We are in this Thing Together

I watched a video this morning of some divers swimming with Rays, they were so excited and recorded every encounter. All of a sudden a dolphin approaches them, swimming around as if he had something to say. One of the divers noticed the dolphins fin wasn't moving right. He didn't have to move in closer to get a better look because the dolphin just kept swimming right up to him. (you can watch the video below)

Is this what we think of ourselves?

This video was very touching in the sense that the dolphin came to him for help, knowing that the diver could and would help him. There have been several occasions where dolphins have help people in the seas, what a blessing. We are connected, all life is connected. Doesn't that mean that the mindless, or voluntary, senseless things that we do wreak havoc on nature and ourselves? Isn't it then in our best interest to stop for a second and grab the reusable bag you've thrown in the car for shopping or carry your refillable bottle/mug for water or coffee? If you don't have these please purchase them.

There had been a few time I forgot my reusable bags in the car, I just let the cashier know I'll be right back with my bags. Better a little embarrassment now rather then a plastic planet later. I have forgotten my water bottle, and I'm not encouraging dehydration by any means, just purchase a bottle of water if you have forgotten or lost your reusable bottle, but please reuse the purchased one, over and over again. They are made of plastic, it lasts for 100 years!

When fishing or boating, don't leave fishing gear or trash behind, seams like a simple request but I am forever finding fishing line, hooks and garbage left behind. Also consider participating in community clean-up efforts. Whether at the beach, river or local park, trash can often find it's way into the ocean and present an entanglement risk. I feel like these dolphins are telling us that they know where these harmful foreign objects are coming from, we need to clean it up and stop polluting the earth. We can us biodegradable products and support those companies, cultures and people that work hard to see that generations to come will live in a world that is toxic free and environmentally friendly.

Positive Impact Travelers

I’ve discovered something wonderful in my travel research that I need to share. Pack for a Purpose is a non-profit organization that connects travelers with community in need of supplies. By facilitating donations of goods through local accommodation providers, Pack for a Purpose promotes a simple idea:

Travelers can use a small space in their suitcases to positively contribute to the communities they visit. What a fantastic opportunity to give back with little expense!

Most of the time when traveling, we don’t realize the need because we are there to have fun. The reality is that a majority of the communities we visit do not benefit from our stay as much as we do. The bulk of the financial profit will go outside of the area to big company owners who invested in tourism by buying up properties and building lavish hotels and all-inclusive resorts. Now I’m not knocking those guys, they hire locals and many of them have made an effort to be more sustainable, but the truth is most of the profit will follow them home and does not stay local.

For the price of a meal, you can help the children of a village with their educational materials or give pet supplies to local communities in need. Since you’re already traveling to the location, all there is to do is drop off the items at a selected location. Once you’ve delivered the donations, you’ll have extra space in your suitcase for all of your beautiful souvenirs. Pack for a Purpose will also connect you with others who are traveling to areas that you wish to donate to, so you don’t have to wait until you are traveling to donate supplies.

Until the day comes when communities have more say and financial gain within the tourism industry as entrepreneurs and business owners, we can still contribute and make a tangible difference with the proper training and mindset.

From Africa to the Caribbean and everywhere in between, this organization is helping people of the world to make a positive impact. I am so grateful to have these charitable travel options at just a click away. Travel and tourism CAN make the world a better place if we make the choice to set those goals and support the communities we love to explore.