Big Sky Sustainable / Environmental Travel & Eco Friendly Resources

The common ground bringing many Big Sky, Montana businesses and organizations together is ecotourism. Preservation of nature and conservation of our resources bring many great minds together. Consider their stand on sustainability not only when you are planning your trip but in your everyday activity as well.

Tourism is one of the world's largest industries and one of its fastest growing economic sectors. It has a multitude of impacts, both positive and negative, on people's lives and on the environment. There are many different definitions for the movement that has taken place in the tourism industry. No matter what definition you consider to define your actions, the result is a world of good.

Sustainable Tourism, in its entirety, is focused on sustaining and supporting the natural environment and culture through development and education to generate income and employment for the local community.

Ecotourism is a form of sustainable travel focusing more on specific areas where natural beauty and cultural heritage tend to be the main attraction. Businesses with programs focused on minimization of their impact on the natural environment can consider themselves part of the ecotourism industry.

It takes a village to move mountains, and in this town the village is taking strides together to preserve our natural heritage and leave as minimal an impact as possible. The following organizations stand out as leaders of an Ecotourism movement.

Montana ResourcesSustainable Business Council-Montana - The SBC supports businesses with environmentally and socially sustainable practices.

Visit Montana - The state of Montana's tourism site focused on protecting what makes Montana such a special place.

Glacier Institute - a private nonprofit group providing education on preservation of Glaciers peaks and valleys.

General Resources
National Geographic Center For Sustainable Travel - The national magazine's movement towards geotourism efforts worldwide.

Leave No Trace - Education for responsible enjoyment of the outdoors everywhere.

Tread Lightly.Org - Education resources towards building outdoor ethics.

Sustainable Travel International - Ecotourism and responsible travel tips to help protect the areas we all enjoy visiting.

Clear Sky Climate Solutions - Easy to use carbon offset calculator to use while planning your next trip.

Terra Pass - Use this easy tool to calculate your Carbon Footprint for travel and everyday living.

ALL Trips is proud to be members of both 1% for the Tetons and 1% for the Planet.
These two organizations are dedicated to protect the natural resources we love.

We welcome any comments, questions or further information that you may have. Please share with us your opinions and reviews by contacting us at eco@verticalmedia.com. Thank you for helping us to tread lightly!