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Yugen Earthside now automatically includes carbon removals with each booking through our partnership with Tomorrow's Air, a pioneering climate action company.

Our Climate Action Partnership with Tomorrow’s Air | Yugen Earthside

We are thrilled to announce that Yugen Earthside has officially partnered with Tomorrow's Air, a pioneering climate action company specializing in carbon removals. Today, we stand united in our commitment to combat climate change and lead the way toward a more sustainable and resilient future.

When booking through Yugen Earthside, $10 per person will automatically be allocated toward Tomorrow's Air for carbon removals. This went into effect on April 1, 2023.

At Yugen Earthside, we recognize the urgent need to address the global climate crisis, especially as a travel company. Our dedication to environmental responsibility has always been ingrained in our values, and we continually strive to treat the world around us with care and respect. Through this strategic partnership with Tomorrow's Air, we are taking another significant step toward fulfilling our mission of making sustainable travel easy.

We hope to lead by example and inspire other travel companies to take similar action in combatting the climate crisis.

Tourism is responsible for roughly 8% of the world’s carbon emissions.

Carbon removals use innovative technology to take existing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and store it permanently elsewhere. This extraction process makes a tangible contribution to slowing climate change. Generally, carbon dioxide either gets stored in the soil just below ground or deep underground where it is compressed to form rocks. 

Because carbon removals are removing CO2 from the atmosphere today, they surpass the effectiveness of traditional carbon offsets, which work to reduce or avoid emissions from occurring in the future. You can read a full breakdown of the difference between carbon removals and carbon offsets here. 

By aligning ourselves with Tomorrow's Air, we are demonstrating our commitment to the climate and our accountability as a company operating in the travel and tourism space.

We debated the best way to implement this partnership with regard to the $10 carbon removal contribution per person:

Do we set the $10 carbon removal contribution as a traveler opt-in or opt-out feature?

Do we add $10 for carbon removal contributions on top of our prices, or list it as a 'Service Fee'?

Do we automatically cover the carbon removal contribution without changing our prices or adding a fee?

After careful consideration, we opted to automatically cover the carbon removal contribution for each of our travelers.

This is because one of our main priorities with this partnership is to make it easier for people to travel sustainably - which means simplifying things for travelers and just doing what is right.

Beyond carbon removals: our other climate actions

Partnering with Tomorrow's Air to include carbon removals with trip bookings is just the latest step we've taken to act responsibly and inspire impact. We're proud to share some of the other climate actions we are currently undertaking:

Integrating Carbon Offsets into Checkout: We have implemented a seamless process for customers to offset the carbon emissions associated with their trip. At checkout, travelers can (quite literally) check a box to include carbon offsets in their trip booking. This add-on is completely optional, albeit encouraged. Carbon offsets are done through Sustainable Travel International via meaningful, science-backed initiatives.

Becoming a Certified Net Zero Company: We have obtained certification as a net-zero company through Ecolytics, validating our efforts to reduce, offset, and remove carbon emissions from our company operations.

Donating at least 1% of Gross Profits: We firmly believe in giving back to social and environmental projects that support the further development of sustainable travel. Through our commitment to donating a minimum of 1% of gross profits, we actively support projects that promote sustainable travel and conservation efforts.

Together, these initiatives attempt to create a holistic and robust climate action strategy that reflects our responsibility as a travel business. We value continuous improvement and will seek new ways of addressing the climate crisis with other innovative solutions, technologies, and partnerships to further strengthen our impact.

Ultimately, responsibility for climate action lies with all travelers and all people. It's our planet.

When it comes to such a monumentally important topic, it can feel overwhelming. In these cases, we find it helpful to think about what we can control and what we cannot. We urge governments, tourism boards, businesses (from big corporations to boutique travel companies), and travelers to take action. While we have less direct influence on governments, tourism boards, and other businesses, we can control what our business does and we can influence what our travelers do.

Travel businesses play a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable future, and we are optimistic that it will become increasingly normal for companies to take climate action. With each one that does, it will contribute to a growing ripple effect that fosters greater environmental consciousness and action across industries.

Thank YOU for prioritizing climate action when you travel

We want to express our deepest gratitude to all our travelers who book through us and thereby prioritize taking climate action in addition to having an incredible experience. The more travelers that trust their adventures with companies acting responsibly and enabling them to do the same, the better.

We remain steadfast in our commitment to providing authentic and responsible package tours while simultaneously prioritizing the planet and local communities all over the world.

Read the full partnership announcement between Yugen Earthside and Tomorrow's Air below.

Inspired by nature and in recognition of travel’s opportunity to help when it comes to our climate, Yugen Earthside is joining Tomorrow’s Air, supporting climate action education and accelerating the development of carbon removal with permanent storage.

We learned that alongside conventional carbon offsetting and natural climate solutions, new carbon removal and storage approaches are also needed to help us clean up the trillion tons of excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The reality is that even if all carbon dioxide emissions were to halt completely right now, Earth’s warming would continue due to the high levels of carbon dioxide already stored in the atmosphere. The only way to permanently reverse warming is through carbon removal.

