Earth month has officially arrived and there are numerous ways to take action this April to help support and protect our increasingly fragile planet. For travelers, the options (not only during Earth Month but all year long) include making mindful decisions about your travel choices.
Three Hoteliers Share How Your Stay Can Give Back to the Planet
Marine Mammal Care Center
Kind Traveler’s Every Stay Gives Back (ESGB) program makes that effort even easier. Initially launched in 2023, the ESGB program features hotels and resorts around the world whose owners and leaders have decided they want to be change-makers, proactively helping to protect the planet and suppor local communities by supporting charities that make destinations better.
That means participating hotels or resorts contribute funds to a local charity for every single guest stay booked at their property - regardless of whether the booking was made through Kind Traveler or elsewhere. Since first established, ESGB has grown to include more than 49 lodging options and 17 charity partners in 19 destinations.
Every participating ESGB hotel, charity, and destination partner has a LIVE impact report showcasing the funds raised so far, how much per stay is donated to the chosen charity beneficiary, along with educational details about why the charity beneficiary was chosen and tips for travelers to get more involved with the selected charity during their stay.
At a time when climate change has already caused significant damage and disruption worldwide, biodiversity is drastically decreasing (more than 1 million plants and animals are on the brink of extinction, according to a U.N. report), and plastic pollution is multiplying, the work being done by the types of charities funded through ESGB has never been more essential. And the decisions made by travelers have also never been more critical.
In honor of Earth Month this year and every year afterward, we hope you’ll consider the hotels and resorts that are helping to lead the way in protecting our planet through ESGB.
Need a little inspiration to get started?
Here’s a closer look at three ESGB participating lodging partners, the charities they support, and why.
The Pad, Silverthorne, Colorado – Supporting Stream Restoration with Blue River Watershed Group (BRWG)
Silverthorne’s first boutique hotel and certified B-Corporation, The Pad, is located along the Blue River in the heart of Colorado’s famed ski country. The unique property offers a variety of room styles including micro-rooms, private bunks, as well as family-friendly and pet-friendly options.
The Pad (Left) and Blue River Watershed Group (BRWG) (Right)
Given the property’s riverside location, it’s no surprise the hotel has chosen to support the local charity Blue River Watershed Group. As the organization’s name indicates, BRWG is devoted to protecting and preserving the Blue River watershed. That includes monitoring water quality, promoting conservation practices, conducting educational outreach, and collaborating with local stakeholders to address environmental challenges within the watershed, explains Lynne Baer, Co-Founder of The Pad.
“These groups (such as BRWG) often play a crucial role in community engagement and environmental stewardship efforts,” explains Baer.
Blue River Watershed Group
“Being positioned right along the Blue River, supporting the Blue River Watershed Group is not only a natural choice [for The Pad], but also a crucial responsibility,” adds Baer. “Beyond our geographical proximity, we recognize the importance of environmental stewardship and community engagement.”
By backing the efforts of the BRWG, The Pad seeks to uphold its commitment to minimizing the environmental impact of the hotel on its surroundings, as well as, fostering goodwill within the community and contributing to the long-term sustainability and economic vitality of the region.
Equally importantly, says Baer, by participating in Kind Traveler’s ESGB program, The Pad can extend its efforts to protect the planet beyond Colorado.
“While we strive to make a difference within our community, we recognize that our efforts can be amplified through collaboration with our guests,” explains Baer. “Through each small donation via their bookings, we empower our guests to join us in making a significant collective impact on charitable causes, both locally and globally. This aligns with our values of social responsibility and sustainable tourism, enriching the travel experience for our guests while fostering positive change in the world.”
Catalina Harbor (Left) and Marine Mammal Care Center (Right)
The Avalon Hotel, Catalina Island, California – Supporting Local Wildlife with Marine Mammal Care Center
A boutique hotel on Catalina Island, one of California’s famous Channel Islands, The Avalon Hotel is known for its ocean views, private balconies, and complimentary breakfast.
