Sustainable Tourism: Eco-Friendly Travel Tips (+ Sustainable Small Businesses in SSM!)

Northern Ontario's pristine wilderness, scenic vistas, and vast landscapes draw millions of tourists every year. While the region offers unparalleled natural beauty, it's essential to minimize environmental impact and preserve these natural wonders for future generations. Here are a few tips to embrace eco-friendly and sustainable travel in Northern Ontario, including a list of small businesses in the Sault Ste. Marie area that promote sustainable tourism practices.

Choose Eco-Friendly Accommodations:

Choose eco-friendly hotels and accommodations that implement sustainability practices, such as energy-efficient lighting, water-conserving systems, eco-friendly toiletries, and recycling programs. The Delta Sault Ste. Marie Waterfront Hotel and Conference Centre is a Certified EcoStay hotel that offers eco-friendly amenities, promotes water and energy conservation, and encourages guests to recycle and use green transportation.

Carpool or Use Public Transportation:

Reduce your carbon footprint by exploring Northern Ontario in a carpool or by using public transportation. Sault College in Sault Ste. Marie offers free shuttle services for students and visitors, and the city has convenient bus routes to transport passengers within the city and beyond. Sault Ste. Marie is an incredibly bike-able city, with plenty of bike racks at major businesses and incredible mountain biking trails!

Support Sustainable Local Businesses:

Support local businesses that embrace sustainable practices and eco-friendly initiatives. In Sault Ste. Marie, many small businesses offer sustainable products and services such as reusable bags, refillable containers, and compostable packaging. Here are some examples of eco-friendly small businesses in the area:

• The Country Way: This local organic grocery store offers a robust selection of organic produce, bulk foods, and natural health products. They actively source products that fit their ethical and sustainability standards, which can reduce carbon emissions and promote healthier and safer products for customers.

• The Garden Shed: The Garden Shed is a zero-waste store that sells plastic-free products such as organic beauty products, handmade soap, bulk herbs, and reusable items such as steel straws, bamboo cutlery, and beeswax food wraps. The store promotes sustainable living practices and offers workshops and tips to help visitors reduce their waste and energy use.

• The Mill Market: The Mill Market is a year-round farmers' market that features local farmers, artisans, and small businesses. The market offers fresh produce, baked goods, artisanal crafts, and natural beauty products. Shopping at the Mill Market supports local growers and producers and reduces food miles, carbon emissions, and packaging waste.

Explore With an Eco-Tour:

Northern Ontario offers breathtaking natural landscapes and wildlife encounters that can raise awareness and support conservation initiatives. Eco-adventure tours, such as Forest The Canoe in Goulais River, offer sustainable experiences such as canoe trips, nature hikes, and wildlife watching tours. By exploring the wilderness with a responsible tour operator, you're supporting conservation efforts and minimizing human impact on the environment.

By adopting sustainable travel practices and supporting eco-friendly small businesses in the Sault Ste. Marie area, you can help promote responsible tourism and contribute to the local economy. Together, we can enjoy Northern Ontario's natural beauty while preserving it for generations to come.