Therefore, beginning in April 2023, Yugen Earthside is incorporating a $10 contribution to Tomorrow’s Air into all its trips. Yugen Earthside traveler contributions support:

Inspiring traveler education about meaningful climate action 

An order for 10kgs carbon to be removed and permanently stored 

The Tomorrow’s Air portfolio of carbon removal innovators includes pioneering companies selected for their technical and hybrid nature-tech solutions that can help restore our climate: direct air capture company Climeworks, Pacific Biochar, and Eion enhanced weathering.

Traveler contributions support climate-conscious travel education and directly fund carbon removal provided by these companies. 

With direct air capture, carbon collectors capture carbon dioxide from ambient air. Air is drawn into the collector with a fan, and adheres to a filter within the collector. Once the filter is saturated, the collector is closed, and the temperature is increased, releasing pure carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide is dissolved in water, just as a soda machine makes sparkling water.

This water mixed with carbon dioxide is then injected deep underground into basaltic rock in Iceland. The basaltic rocks release metals that mix with the carbon dioxide in the water and turn this carbon dioxide into stone. The process safely and permanently removes the carbon dioxide from the atmosphere since rocks cannot leak out of the ground. The entire process is powered by geothermal energy.

Pacific Biochar captures and stores carbon dioxide by stabilizing natural processes of decay in organic matter and keeping it safely in the ground. The biochar created is used in soil applications. Biochar can help enhance the overall health of soil by helping hold plant nutrients in topsoil. It also supports increases in crop yield, and can also help conserve water used for crops by improving the water retention of the soil.

Eion’s novel process speeds up the natural process of chemical weathering that causes the breakdown of rocks and minerals, storing carbon dioxide along the way. Eion applies crushed silicate rock - olivine - to soil. Through existing moisture and acidity in the soil, the crushed rock dissolves, resulting in carbon dioxide being pulled from the atmosphere into the solution. The bicarbonate ions that are formed as part of the process over time make their way to the ocean. Once they reach the ocean, they improve ocean alkalinity and remain at the bottom of the ocean for 500,000 years.

Yugen Earthside Travelers Are A Valuable Part of the Solution

As a global community, travel holds immense potential to support our society’s transition to sustainability. Millions of travelers along with countless travel companies around the world form a potentially powerful collective to embrace climate-conscious travel and support innovative carbon removal solutions that will be needed alongside our forests, oceans, and soils to absorb and store carbon dioxide.

Through their stories and perspectives as well as through their direct contributions to carbon removal with permanent storage, Yugen Earthside travelers are building the carbon removal movement and providing vital funding for pioneer carbon removal solutions. 

YugenEarthside travelers are encouraged to share their personal travel stories and perspectives with the Tomorrow’s Air community and are invited to 

Follow Tomorrow’s Air on Instagram @tomorrowsair_

Sign up for the Airrow Bulletin for travel insights and carbon removal highlights

Join the collective as a Supporter, Leader or Champion member

Carbon dioxide is extremely well-mixed in our atmosphere: emissions from one part of the world mix in with emissions from other parts of the world. When we reduce the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide—regardless of where on Earth the reduction occurs—the entire atmosphere, and all of us on Earth who are protected by it, benefit.

Let’s band together to restore our climate.

Climate Action Partnership with Tomorrow’s Air

Combining volunteering with tourism: is it helpful or harmful? Explore the multi-faceted world of voluntourism.

Voluntourism: Contributing Beyond Community Washing | Yugen Earthside

The practice of voluntourism – volunteering while on holiday – raises important ethical questions. Heightened demands for ‘authentic’ experiences and positive contributions at the community level have brought this hot topic to our attention. By putting this concept on the table, we realize we may face some resistance, especially from responsible travelers and conscious tourism practitioners.

The concept of combining volunteering with tourism has been at the center of scandals, especially in the early 2000s. Many private companies and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) have immorally manipulated the desire to ‘help’ by creating fake needs that justify their presence and operations.

The phenomenon is a hard one to quantify due to the lack of a clear definition. However, according to the studies reported by Claire Bennet, Co-Founder of Learning Service, for CREST - Center for Responsible Travel, it is estimated that an average of 900,000 Americans volunteer abroad every year. Another study from 2013 shows that, in the UK every year, 2.5 million people take part in “gap year” development projects. In 2008, the value of voluntourism was calculated to be $2 billion, and this number has likely increased since then.

Given the growth of interest in community activities in tourism, it seems natural for there to be a rising curiosity about the concept of voluntourism. In parallel, there is a risk of surging ‘community washing’. This refers to the version of greenwashing as it relates to activities that are supposed to benefit the local communities but do not.

Nevertheless, we know that organizations exist which have positive impacts on the community level through voluntourism programs. It would be a shame to throw the baby out with the dirty bathwater, so perhaps it is worth investigating the matter further.

We are aware, however, that we are about to take a deep dive into some quite dirty waters.

The concept of ‘voluntourism’ is controversial and for good reason. The main ‘accusations’ are that:

Voluntourism creates more problems than offers solutions, and

It is established on fake needs, and sold as real urgencies.

Traditionally, the image of voluntourism is attached to a small number of activities. For example, teaching English in local schools and orphanages, and building schools in underserved communities.

The main critique of these activities is the lack of skills of the young volunteers, who are themselves improvising as teachers or builders for a week or two.

If we take a closer look, we realize that the consequences can be harsh and are felt on many different levels, primarily on the human level.