Located in the heart of Avalon, the property allows guests to conveniently make the most of all that Catalina Island has to offer, including enjoying the outdoors, water sports, nature, and wildlife. A significant part of Catalina’s fame and beauty is linked to its marine environment and the marine mammals that call the ocean home. To help protect these treasures, The Avalon supports the Marine Mammal Care Center (MMCC) through the ESGB program.
“The partners in The Avalon Hotel are all passionate about our oceans, we are scuba divers, enjoy deep sea fishing, boating, and marine activities of all sorts,” explains Avalon Hotel owner Kathleen Gosselin. “We have all spent a lot of time in and around the ocean.”
Founded in 1992, the focus and mission of MMCC is inspiring ocean conservation through marine animal rescue and rehabilitation, education, and research. Since first beginning its’ efforts, MMCC has rescued and rehabilitated about 10,000 marine mammals. The organization also cares for birds and terrestrial animals that live on Catalina Island. The effort is spearheaded by Catalina Responder Jon Council, who has a background in marine biology.
“Jon has been working with the Marine Mammal Care Center for the support of marine animals for many years now. Jon is our own on-island person who is sort of the incarnate of Dr. Doolittle, rescuing anything that comes his way,” adds Gosselin. “Not only does he work with larger marine mammals such as harbor seals, dolphins, and whales, but we have also known him to help marine birds of all types, plus finches, woodpeckers, and owls. Other animals include our Island mule deer, the Catalina Island fox, or an occasional reptile.”
Gosselin says the ESGB program has provided The Avalon with yet another way to support Council’s efforts and those of MMCC.
“We not only want to see our waters kept pristine but also want to support our animal friends in need when we can,” says Gosselin.
Marine Mammal Care Center
Twelve Senses Retreat, Encinitas, California – Advancing Gender Equity, Social Justice, and Ocean Health
Twelve Senses Retreat is a sustainable bed and breakfast designed around the well-being of its guests and Mother Earth. It is located in the legendary So Cal beach and surfer community of Encinitas.
When staying at this unique four-room property, where holistic wellness is at the forefront of every guest’s stay, you’re conveniently located just a few minutes away from California’s iconic coastline and famous sandy beaches. Your stay at Twelve Senses Retreat is not just about relaxation, but also about making a difference. The charitable organization supported by Twelve Senses plays an essential role in protecting these stunning natural treasures, and by staying with this property, you become a part of this noble cause.
Changing Tides Foundation
The property supports the Changing Tides Foundation, a local women-led organization founded in 2016 with the goal of promoting gender equity while also creating a community of people who not only feel connected to the sea but are working to advocate for the planet and all of its inhabitants. The organization focuses on encouraging individual action to “make collective change for equity, justice, and a healthier future.”
Anke Bodack, founder of Twelve Senses Retreat, says the organization’s dual focuses are issues she’s personally passionate about.
“We love them because they're local, and they empower women while protecting the planet,” says Bodack. “Those two causes are really close to my heart.”
Changing Tides Foundation
“I feel strongly that the only way to protect and preserve our environment is with many small efforts and those efforts at the community level will cause a ripple effect,” continues Bodack. “The same is true when it comes to equality for all. We all need to start with ourselves and our businesses and support each other in our community. No effort is too small.”
Bodack is equally passionate about Kind Traveler’s ESGB program and its role in raising travelers' awareness of important causes around the world.
“The ESGB program is a wonderful avenue for our guests to feel a sense of contribution to the community. It also serves as a platform for them to understand and address local concerns and issues,” Bodack explains, emphasizing the importance of each guest's participation.
For more inspiration, head on over Kind Traveler’s Every Stay Gives Back directory and discover more lodging, charity, and destination partners committed to helping you leave a lasting legacy of positive change on your next getaway.
Author Bio: Mia Taylor is an award-winning journalist and editor. She has been writing and editing professionally for 20 years and holds an undergraduate degree in print journalism and a graduate degree in journalism and media studies. Her career includes working as a staff writer for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Fortune, Better Homes & Gardens, Real Simple, Parents, and Health.