BeachCorps will mainstream sustainability by supporting REAL nonprofits, sustainable lodging, and sustainable travel practices.  

We want to encourage travelers and the travel industry to pledge to support sustainable tourism in the Dominican Republic and the world.  Tourism is straining the environment globally and locally and not providing sufficient benefits to local communities. ALL travelers, not just ecotourists and backpackers, must be more sustainable. Travelers should encourage the hotel and travel industry to focus on sustainability: economic, social, cultural and especially environmental.  Help support a race to the top in sustainability!

So BeachCorps is launching four initiatives to promote sustainability: 1) Save Staying in #SustainabiltyPledge Hotels; 2) #SustainabilityPledge Photo Contest; 3) Sustainability Social Media Campaigns and Facebook Groups; and 4) our Top 10 Sustainable Travel Tips that points to many other great sustainable travel organizations.

Save Staying in #SustainabiltyPledge Hotels

#SustainabilityPledge Photo Contest

Sustainability Social Media Campaigns and Facebook Groups

BeachCorps is going to support social media campaigns, including online petitions like the Sustainable Travel 10 Million Better Campaign.  We will also support Facebook Groups like the Global Ecotourism Network that promote sustainability, particularly groups that help broaden the sustainability message beyond the ecotourism and adventure tourism markets into the mainstream travel markets.  All BeachCorps agreements to support our nonprofits require BeachCorps to publish yearly profits and give half of those profits back to our great nonprofits. We’ll also give to social media campaigns that don’t directly advance our sales (and some as bonuses to our great employees too).  We are advancing the concept of “positive trolling” where we plan to have some fun with encouraging companies and people to boost their sustainability game.  Our focus will be on positive, encouraging, funny (and sometimes irreverent) social media posts.

Short List of Our Top 10 Tips for Traveling Sustainably (Click Button for Full Details)

1. Before Leaving, Book Lodging that Promotes Sustainability.    
2. Learn About, Promote and Empower Local People and Culture—and Then Meet the Locals.  
3. Bring Your Own Recyclables. 
4. JUST SAY NO TO PLASTIC. Yes, we really hate plastic so we are repeating ourselves. 
5. Help Save Water In Your Hotel. 
6. Try Plogging on Your Beach or Local Community (Jogging while picking up trash).   
7. Visit Local Markets and Support Local Businesses and Craftsmen.
8. Protect Local Animals and Wildlife. Eat sustainable seafood. 
9. Talk to Your Hotel.  Tell them the Good, The Bad, and the Ugly!
10. After: Post Comments and Photos Online, including Social Media.