In fact, allowing volunteers to interact with local, underprivileged children who often have complex physical and emotional needs can intensify past traumas. This can create more long-term psychological consequences, such as attachment issues.

On the learning side, the programs don’t usually provide a quality experience. This is due to both the lack of experience and skills of the temporary teachers and the resulting lack of continuity from the short length of their stay.

Another frequent criticism is linked to the fact that these programs often take away jobs from local skilled workers. This negatively impacts the local economy and puts local families in critical financial situations. Even when volunteers work under the supervision of local skilled workers, what is the benefit of building houses if they are too expensive for the locals to buy?

Unfortunately, there are instances of new construction remaining empty and unused because their existence serves a purpose that has nothing to do with local needs and requests.

From a cultural perspective, these activities can also sometimes lead to offensive and unethical behaviors. If volunteers are taken to foreign environments and not properly prepared in terms of what constitutes positive interactions, they can, unfortunately, take part in encounters that consolidate cultural stereotypes. When working with faraway cultures of which you know very little, real awareness and education is needed to foster positive interactions.

On a more general level, the idea of having foreigners who come to help can create and reinforce a dependence mentality. This, in turn, can shift the focus and responsibility of the government away from the real needs of the population.

Building more schools won’t solve the problems of an inefficient education system, nor the lack of investment in the teachers' salaries in a country’s rural areas.

Self-Reflections to Move Toward Positive Impact

We believe that cultural interchange can be mutually beneficial and enriching and that this is possible through voluntourism. However, the experiences need to be consciously and purposefully designed in order to achieve this. 

A natural question arises: what is the point of taking unskilled people for short periods of time to places?

We should also ask if their work and contributions will change anything. If so, great! But will that change be beneficial for the host community?

Are voluntourism programs created to provide efficient solutions to local problems with the kind support of the visitors, or are they staged performances, created to offer a palliative cure to the guilty feelings of the tourists and their dominant cultures?

In the US, the orphanage as an institution became extinct in the 1960s. In the UK, orphanages were gradually replaced with foster homes and families and today, they no longer exist. We should seriously ask ourselves why we are still considering orphanages acceptable in other countries.

Enriching Experiences for All: Can a Voluntourism Experience Help Locals?

There are different kinds of voluntourism experiences available today. The spread of the existence of bad practices in the past has perhaps caused the opportunity for adjustment and behavioral change in the industry.

However, we are convinced that there is a great responsibility in offering them because the individual and societal damages and risk, as we have seen, can be devastating. Perhaps, we dare to suggest that not everyone should be offering them.

Intrepid Travel, for example, is very clear about that: “We believe communities seeking volunteers are best served by specialist agencies”. Being a travel operator is what the company recognized as its strength, which also means putting limits on its actions.

Volunteering is a delicate matter because it involves directly human beings and their entire ecosystems. It should be offered with caution and prepared with awareness and detailed planning for the future.

Raleigh Expeditions, a historic voluntourism organization born in 1978, is committed to “ensuring that all our projects are responsible and have long-term sustainable impact.” The company seems to achieve this by working on three pillars.

Firstly, the projects are developed in partnership with other stakeholders, experts, and, most importantly, community leaders.

Secondly, to adapt to the changing needs and to guarantee effectiveness the projects need to be constantly reviewed.

Last, but not least, the volunteers are trained both to be prepared for the specific contest they will work in and to ensure their skills are valued and enhanced.

The raised awareness about the negative consequences of certain unethical practices has led many organizations to change. World Challenge, a longstanding UK-based company specializing in student trips, for example, stopped working with orphanages in 2017 after having halted elephant riding in 2016.

During the voluntourism ‘boom’ of the 1990s, it appeared that the main motivation for spending time abroad was to get involved in a local community development project. Action born from a desire to help and contribute is not free from dangerous assumptions of cultural superiority and social stigma.

Can we still consider this type of program as voluntourism? Or does the more egotistic nature of the motivation jeopardize the core mission?

If we accept that the meaning of voluntourism is related to the act of ‘gifting’, we could choose to not confine it to the monetary realm and include time and energy as well.

The work done by Orbis Expedition and Kate Webb shows us that the donation could also include professional skills. The company has, in the past, organized expeditions aimed to support the healthy and independent growth of small local businesses in Malawi. They do so via volunteers who pass on valuable entrepreneurial skills directly to the locals while creating a direct chain of solidarity and a collaborative space to exchange experiences.

The Power of Experiencing Unexpected Encounters

Although motivation remains central, even the more ‘egotistic’ desire of expanding the horizons of young adults can have a positive impact on a large scale. Traveling abroad at a young age will impact the way we see the world, and ourselves.

Even if experiencing cultural immersion is the main reason for traveling, it becomes a practical reminder for students and adults alike that the culture they live in is only one of a universe of identities. Discovering that there are other ways of looking at the world and interacting with nature has represented on many occasions the trigger for life-changing events.

This can also happen through other responsible tourism experiences like our Mida Creek Village Experience in Kenya, for example. Here, the traveler will experience life in a community camp, in the privacy of a small group, or while traveling with their own family. They’ll also be immersed in the natural environment and be exposed to the world as the local family see it and live it.

