Eco-tourism has become one of the most popular trends in travel over recent years. Tourists with a conscience for the environment flock to destinations flaunting sustainable and eco-friendly practices. On the surface, these places seem to offer the perfect way to enjoy nature without harming it. 

However, the growth in eco-tourism has brought on the rise of another trend—greenwashing. While some places are indeed committed to sustainability, others are simply cashing in on the eco-friendly label. 

The hefty price tag on some of these “green” destinations has budget-conscious travelers questioning what they’re paying for. Is it an authentic experience that actually benefits the environment, or just the label?

Pollution Problems in the Shadows

When all you see is an untouched, pristine paradise, it’s easy to assume that’s exactly the kind of destination you’re dealing with. When the cost of your retreat climbs into the realm of hundreds of dollars per night, you’d expect the environment to match, right?

Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Even the most remote locations are vulnerable to pollution:

• Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic that have broken up from larger sources. They’ve infiltrated oceans, lakes, and rivers at an alarming rate. Here, they don’t just pollute the water but also threaten marine life. 

• Chemical run-off from fertilizers and pesticides leaches into the land. Ironically, the lush greenery for picture-perfect travel moments is what damages the environment travelers hope to protect.

• PFAS contamination affects water sources. Known as “forever chemicals”, they persist in the environment, causing harm to both animals and people. 

A higher price tag is sometimes used to hide the same pollution problems you’d find elsewhere. For budget-conscious travelers who want to do good without being duped, it’s worth digging deeper before making that booking. 

The Real Cost of Chemical Exposure

The AFFF lawsuit has brought widespread attention to the dangers of PFAS contamination. What’s more, travelers can unknowingly encounter this even in so-called green destinations. 

Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) is a widely used firefighting extinguisher, popularly for dousing liquid fires. Now notorious for containing PFAS, the chemicals seep into soil and groundwater where they stay for generations. 

The same goes for PFAS entering the bloodstream, according to TorHoerman Law, where it can linger indefinitely. As a result, serious health issues have been linked to PFAS exposure, including various types of cancer, thyroid dysfunction, and immune system disorders. 

When Eco-Resorts Miss the Mark

Even well-meaning green travel destinations could be using products containing PFAS, or be surrounded by the dangerous chemical compound without knowing. Aside from firefighting foam, the PFAS can be found in: 

• Waterproof camping gear and tents
• Non-stick cookware in your glamping kitchenette
• Takeout packaging from the cute cafe in the “green” district

Travelers should be conscious of common risks, including drinking contaminated water and eating seafood sourced from contaminated rivers or lakes. Even eating vegetation grown in soil that’s close to known locations where AFFF is used poses a risk. 

Don’t Pay Extra for a Label That Doesn’t Hold Up

The risk of greenwashing increases in proportion to the growing popularity of eco-travel. Places are more likely to make exaggerated or misleading claims about their environmental practices as a way to lure environmentally conscious tourists. 

For budget-conscious tourists, this isn’t just disappointing but expensive. Many people only find out later, after shelling out extra for eco-packages, that the practice doesn’t match the promise. 

These are some common promises to look out for (and research before booking):

• Renewable Energy Some eco-friendly destinations claim to use renewable energy sources while relying heavily on fossil fuels when it comes to transport or larger-scale energy needs. 
• Recycling Destinations might market comprehensive recycling programs when in reality, most of their waste ends up in landfills. 
• Organic Food Locally sourced food is often widely advertised but some—often more exotic—ingredients are imported from distant locations. 

Greenwashing isn’t just bad for the environment, but your wallet too. It’s worth taking the time to check whether your next eco-friendly destination is the real deal, or too “green” to be true. 

In Conclusion

True sustainability isn’t about how eco-friendly a destination seems. It’s about how thoughtfully it operates, and how honestly it treats the planet… and your wallet.

In order to push the industry toward meaningful change, you need to be well-informed and less accepting of unethical behavior. In this way, destinations will be compelled to ensure that transparency, affordability, and eco-practices actually align. 

In the end, it’s an outcome that will benefit the planet and everyone on it.