group makes for a larger wilderness experience! Gastineau Guiding offers travelers fully guided, small group tours to one or more of...
For over 93 years, Alaska Airlines has been connecting the villages of Alaska, with a now global reach. We serve 20 communities within the state...
Kachemak Bay Wilderness Lodge is located on the southern tip of the Kenai Peninsula, a short boat or seaplane ride across the bay from Homer...
Plan your Alaska journey with the Alaska Railroad. Daily summer departures connecting Anchorage, Denali, Fairbanks, Seward and more; our Alaska...
Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge offers the best accommodations near the Denali National Park entrance. The lodge features river and park views...
Plan your Alaska journey with the Alaska Railroad. Daily summer departures connecting Anchorage, Denali, Fairbanks, Seward and more; our Alaska...
Alaska Silvertip Lodge and Cabins is the perfect home base for your fishing and sightseeing adventures on the Kenai Peninsula. Our 6 cabins are...
Above & Beyond Alaska (ABAK) has been organizing small group adventures in the Juneau area for over 21 years. Our commitment is unwavering — we...
Explore Prince William Sound from Valdez with the Local Experts! Our excursions share with travelers Columbia Glacier or Meares Glacier as well...
Don't miss this quintessential summer Alaskan adventure, full of unforgettable wildlife viewing and incredible scenery. Join us as we visit...
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...
Experience unobstructed views of the Alaska wilderness from the comfort of a glass-domed railcar as you travel the historic Alaska Railroad route...
Enjoy inviting accommodations in the heart of this historic gold rush community. The Inn features 177 guest rooms, most with air conditioning...
Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge offers the best accommodations near the Denali National Park entrance. The lodge features river and park views...
As a small Alaskan company, ATC creates customized Alaska vacations for independent travelers, couples, families, and small groups. From our home...
Our unique style of touring allows your guests to experience Alaska and not just pass through. Each program features a local Alaskan tour...
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. Learn more about how to be a culturally responsible traveler in Alaska.
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.
Eat Locally & Buy Locally: Seek out restaurants that serve local fish, game, produce, and food products. Not only will you enjoy the freshest, most delicious food that Alaska has to offer, you’ll also be supporting Alaskan farmers, fisherman, and businesses and reducing your environmental impact.
When purchasing souvenirs to bring home with you, make sure they are Alaska-made. Buying locally ensures that you’re supporting local artists and economies. Be especially aware of purchasing authentic Alaska Native artwork by looking for the “Silver Hand” sticker or asking shop or gallery staff to ensure that artwork is authentic Alaska Native art from Alaska. Look for the following symbols when shopping in Alaska:
“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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