Travel can be one of the best teaching opportunities, especially when it provides the chance to observe who we are outside our bubbles of cultural comfort. It can not only have an incredible effect on our mental and physical development, but also it can plant seeds that could, in the future, demolish the “White Savior Complex” once and for all.

We hope to have provided some elements of reflection that can guide your curiosity when exploring the copious voluntourism options.

Given the significant risks, the search for opportunities should always be guided by a responsible traveler’s mind.

You can start by verifying the allegedly positive impacts the company promotes:

Look at how transparent it is about its impact 

Ask questions - this is a basic but forceful means we have in our hands (if they don’t answer, that’s still an answer!)

Traveling responsibly also means practicing self-questioning. Realize the real intentions of your trip. Are you embodying your own version of the “White Saviour,” or are you trying to build an alternative to it?

Most importantly, are you aware of your inner beliefs about your role and actions? This is important because these will translate into behaviors while traveling, as well as at home, regardless if we identify them or not.

Happy responsible explorations and volunteering!

Voluntourism: Contributing Beyond Community Washing

What role does food play in sustainable tourism? From production to consumption, it's an essential component of a responsible trip.

Sustainable Tourism & Food: A tasty intersection | Yugen Earthside

Food is a relevant aspect of our lives and a central feature of our travel experience. The good news is that through tourism, we can work towards sustainable development just by focusing on food. Let’s take a look at how food intersects with the economic, social, cultural, and environmental objectives of sustainable development. Let’s also consider the supply chain of food, from local production to travelers’ consumption, and finish by discussing whose ‘responsibility’ it is to ensure that sustainable food and authentic eating experiences are incorporated into tourism and our everyday lives.

Food and the Sustainable Development Goals

There are 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) laid out by the United Nations, covering important topics from gender equality to life on land and below sea.

As a first step in looking at how food plays into the SDGs and sustainable travel, we suggest reflecting on how food connects with all the dimensions of sustainability and how it can drive local development through tourism.

Although we are fully aware that all the dimensions of sustainability overlap most of the time in reality, let’s look at how they exist in separate silos to focus on the theory of the category.

Tourism can always choose to prioritize local producers and farmers in its supply chain. By doing so, it will create new economic opportunities while enriching the restaurants’ menus with fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables, and free-range meat options. Leveraging seasonal, local, and responsibly grown food also comes with the rewarding aspect of lowering or reducing the restaurant’s – and thereby the traveler’s – carbon footprint.

Tourism has the power to create more space for groups of citizens that are usually socially marginalized due to a lack of access and connections. 

Food-related activities are a tangible way through which women, for example, can use their skills and traditional knowledge to reach new standards of living. This can include having better access to financing, starting new entrepreneurial careers, bettering their living conditions, and building the foundation of their personal independence.

Food lies at the center of community life and traditional celebrations usually rotate around specific meals. In this way, we can see how each destination is, in one way or another, a cultural item.

By emphasizing and valuing local gastronomy, tourism is actively supporting the preservation of cultural knowledge and culinary skills that could otherwise go lost. Resisting the pressure of modern times, maintaining an active food culture helps preserve the past and share it with future generations.

Last but not least, tourism can use food as a tool to preserve biodiversity by concentrating on local and organic production. Tourism can also collaborate with science to nourish the rediscovery of indigenous crops. Moreover, food can positively contribute to climate change issues through a conscious way of producing, packaging, and distributing it in a meaningful way. The hospitality sector can use resources in an intentional way, and be aware of their direct and indirect impacts on the surrounding flora and fauna.

Local Sustainable Production, Global Impact

Food plays a critical role in the health of our planet.

According to Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, agriculture is the largest cause of environmental change. Tourism can contribute to it either with a heavily loaded weight or, on the contrary, taking off unnecessary burdens from the environment.

It is valuable to remember that what happens on a local scale usually has immense repercussions at the global level.

By supporting the responsible local producers, in fact, tourism operators are doing the following:

Strengthening the economies at the destination level

Encouraging and protecting the regional biodiversity

‘Sustainable farming’ is the term used to refer to those practices adopted with the ultimate goal to conserve the environment while reducing its negative impacts on it. This not only includes organic production, free from pesticide and chemical additives, but also crop rotation, low-carbon ways of producing the distributing the food, and responsible usage of water resources, among others.

Tourism can contribute greatly to a positive global impact – by simply focusing on food.

‘Food’ is a very general term, and we should also remember that it also includes other local productions besides the crops, which are most immediately associated with it. 

Beyond the animal-based products, like, eggs and dairy, there are other plant-based products that sit on our tables, accompany delicious dishes, and are embedded in recipes.

Olive oil, for example, is one of the most basic ingredients of any gastronomy. However, it is not produced everywhere. Spain holds the world production record, uncontested, followed by Italy and Morocco.

You could support local producers and learn directly from them about olive oil production and regional wine while traveling through Spain from the Iberic peninsula to Catalan’s capital, Barcelona on this sustainable tour of Spain's Highlights. 

What better way of learning the culture of the place we are visiting than listening to its food stories?

Through traveling, learning about a culture becomes a fun and engaging exercise that can happen through a variety of sensory experiences.

Discovering the local plates and where the tradition to cook that dish comes from can take us far away in time.

