Reducing our carbon footprint
Travel nourishes the soul, and responsible travel helps protect our planet and its precious ecosystems. At Little America, we are dedicated to contributing to the future of environmentally conscious travel.
As the world’s largest industry, travel plays a significant role in supporting local economies and creating jobs. In fact, it employs up to 20% of some countries' populations and directs funds into local communities. This not only helps individuals support their families, but also empowers these communities to continue caring for their homelands.
At Little America, we take an action-driven approach, harnessing the positive power of tourism.
By partnering with small, local businesses and supporting carbon offsetting programmes, we help preserve the natural wonders of the USA and Canada. Together, we can make sure these magnificent destinations are enjoyed for generations to come.
Our sustainability practices
While every long-haul trip has an ecological impact, we take steps to minimise this footprint. Our goal is to make each trip with Little America both environmentally conscious and culturally meaningful.
Here's how we do it:
Working with local businesses: We partner with nearly 700 small accommodation and activity providers across the USA and Canada. Many of these businesses use locally grown food and products and are committed to preserving their natural surroundings.
Choosing sustainable transport: We opt for rental cars instead of campervans, as they are more fuel-efficient and have lower emissions, making them a more eco-friendly choice for our clients.
Carbon offsetting: We buy three tonnes of CO2 compensation from United Nations Gold Standard offset programmes, such as the clean cooking stove project in Asia. These programmes help reduce CO2 emissions and improve local communities' quality of life.
Tree planting: Many of our customers have already contributed to planting trees in the Urewera Rainforest in New Zealand. We're also developing a new initiative to support reforestation projects in the USA and Canada, helping restore local ecosystems.
Supporting education initiatives: We collaborate with local and regional tourism boards to provide training and support for suppliers, helping them adopt sustainable practices.
Promoting slow travel: We encourage longer stays and more time spent in fewer locations, directly contributing to reduced CO2 emissions.
Certification: We hold the highest level of Travelife Certification, a mark of our commitment to sustainability in tourism. This certification ensures we meet rigorous environmental and social standards.
Deepen your cultural understanding
Our sustainability practices go hand-in-hand with cultural preservation. When you travel with Little America, you don’t just explore a new destination – you experience it through the eyes of the people who live there. Here’s what that means:
Locally-owned businesses: Many of the small businesses we partner with are run by passionate locals who love sharing their part of the world. By choosing these businesses, you are directly supporting the local community and helping preserve their way of life.
Cultural connections: The North American people are known for their warm hospitality. By spending time with local hosts, you get a richer, more authentic understanding of the culture. Through storytelling and shared experiences, you’ll deepen your connection with the land.
Indigenous communities: Whenever possible, we partner with Indigenous-owned businesses, providing opportunities to learn about Indigenous heritage and knowledge. These initiatives allow you to connect with local cultures while contributing to their wellbeing.
Preserving natural landscapes: North America boasts some of the world’s most stunning landscapes. By travelling with us, you support local efforts to preserve these ecosystems and ensure their long-term protection.
Our commitment to the future
At Little America, we are always striving to make a positive impact. We continue to support and work alongside local communities and suppliers who are dedicated to maintaining the natural beauty the USA and Canada.
While travel inevitably has an environmental footprint, we take pride in our ongoing efforts to reduce it and provide more sustainable travel options for our clients.
