Green Earth

Carbon Offsets

Our partner in responsbile group travel is Sustainable Travel International and we encourage you to investigate their carbon offset initiatives.

Sustainable Travel International (STI) is a global leader in sustainable tourism development. The non-profit organization’s mission is to promote sustainable development and responsible travel by providing programs that enable consumers, businesses and travel-related organizations to contribute to the environmental, socio-cultural and economic values of the places they visit, and the planet at large.

Together with you, we can make the world a better place.

Giving Something Back

Compass donates to the World Wildlife Fund. The WWF's ultimate goal is to build a future where people live in harmony with nature.

If you live in the United States, you can donate to the WWF by following this link. If you live elsewhere, visit http://www.wwf.org and follow the appropriate link for your region.

Compass is also a donor for 'Médecins sans Frontières', also known as Doctors Without Borders, an independent international medical humanitarian organization that delivers emergency aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, natural or man-made disasters, or exclusion from health care in nearly 60 countries.

Sustainable Travel Tips

Travelling the world is one of the most fulfilling experiences one can have in a lifetime, but like other life-altering choices it has the capacity to affect other people's lives as well. In recent times it has become increasingly important to many of our customers to behave in a way that supports the local economy, culture and ecology of the destination. Compass fully supports this mindset with local guides, small groups, and information about responsible travel.

A brief summary:

• Do your research. The more you know about a place before leaving, the more you can understand what is good practice while visiting. With a smattering of local language your experience will be all the richer.
• Try to leave as much packaging and waste material at home as possible. The less you carry, the less will be left behind.
• Try to see things from your host's point of view. Cultural sensitivity need not be more complicated than that!
• Try to conserve water, energy, and food. You will lessen the impact on the environment and leave more for the locals.
• Avoid the temptation to buy souvenirs made from animal products. In most cases it is illegal to import these items and you may be supporting poaching.

For more tips visit: http://www.lonelyplanet.com