In Kenya, for example, you can taste the rich history of the land through the varied cuisine. Kenya’s food culture is the resulting fusion of African, Indian, and Arab influences, especially in the coastal region. This tour of Mombasa and Watamu takes travelers beyond the renowned marine national park and reserve and the pristine beaches and introduces visitors to the flavors of fresh seafood accompanied by exotic spicy plates and tropical fruits.

The time of the meal is a special moment in many cultures. The act of sitting at the same table and eating together with the host community members, including your tour guide, creates strong bonds and perfectly embodies the meaning of traveling: sharing and learning different cultures.

Hands-on experiences have become very popular ways of exploring a new culture. Getting lost in the smells of the local street markets before entering the kitchen allows visitors to get incredibly close to the place. In addition, when designed and managed well, the pleasant experience can be seen as a sign of respect and appreciation for visitors’ own way of life. This can help guests have transformational experiences that relate what they experience abroad to their lives back home.

Culture can be unveiled in a variety of ways in tourism, but undoubtedly the slow travel approach is the one that can leave the deepest marks under the skin of the travelers. 

There are different ways to create meaningful connections, but time is always a critical factor. Without the time to observe, feel, taste, and assimilate a place, the travel experience risks being reduced to a fast-moving sightseeing image.

Moving at the destination’s pace means adapting to its natural rhythms and flowing with its waves. Only at this pace can you start noticing the small corners and the little hidden gems, of which food is one of the most immediate ways to tune in to a culture and its ancient treasures.

During the Mediterranean Izmir Food & Wine Adventure in Türkiye, for example, you will have the time to experience both street food and fine dining, enjoy cooking classes and visit farmer’s markets. Exploring the culture of this Turkish region through gastronomy and the ancient wine tradition will be accomplished through traveling slowly – never exceeding 45 miles per day – and by encountering the cultural heritage and the living history while strolling in less visited towns.

What Happens After Production & Distribution

The contribution of food to a sustainable tourism model includes – but doesn’t end with – conscious production and low-impact distribution. The way the food is packaged, consumed, and disposed of also factors into the equation.

According to sadly familiar figures from the UN Food Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) 2011 report, roughly a third of total food production, i.e. 1.3 billion tons, goes to waste every year. This frightening picture is getting worse since the amount of food loss and waste is expected to rise by a third by 2030 when, according to other studies, the equivalent of 66 tons per second will be lost or thrown away.

It is evident that the tourism industry is responsible for the creation of a big portion of the problem and conscious reflections on the sector’s responsibilities have luckily started to produce changes in the way the industry operates in recent years.

In any case, the responsibility doesn’t fall exclusively on the tourism industry. From a consumer perspective, tourists still have an important role to play.

How much of the food waste we produce when traveling is because restaurants and hotels don’t have effective measures in place to prevent and reduce food waste? For example, does a hotel or restaurant buffet show a sign encouraging guests to take only what they can eat, or not?

How much of the food waste we produce when traveling is the result of us, as travelers, not making conscious choices? For example, when we see a hotel or restaurant buffet, do we proactively think about not taking more than we can eat? a matter of the limited options we found available,

If we are responsible consumers at home, are we also practicing good habits when on vacation?
If not, why?

Should we blame only an unresponsible and unresponsive industry, or should we also reflect on the way we treat food consumption, including when we’re on holiday? To drive real change, we need the tourism industry and travelers to do better with their food choices and efforts of waste reduction.

It is not only a matter of what kind of food we consume – indigenous versus exotic, for example – but also how we look at something like a hotel or restaurant buffet. Is it an infinite source of satisfaction to be used without consciousness, or a beautiful canvas of possibilities with a name and provenance, a story, and a future?

When no sustainable options have been openly given by the tourism industry itself, we can always enquire and investigate the matter further. Questioning the status quo can contribute to important pressure that can only benefit the sector and prompt it to better itself and find new solutions. 

A Shared Responsibility for Sustainable Tourism & Food

We strongly believe that responsible consumption should be integral to the way we travel. It shouldn’t be considered an add-on exercise reserved for a particular moment of the trip.

We reckon that a sustainable way of thinking should be incorporated into all elements of the journey, from the design stage through beyond the end of the trip. We want to allow the sharing of good practices at the destination level to inspire new considerations in travelers’ minds as well.

One of the best examples of seeing sustainability up close in a laid-back setting is this eco-retreat. You can relax with a glass of wine in rural Portugal while learning about regional wine production and sustainability measures at the retreat center. In addition to unwinding, visitors can also push themselves to try something new or improve skills in hobbies like surfing, yoga, photography, or stone sculpting.

Guests can be connected to our local, responsible partners so they can learn and see firsthand the challenges of being sustainable.  They can expand their minds about their own impact as a traveler, see how they help locals – especially in rural tourism – and still have an uncompromisingly wonderful vacation. 

We want to conclude by highlighting that when it comes to food, the power of a sustainable, conscious choice is, almost always, available during your tourism experience. Where there are no sustainable options available, a new story can start, recognizing that the sustainability challenge is a constructive collective journey.

Sustainable Tourism & Food: A tasty intersection

Delve into what makes eco-friendly travel products more sustainable and which ones deserve space in your luggage (some will surprise you!).

