3 eco-friendly countries to explore around the world

As travellers, we have a duty to be aware of our footprint and keep it as green as possible. There are many aspects to this but one of which is eco-tourism, visit eco-friendly countries for many eco-tourist activities! Eco-tourism refers to travelling responsibly with the aim of protecting the environment as well as respecting the culture of local people while maintaining their wellbeing through various positive experiences.

Now here are three countries that focus their efforts on conserving all life and the environment while working to protect local people from negative impacts caused by climate change. You can make use of your time while exploring the world and help out with these wonderful initiatives from protecting endangered species to responsibly exploring the natural environment.

Costa Rica

In 2020, the president of Costa Rice announced that 99.78% of their energy had been generated from clean sources. Costa Rica, one of many eco-friendly countries, is aiming to be using 100% renewable sources of energy by 2030 so this country is up there with the most sustainable ones worldwide. Other larger and wealthier countries (particularly AMERICA ahem) could learn a thing or two.

With more than 30% of Costa Rica’s national territory home to conservation efforts and over 500,000 species of animals and plants, this is the perfect country for eco-tourism. Costa Rica has 8 biological reserves, over 50 wild refuges and over 30 national parks. Throughout the year, 4 different species of turtle appear along the country’s coastline including the leatherback, green, hawksbill and olive ridley. People in Costa Rica ensure the safety of mummy turtles and their nests.

Hike your way through this luscious land of biodiversity or zipline your way across it through the treetops which are bursting full of Costa-Rican wildlife. Why not try out some eco-friendly activities while you’re there –

1. Head into the wild and discover the nocturnal wildlife on the Monteverde Rain Forest Private Night Walk
2. Relax at an eco-living beach resort
3. Explore the Arenal Volcano National Park
4. Volunteer with GVI on a conservation project
5. Become a highflyer and zipline your way through Costa Rica

Iceland

Iceland, another perfect place for ecotourism, is one of the most eco-friendly countries in the world. The capital of Iceland, Reykjavik, gets all of its energy from geothermal sources and hydropower. This means no greenhouse gasses are emitted when using electricity, heating or hot water. Iceland plans to entirely eliminate any use of fossil fuels by 2050.

Iceland has a population of around only 364000 and about 131000 people live in the capital. This leaves endless landscapes empty of humans and instead, full of nature and wildlife. From miles of awe-inspiring scenery to Icelandic horse, grey seals and puffins aplenty, there is plenty to see here in this terrifically eco-friendly country. Wonderful eco-tourist things to in Iceland are –

1. Watch the phenomenal geysers explode before your very eyes.
2. See the magical Northern lights.
3. Take a tour around the Golden Circle.
4. Check out the waterfalls.
5. Observe the beautiful wildlife.

To go with your eco travels, check out this post on eco-friendly travel toiletries.

France

When it comes to food sustainability, France is up there at the top.

France is so strict with food waste that their supermarkets can face a fine of up to $75000 and 2 years in jail if they waste food unnecessarily. As for travel, France has various sustainable car schemes including Auto Bleue and AutoCool. In Paris, there is a car-sharing scheme called Autolib involving eco-friendly cars available for hire. Many hotels have started taking more of a green approach. Those that do so are rewarded with a green label ‘La Clef Verte‘.

~ Fun fact – the Eiffel tower is now powered with 100% renewable energy.

With its focus on green principles from sustainable travel to all-natural adventure activities, there is plenty to do for the eco-tourist in this increasingly eco-friendly country. Check out these activities and areas –

1. Explore Vercours, an area forbidden to motorised vehicles.
2. Join in with Volunteers with Peace on a fun sustainable project.
3. Have fun at the We Love Green festival.
4. Do some sustainable shopping.
5. Enjoy an organic wine experience

Whichever of these eco-friendly countries you choose, keep these 3 things in mind –

• Be conscious – think about what activities could benefit the environment, the local area and local people.
• Stay sustainable – is this activity actually sustainable or is it just advertised as green.
• Have awareness – check that your money is going towards a worthy cause and now just lining the pockets of those who don’t need it.

Let me know of your experiences or plans for Eco-tourism!