As more people are back out exploring our wonderful world post-pandemic, they are also becoming more aware of the environmental impact their travel has on the planet. Traveling in a thoughtful and sustainable way is becoming more of a priority for a lot of tourists as they look for ways to minimize their carbon footprint.
One way to do that is to stay in accommodations that make the environment a priority. From energy-saving measures and water-saving equipment to recycling programs and local sourcing of materials, eco-friendly hotels near Maggie Valley and throughout the Smokies are making changes to help their guests rest easier about their impact on nature. Here at the Meadowlark Motel, we’ve put multiple programs in place and are proud to offer an environmentally friendly place to stay in the Smoky Mountains.
Award-Winning Eco-Friendly Hotel Near Maggie Valley
We are so proud to be awarded the highest tier of recognition offered by the NC GreenTravel Initiative – the ‘Three Dogwood Award’. North Carolina’s GreenTravel Initiative (No follow link) is the most extensive of all state sustainable hospitality programs. It recognizes travel-oriented businesses within North Carolina for complying with a number of green, sustainable, and eco-friendly initiatives outlined by the state. And Meadowlark Motel earned this prestigious award because of our ongoing environmentally friendly programs that include:
- Extensive recycling program with one recycling bin for every two rooms
- Utilization of Energy Star-rated bulbs, electronics, and appliances
- Refurbished electronics, when applicable, to reduce landfill
- Local sourcing of materials to reduce carbon footprint, i.e. most products are post-consumer recycled materials (such as breakfast plates, cups and bowls)
- All old/unusable items are donated or recycled (old appliances and electronics are donated to Habitat for Humanity and linens are donated to the local pet shelters)
H1: What is Sustainable Travel?
Sustainable travel or “eco-tourism” is defined by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as “Environmentally responsible travel to natural areas, in order to enjoy and appreciate nature (and accompanying cultural features, both past and present) that promote conservation, have a low visitor impact and provide for beneficially active socio-economic involvement of local peoples.”
Simply put, sustainable travel is making sure that you travel responsibly through natural areas in a way that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of the local community. It’s being aware of your impact on the environment and making an effort to cause as little damage as possible.
Basically, it’s the rule your grandmother taught you – leave things better than you found them. This attitude leads to a greater appreciation for the place you’re visiting and enriches your visit, making it much more meaningful.
H1: Why is Sustainable Travel Important to the Smokies?
The main goal of sustainable travel and eco-tourism in the Smoky Mountains is to offer visitors greater insight into their impact on the environment and foster a deeper appreciation for the stunning natural beauty of the area.
When tourists leave behind a piece of litter, for example, it can set off a chain of events that will have a massive impact on the environment. Trash attracts disease-carrying animals who can then spread illness. It can also be fodder for wildfires if someone accidentally lights a spark. It can also harm animals who may get tangled in plastic bags or destroy fish who are exposed to chemicals leached into the streams.
Congested roadways prevent animals, like the black bear and elk, from traveling through their natural wildlife crossings. The number of car accidents that kill wild animals in Great Smoky Mountains National Park continues to rise each year.
More traffic also means more air pollution, increasing the number of pollutants in the air. Both cars and foot traffic can contribute to vegetation trampling that damages important plant ecosystems, or soil erosion that leads to increased sedimentation in rivers.
If we want to continue enjoying the Great Smoky Mountains, we need to consider how to make our trips as environmentally friendly as possible. So, in addition to staying in eco-friendly hotels near Maggie Valley how do we do that?
5 Ways You Can Practice Sustainable Travel in the Smoky Mountains
-
Utilize Shuttle Services
Before you visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, see if the area you’re going to offers transportation. This lets you avoid sitting in congested traffic, which gives you more time to enjoy the park. But it also reduces the number of harmful pollutants released into the air.
-
Use Reusable Water Bottles
Plastic water bottles account for 20% of trash in national parks, so something as small as refilling your reusable water bottle can make a huge difference.
-
Stay on Marked Hiking Trails
With over 850 miles of trails to explore, hiking is one of the most popular activities in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If you stay on the designated trail, you’ll be doing your part to reduce damage to vegetation and protect the natural habitats of birds and other wildlife.
-
Respect the Wildlife
Keep your distance from the local wildlife like the wild elk herd, deer, and bear that call this area home. Bring along a pair of binoculars so you can enjoy the animals safely. And avoid feeding them. This increases human interaction and can lead to injuries or death, possibly for both you and the animal. For example, if bears get used to eating human food in a specific area, they will keep coming back. And if that bear gets too close to humans and poses a threat, they’ll likely be euthanized. They know how to find their own food. Let them. Keep the animals wild and keep yourself safe.
-
The 3R’s of Waste Management
In making a conscious effort to leave no trace and reduce the amount of waste you leave behind, remember the 3R’s. Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. A reusable tote or container is ideal, but if you don’t have one, then look for trash cans or marked recycling bins around the park for your trash.
If you’re planning a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains this year, consider how your visit will impact the environment. Something as simple as picking up your trash or staying in eco-friendly hotels near Maggie Valley can go a long way in keeping the park beautiful for you today and for future generations to enjoy.
Ready to book your next Smoky Mountain getaway in Maggie Valley? Reserve a room at the Meadowlark Motel. We can’t wait to see you!
To learn more about sustainable travel and wildlife safe passage in the Great Smoky Mountains, check out the Gateway to the Smokies podcast with Joseph McElroy.