Essential Eco-Friendly Travel Products (2023) | Yugen Earthside

Spring has finally arrived and with it comes a time of renewal and change. As we start to clear out the clutter and gear up for summer, many of us may be thinking about our travel plans and ways to make them more sustainable. But let’s face it, the world of eco-friendly travel products can be overwhelming. With so many options out there, it’s hard to know where to begin. That’s why we’re here to guide you through the world of sustainable travel products and offer some recommendations to help you travel more responsibly. 

When it comes to innovation, the travel industry may not always be at the forefront like, say, the tech industry. Many of the basics of eco-friendly travel have been around for a while – we all know about reusable water bottles and shopping bags, and hopefully, most of us already have at least one of each. But there are still many other areas where we can make sustainable swaps or upgrades. We’re even confident that there are a few eco-friendly travel products out there that might just surprise you!

So, let’s take a closer look at some of the cool and exciting products that are gaining popularity and making sustainable travel easier than ever before. We’ll delve into the details of each product and explain why they are environmentally friendly and why we think they deserve space in your luggage. But before we begin, let’s remember that the most sustainable option is always to use what you already have and reduce unnecessary consumption. 

Bringing your own set of utensils to avoid using plastic ones that are often provided with meals on the go is an easy win. When it comes to choosing reusable utensils for travel, there are several different materials to consider, including bamboo, stainless steel, silicone, and other materials. Each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and which one is better for the environment depends on a number of factors.

Bamboo Utensils: Bamboo utensils are made from a renewable resource and are biodegradable at the end of their life, making them generally considered to be the most sustainable option from an eco-friendly point of view. They are lightweight and easy to carry, so they are a popular choice for travelers. However, some bamboo utensils may be coated with synthetic materials, such as polyurethane, which can reduce their biodegradability. Additionally, bamboo utensils can sometimes absorb flavors or odors, which may be difficult to remove. One additional consideration is that bamboo knives will have limited sharpness – for example, it may be tough to cut a slice of medium or hard cheese. If you opt for bamboo utensils, we recommend this set from Keepsie Kits.

Stainless Steel Utensils: Stainless steel utensils are durable, long-lasting, and easy to clean. They are a good choice for those who are looking for a reusable option that can be used for a long time. However, the production of stainless steel requires a significant amount of energy and natural resources. Stainless steel utensils can be better if you prefer the “real” feel of silverware – like a sharper knife – and won’t hold odors like bamboo cutlery. Your set might be slightly bigger and heavier than a bamboo set, but if space and weight aren’t a problem, they’re a great option. We like this set.

Other Utensils: Silicone is a synthetic material that is often used in reusable utensils because it is lightweight, flexible, and easy to clean. It is also BPA-free and can withstand high temperatures. However, silicone is made from petroleum, which is a non-renewable resource, and the production process can be energy-intensive. We can also now find ‘wheat straw’ utensils on the market, such as this set, which is both biodegradable and dishwasher-safe!

Opting for natural, organic, and biodegradable toiletries that are free of harsh chemicals and packaged in compostable or recyclable materials are a great way to up your sustainable travel game. A nice side benefit is that these eco-friendly travel products are typically also liquid-free, making them lightweight and super easy to pack without risking your liquid allowance.

Toothpaste and mouthwash tablets are popular eco-friendly alternatives to traditional toothpaste and mouthwash products. These concentrated tablets come in a small, compact form and can be used without water. They often come in plastic-free packaging, which reduces plastic waste. Because they’re dry tablets (about the size of a mint), you can conveniently pack the exact number of tablets you’ll need on your trip. So, use only what you need, and reduce waste and water usage – win-win!

Toothpaste Tablets: Toothpaste tablets are typically made from natural ingredients and come in a variety of flavors. To use them, you simply chew the tablet to create a paste, then brush your teeth as you would with traditional toothpaste. 

Mouthwash Tablets: Mouthwash tablets work in a similar way. You dissolve them in water to create a solution that you can swish around in your mouth to freshen your breath and kill bacteria. Like toothpaste tablets, mouthwash tablets come in a variety of flavors and are made from natural ingredients.

Some people may find that toothpaste and mouthwash tablets take some getting used to. Chewing the tablet to create a paste can feel different than squeezing traditional toothpaste out of a tube, and dissolving a tablet in water may require a little extra effort compared to using a pre-mixed mouthwash. Additionally, some toothpaste and mouthwash tablets may not contain fluoride, which can be a concern for those who want to ensure they are protecting their teeth against decay.


Shampoo and solid deodorant bars are two examples of solid toiletry products that are becoming increasingly popular as eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives to traditional liquid products. Both typically use less packaging and have a lower carbon footprint. They are also often more compact and lightweight, making them convenient for travel or for use in smaller spaces. Additionally, many people find that these solid products last longer than their liquid counterparts, which can save money in the long run.

Solid Shampoo: Shampoo bars are solid bars of soap-like material that are specifically designed to be used as shampoo for hair. They typically contain natural ingredients like oils and herbs and are free from harsh chemicals and preservatives. To use a shampoo bar, you simply wet your hair and the bar, rub the bar onto your hair to create a lather, and then rinse it out.

Solid Deodorant: Solid deodorant bars are similar in concept, but are designed to be used as an alternative to traditional stick or spray deodorants. Like shampoo bars, they are typically made from natural ingredients and free from harsh chemicals. For some solid deodorant bars, you may need to wet the bar before applying. The natural ingredients in the bar help to absorb moisture and neutralize odor.

