Benefits of Ontario Resorts Offering Carbon Offsets

Some Ontario resorts, which already have a solid reputation for leadership in environmental responsibility, have begun partnering with Canada's premier provider of carbon offsets to offer resort guests a first-of-its-kind carbon offset opportunity by making their vacation at select Ontario resorts carbon neutral. These resorts have a Web site that has enabled guests to determine the cost associated with offsetting the amount of carbon that would be released as a result of their trip. Guests simply fill out the online form, entering the distance to and from the Canadian resort, as well as the year, make, and model of the vehicle that they will be travelling in. Information about the number of people travelling, the number of cabins booked, and the number of nights that they will be staying at the lodge is also inputted. From this data, the carbon offset provider determines the carbon output associated with this particular resort getaway. Lodge guests then have the option of purchasing online from a carbon offset provider that will be put toward mitigating that amount of carbon emission. As an example, the current cost to offset a one-week vacation for 4 people from Toronto driving a typical SUV would be approximately $16.30.

Carbon offset providers specialize in providing high-quality offsets to consumers and exclusively invest in renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. Some of the best carbon offset providers guarantee that at least 80% of their offset revenue goes directly into these projects. Additionally, those that have been ranked highly for the quality of its offsets and the transparency of its services are even more advantageous.

One of the main benefits of Ontario resorts offering carbon offsets is that it encourages their guests to mitigate the impact of their vacation. Not only are the resorts offering superior accommodations, but they are also enabling those environmentally-conscious travellers a way to make a difference in the world-even through their travel decisions. Additionally, services such as this allow the resort an opportunity to reaffirm its leadership position as an environmentally friendly holiday destination.

Ontario resorts that are making a transition toward offering carbon offsets have often been operating as a green resort for years, and this is the next step towards being even more eco-friendly. When looking for an environmentally friendly resort in Canada, another thing to look for is if they were awarded a 4-Green Leaf rating from the Audubon Green Leaf™ Eco-Rating Program. A score of 4-Green Leafs confirms that the resort is fully implementing many of the industry's best environmental practices. When resorts such as this offer their guests the option of buying carbon offsets, they are further demonstrating the resort's solid commitment to protecting the environment.

Canadian resorts that allow their guests to mitigate the 'carbon footprint' associated with their Ontario getaway are making a solid step toward promoting a healthier and greener future for generations to come.

About the Author

A Muskoka tradition since 1927, Cedar Grove Lodge is an eco-friendly, year round, lakeside cottage resort offering 80 acres of wilderness and 1600 feet of pristine Peninsula Lake shore line. For more information about Cedar Grove Lodge, call 1-800-461-4269.