As the snow melts and spring break approaches, locals get excited for a vacation filled with sunshine and adventure. Whether relaxing on a tropical beach or exploring a vibrant city, there are plenty of opportunities to ensure that a little family respite doesn't unduly harm the places we love.
Through a partnership with Yampa Valley Regional Airport and the Good Traveler Program, spring breakers now have an easy and affordable way to combat the negative effects of air travel's carbon emissions.
Through this program, travelers can choose to donate an amount calculated based on the number of miles they travel. The funds will be donated to the Routt County Climate Action Plan Fund and invested in local carbon reduction projects such as tree planting and riparian habitat restoration.
In the idyllic landscape of Routt County, where natural beauty captivates the soul, the effects of air travel exhaust pose a serious threat to the environment. It is essential to understand how carbon dioxide emissions from air travel contribute to rising temperatures and why communities should prioritize actions to offset these emissions.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Aviation accounts for approximately 11% of transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions in the United States.Approximately 26% of greenhouse gas emissions identified in the Routt County Climate Action Plan occur locally. It comes from the transportation sector.
These emissions contribute to climate change, and the Rocky Mountain region, including Routt County, is vulnerable to its effects. Reduced snowpack, longer droughts, and more wildfires are already becoming common phenomena.
These changes threaten much of what we love about the Yampa Valley, from the abundant, fluffy snow for skiing to the healthy, strong-flowing rivers for fishing and kayaking.
As spring break approaches, more residents are flying to warmer destinations to vacation after a long winter, further exacerbating harmful carbon emissions.
Support initiatives like The Good Traveler program Adopting sustainable travel practices is an important step toward a greener, more sustainable future for Colorado and the rest of the world.
Whether it's managing natural spaces that help wildlife thrive, measuring the amount of snowmelt that flows into rivers, or reducing waste, there are many people in the Yampa Valley who are taking impactful steps to reduce carbon emissions. There is an organization.
Money from The Good Traveler program goes directly to local efforts like these that take place in our communities every day. These projects rely on funding from grants and donations, and funding can be the difference between a project being completed or remaining shelved.
By taking action now, individuals can reduce the carbon footprint of air travel and help protect the local environment.
Programs like “The Good Traveler'' not only help locals protect their communities, but also give tourists the opportunity to be good stewards of the destinations they visit.
To continue your positive impact, research environmental concerns about traveling to spring break destinations and also consider donating to local environmental nonprofits in the area.
A few dollars in local donations may seem small to an individual, but collectively they can have a significant impact on a community. To donate through The Good Traveler based on air travel, visit thegoodtraveler.org/partners/yampa-valley-community-foundation/..
This column was submitted by Routt County Climate Action Plan Collaborators. For more information, visit RouttClimateAction.com/..