While solid shampoo and solid deodorant bars are generally safe and effective, remember that everyone’s hair and skin are different. Double-check the packaging instructions and ingredients before using a new product for the first time.

OK – these are so cool! Soap sheets are an innovative alternative to traditional liquid or bar soap. They come in a small, compact sheet form, usually packaged in a reusable container, making them an ideal choice for eco-conscious travelers. To use a soap sheet, simply wet your hands or body and then take out one sheet. Rub the sheet between your hands or on your body to create a lather, then rinse off with water. Soap sheets are versatile and can be used for hand washing, body washing, and even for cleaning dishes. Watch how excited we were to try these!
From an environmental perspective, soap sheets are a great option as they typically come in minimal or zero packaging, reducing waste. They also don’t contain any plastic, which is a common component in many traditional liquid soap bottles. Soap sheets are often made with natural ingredients, making them biodegradable and safe for the environment.
From a traveler’s perspective, soap sheets are incredibly convenient. They’re lightweight and easy to pack, taking up minimal space in your luggage or backpack. They’re also TSA-approved, so you can bring them in your carry-on without any issues. Soap sheets are also great for camping or outdoor activities where access to running water may be limited.
One potential downside of soap sheets is that they may not lather as well as traditional soap. Some people may also find the texture of the sheets to be a little unusual compared to the feel of traditional soap. Additionally, soap sheets may not be as cost-effective as traditional soap, as you’ll need to purchase them more frequently due to their small size.


As far as eco-friendly travel products go, soap sheets are the most exciting new product we’ve discovered recently!

Liquid-free laundry detergent is a popular option for people who want to be able to do laundry on the go without carrying bulky liquid detergent bottles. One benefit of liquid-free laundry detergent is that it is more eco-friendly than traditional liquid detergent. These products tend to have a smaller carbon footprint, as they require less energy to manufacture and transport. They also tend to be more compact, which means they take up less space and are easier to transport. You mainly want to look for detergent sheets (or laundry strips).
Detergent sheets are thin sheets of laundry detergent that dissolve in water. They are lightweight, easy to pack, and designed to be used for one load of laundry on the go. To use these pre-measured detergent sheets, you simply add them to the washing machine with your clothes. Truly perfect for travel, it’s easy to carry a few of these with you and wash clothes in a sink or in a traditional machine if you find one along your journey.
It’s important to note that not all liquid-free laundry detergents are created equal. Some may not be as effective at cleaning clothes as traditional liquid detergent, especially for heavily soiled items. Additionally, some liquid-free options may contain harsh chemicals or fragrances that can be irritating to some people. Double-check that you buy an eco-friendly version that will work for you.

Choosing a reef-safe and biodegradable sunscreen that is free of chemicals that can harm marine life is a good way to go for vacations in the sun. Reef-safe sunscreens are designed to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays without causing damage to coral reefs and other marine life. Traditional sunscreens can contain ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate (types of chemical UV filters), which have been shown to harm coral reefs and other marine organisms. Let there be no confusion: sunscreen is not the leading cause of damage to coral reefs and life below the sea! But, every bit we can do as individual travelers still help.
Eco-friendly reef-safe sunscreens typically use mineral-based ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to provide broad-spectrum sun protection. These ingredients are not harmful to coral reefs and other marine life, and they are often more effective at protecting your skin from the sun than traditional chemical sunscreens. In addition to using mineral-based ingredients, many eco-friendly reef-safe sunscreens are also free from other harmful chemicals like parabens and phthalates. They are often formulated with natural ingredients like aloe vera and coconut oil, which can help to soothe and moisturize your skin.
Another resource you can use for choosing eco-friendly reef-safe sunscreen is the Environmental Working Group’s sunscreen guide. 

While you may have heard of reef-safe sunscreen before, eco-friendly insect repellent is a bit more niche. Eco-friendly insect repellent is free of harmful chemicals and instead uses natural ingredients like essential oils and plant-based extracts to keep insects at bay. Some common natural insect repellents include citronella, peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus.
One benefit of using eco-friendly insect repellents is that they are generally safer for the environment and for people. They are less likely to cause skin irritation and are free from harsh chemicals like DEET, which can be harmful to aquatic life and ecosystems. Additionally, many eco-friendly insect repellents come in recyclable or biodegradable packaging, further reducing their environmental impact. Here’s a DEET-free option with lemon and eucalyptus.
The Environmental Working Group also has a bug-repellent guide you can reference (they support low-DEET options as well as lemon and eucalyptus alternatives).

