Can Travel Go "Green"?
"Going Green" comes and goes every ten years or so, with consumers jumping on the bandwagon,
producers creating new products to save the World and the whole country making one step forward
... before finally settling back into our old habits of a disposable society.
Green As It Gets Here
Years ago, when I started this company, I decided to keep costs as low as possible to ensure my
prices were the lowest out there. This strategy has worked well to bring in new clients, retain
old ones and increase my agency with other websites, destinations and products.
Aside from utilizing low-wattage light bulbs throughout, all of my computer equipment is
Energy Star compliant and I utilize electronic documents as much as possible. My committment
to lower costs is also a commitment to reduced energy consumption as well as reducing paper,
all of which ends up in landfills.
Online Brochures
I have had numerous requests for printed brochures however I have made it a goal to put
all tours online and create a comprehensive website full of information to reduce the need
for printing brochures. In fact most brochures end up going in the garbage, both a waste
of money (which I would have to pass on to you) as well as wasting paper/trees.
My tour operators previously sent me cases of their brochures for clients but a few
years ago I refused shipments because my online presence has replaced this need. I
have worked closely with many of the major players to provide data feeds where I can
update my website directy with their data so I don't even need one brochure to copy
their tours!
Minimal Paper Documents
Clients quickly find out that I am 95% electronic when it comes to processing price
quotes, confirmations, itineraries and payments.
Credit Card Authorizations are available online and can be completed electronically if
savvy enough. Those forms are faxed back to me and sent directly to my computer, no
printing, no paper, no ink! Payments are entered into the computer and processed
without any physical paperwork on the tour operator end.
Previously, credit card authorizations and tour operator confirmations were printed
and maintained until after clients have traveled. Once clients return, the credit card
authorizations are cross-shredded and tour operator confirmations are turned into scrap paper.
All scrap paper is recyled on a bi-monthly cycle.
Starting in 2008, all credit card authorizations will be stored electronically as well
as tour operator confirmations, further reducing the use of paper, ink and electricity for
printing something that is shredded and tossed away.
Confirmations and itineraries are created and emailed to clients rather than printed
and mailed, again saving trees, ink, electricity and money.
Electronic Documents
Electronic documents are issued, when available, including electronic airline
tickets and electronic B&B vouchers. These documents are used to access
reservations and payment information and ultimately thrown away therefore I will
issue electronic documents with a printed confirmation/receipt whenever possible.
Electronic Marketing
I have advertised in magazines, newspapers and even a direct mail campaign over
the years but I have recently reduced such printed marketing and consolidated everything
to the online market.
Direct mail was successful but the thought of 1,000 postcards mailed each month
was not only expensive and the response rate low ... but the thought of 1,000 postcards
being thrown out, never to be used or recycled was the tipping point.
Clients can register online for specials, promotions and general information which is
emailed only to those who want the information -- no more wasted print!