One of the forerunners of this type of environmental approach to travel is the Britain-based firm Carbon Neutral Co. (www.carbonneutral.com). It has been around since 1997 (when it was called Future Forests) and performs much the same function as TerraPass.
Such programs may not be the approach many people think of when talking about improving the environment.
"It's less about trees and more about investing in renewable energy and energy-efficient projects in developing countries that will save the equal amount of CO2," said Carbon Neutral spokesman Jim Peacock.
For example, Carbon Neutral invests in a solar panel project in Sri Lanka that reduces dependence on greenhouse-gas-emitting kerosene.
The Conservation Fund, favored by Travelocity, takes a more traditional approach to the solution of global warming. Since its founding in 1985, the group has reforested with native trees and plants more than 5 million acres of public land that had been deforested through logging and farming activities. Trees act as a natural filter for carbon dioxide, turning it into oxygen.
"Our program ... is blending climate change with wildlife habitat and heritage" preservation, Conservation Fund President Larry Selzer said.
Through a Conservation Fund program called Go Zero, Travelocity customers can elect to donate $10 to $40, depending on the distance of the trip. Travelocity passes on 100% of the contribution to the nonprofit Conservation Fund.
"Climate change and global warming have emerged as the great environmental issue in the 21st century," Selzer said.
Acknowledging that and providing a way for individuals to make a positive environmental contribution are the keys to solving the crisis, he said. Individual involvement was key to the success of recycling programs, and Selzer is convinced that once people understand their carbon impact, they will respond.
"When given the opportunity, the American people will participate" in environmental programs, he said.
Expedia and Travelocity say they are participating in the programs in response to consumer demand and awareness.
But some are a bit skeptical.
"Expedia and Travelocity are doing nothing more than cashing in on travelers' sensitivity to global warming," said Henry Harteveldt, principal analyst for travel research at Forrester Research. "Nothing wrong with that, and it's fine they give travelers the option to participate. Just don't mistake these for what they really are: revenue-generating opportunities for the agencies."
Still, awareness that travel has an effect on the environment is a good thing, and the agencies aren't taking a cut of the donations. Plus you don't have to buy from one of the online agencies to participate. You can go direct to the source and contribute for air travel and any other carbon-generating activities. Selzer scoffed at the idea that just traveling less would remedy the situation.
"Get out and enjoy the great natural resources," he said. "You'll become better stewards of them in the future."
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james.gilden@latimes.com