A quick-drying and lightweight microfiber towel is a great alternative to traditional bulky towels. Microfiber towels are a popular choice for many people due to their high absorbency and quick-drying properties. They are made from a blend of polyester and nylon fibers that are woven together to create a soft, durable material.
One of the benefits of microfiber towels is that they are highly absorbent. They can hold up to seven times their weight in water, making them a great choice for drying off after a swim or shower. They are also quick-drying, which can help prevent the growth of mold and mildew. Another benefit of microfiber towels is that they are generally more durable than cotton towels. They are less likely to fray or tear, and they can withstand many washes without losing their softness or absorbency. They are also often lighter and more compact than cotton towels, which makes them a great choice for travel or outdoor activities.
However, there are some potential downsides to using microfiber towels. One issue is that they can shed microfibers when washed, which can contribute to plastic pollution in the environment. Additionally, some people find that microfiber towels are not as soft as cotton towels, which can be a concern for those with sensitive skin. To mitigate the shedding of microfibers, it’s important to wash microfiber towels separately from other clothing items and to avoid using fabric softeners or dryer sheets, which can cause the fibers to become clogged and less effective.
It’s also worth noting that some microfiber towels are made from recycled materials or use more sustainable production methods, so it’s worth checking the label to see if the towel you are considering has any eco-friendly certifications or attributes. We like this towel from Keepsie Kits, which is made from recycled plastic bottles! (Or, spring for the whole Day at the Beach Sustainable Travel Kit.)

When you think of eco-friendly travel products, a solar-powered charger might not be at the top of your mind. But, solar-powered chargers are a popular and sustainable option for charging electronic devices, especially when traveling. Investing in a solar-powered charger can reduce the need to use energy from non-renewable sources, like fossil fuels, while you’re on the go. Here are some of the pros and cons of using a solar-powered charger:

Pros:
-Renewable Energy: Solar-powered chargers rely on the sun to generate power, which is a renewable and sustainable source of energy.
-Portability: Solar-powered chargers are typically small and lightweight, making them easy to carry with you on the go. They can be a convenient option for outdoor activities or when traveling to remote areas without access to electricity.
-Durability: Solar-powered chargers are typically designed to be durable and can withstand extreme weather conditions, making them a good option for outdoor activities and adventure travel.
-Cost-Effective: While the initial cost of a solar-powered charger may be higher than a traditional charger, over time, using a solar-powered charger can save you money on your electricity bills if you’re using them at home in addition to your travels.

Cons:
-Weather-Dependent: The effectiveness of a solar-powered charger is dependent on the amount of sunlight it receives. In areas with limited sunlight or during periods of cloudy weather, it may not be as effective.
-Charging Time: Solar-powered chargers typically take longer to charge electronic devices than traditional chargers. This can be a drawback if you need to quickly charge your device.
-Capacity: Solar-powered chargers typically have a limited battery capacity, which may not be sufficient for charging larger electronic devices like laptops.
-Environmental Impact: While solar-powered chargers are generally considered to be eco-friendly, the manufacturing process and disposal of solar panels can have an environmental impact if not properly managed.

Overall, solar-powered chargers can be a great option for charging electronic devices when traveling, especially for those who are looking for an eco-friendly and sustainable option. However, it’s important to consider the weather conditions and the capacity of the charger before making a purchase.

Bringing your own refillable water bottle instead of buying single-use plastic bottles is something everybody should be doing by now. There are tons of different versions out there now, such as this bottle that conveniently collapses down and stands sturdy when filled with water.

Going one step beyond a reusable water bottle, a portable water filter can be useful in areas where clean drinking water may not be readily available. Portable water filters are an excellent way to ensure that you have access to clean drinking water while traveling, camping, or during emergency situations. There are several different types of portable water filters available, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Here are some of the most common types:

Straw Filters: These are small, lightweight filters that you can drink directly from. You simply insert one end of the straw into the water source and suck the water through the filter. Straw filters are great for hiking or other outdoor activities, as they are very portable and easy to use.

Gravity Filters: These filters use gravity to move water through the filter. You simply fill the top of the filter with water and let it flow through to the bottom, where the clean water is collected. Gravity filters are often used for group camping trips or for emergency situations, as they can filter large amounts of water at once.

Pump Filters: These filters use a hand pump to move water through the filter. You insert a hose into the water source and use the pump to force the water through the filter. Pump filters are great for situations where you need to filter large amounts of water quickly, but they can be heavier and more cumbersome to use than other types of filters.

Bottle Filters: These filters are built into water bottles, allowing you to fill up the bottle from any water source and drink clean water directly from the bottle. Bottle filters are great for hiking or travel, as they are easy to carry and use.

UV Filters: These filters use ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and viruses in the water. You simply immerse the filter in the water and turn it on. UV filters are very effective at killing microorganisms, but they do require batteries or a power source to work.

When choosing a portable water filter, it’s important to consider the type of water you will be filtering, the amount of water you need to filter, and how portable and easy to use the filter needs to be. It’s also important to look for filters that have been certified by reputable organizations like the National Sanitation Foundation or the Environmental Protection Agency, as these filters have been rigorously tested and shown to be effective at removing contaminants from water. 

If you are interested in a reusable water bottle that comes with a filter, check out bottles from Water-to-Go (use code YUGEN10 to save 10% off at checkout). These are ideal for long hiking or trekking trips as the filters last about 3 weeks. 

Like water bottles, we really hope you’re already bringing your own reusable shopping bag on your travels to avoid using plastic bags for souvenirs and other purchases. If you’re looking to add to your arsenal, we are in love with nylon Baggus – especially the Baby Baggu that folds down to easily fit in your back pocket.

There are many other eco-friendly travel products that we didn’t go into with this post, including clothes, luggage, makeup, bamboo toothbrushes, toiletry kits, straws, and more. We talk about a few of those options over on this blog post.

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