Guidelines for ECO-Tourists

Respect local culture and tradition. encourage local pride, cuisine folk songs and tales, dance, dress, local etiquette and local architecture. Science, art and history lives in everything.Be friendly, inquisitive and patient. Respect Sacred places.
Understand that economic benefits of your travel should stay in the local community. Spreading your wealth to non-locally owned tourism businesses is bad. Give a fair price for locally grown produce. Indigenously crafted or value added products provide "right livelihood" to locals and use less resources.
Think eco-systems. Be conservation conscious. Support wise resource use through rainwater harvesting, composting and use of renewable energy. Use fuel wood sparingly.
Be environmentally sensitive; Honor biodiversity. Respect the carrying capacity of the physical environment and know that overcrowdinglessens the tranquility and simplicity that attracts you.
Make contributions to conservation. Revere the natural/cultural heritage of the area, it maintains local harmony. Help guides and porters observe eco-conservation measures. Remember that erosion of cultural integrity and values due to the introduction of 'outside' influences is ruinous to indigenous cultures. Avoid over-use of community infrastructure and imported products.
Keep local water sources clean and DO NOT USE chemical detergents in or around springs or streams. If no toilet facilities are available, make sure you defecate at least 30 meters, (100feet) from any water source. Bury all organic waste. Conservation of water is vital, especially drinking water. Water from kitchen waste or harvested rainwater can be used for sanitation and uses where water quality is less essential. Water sources should not be contaminated in any way. Ask about local water conservation etiquette.
Keep travel-generated garbage to a minimum. Compost, recycle and reduce pollution as much as possible. Proper disposal means only at appropriate points along the route. Leave no eyesores. 'Leave no trace' principles are to be followed. (If you are unfamiliar, ask) Leave camping areas cleaner than when you came. Another party will be using the site after you depart. Differentiate between biodegradable and petrochemical waste. Burn or bury paper, natural refuse and litter. Pack out everything else. Don't throw away any non-biodegradable waste! Keep all recyclables! Don't throw away any non-degradable garbage like plastic bags, foil packets, glass bottles or metal cans.
Reduce impact by seeing that no damage is done to vegetation. Taking away cuttings, seeds or roots without permission of authorized persons is illegal, especially in nature reserves. Stop people from plucking flowers and leaves. They should be left as they are for all to enjoy. As much as possible, keep to the paths and avoid stepping on vegetation. Avoid collecting souvenirs.
Do NO damage to trees/vegetation. Do not carve on trees or spray graffiti. Defacing rocks is pollution.
Firewood is scarce, even in wooded areas; use it sparingly, whether for heating water or for bonfires. Use fire-places that are provided or designated. Avoid making open fires and discourage others from doing so. There should be no carelessness with reference to fire. One small, careless fire can destroy an entire forest. Extinguish any fire, bonfire, grill, etc. before leaving the place. Do not throw away cigarettes or matches. Learn to strip out the tobacco, saving paper and filter for proper disposal. Be aware of the environs and surrounds. Be clear about the trek- some have a gentle slope, some have a moderate slope. Match your physical fitness to the tour being taken. Carry your personal water supply and medications. Inform your guide/networking coordinator of complete details about yourself. Personal needs, conditions and requirements need to be adressed before departure. you cannot ask halfway to terminate your tour.
Take every precaution to not get lost. In the eventuality that you do, specific instructions need to be followed. Always specify destination when leaving your party as well as expected return time. Stay put, if you lose your way or become disoriented to minimize the search area required to find you.
Minimize vehicle travel to reduce polluting gasses/smoke. Pooling for essential travel is cheaper and less polluting. Wherever possible walk. Use bicycles, horses, ponies or local pack animals when appropriate. Walking is healthy and non-polluting- stop, stand and stare-there is so much to absorb. Nature is awesome, serene and enriching. Avoid noise pollution, blaring horns, music systems, talking in loud voice, etc. Silence enhances the meaning and character of each precious moment. Take in the peace and tranquility. (That's what you are here for.)
Avoid offering food to animals and birds as you threaten their foraging and hunting skills. Non-native foods can make wildlife unhealthy. Feeding monkeys is hazardous and is discouraged. It always becomes a nuisance. NO hunting, hurting or teasing animals. Report offenders to the authorities. Wildlife viewing must be done, observing all security conditions prescribed. Shouting, teasing or chasing animals is strictly prohibited.
It is illegal to carry fire-arms/nets or any explosives.
Do not carry polyethylene or other prohibited plastics.
While taking photographs or shooting with your video-camera (for which there, most often, is a prescribed fee) you are encouraged to not disturb the subject you seek to capture in any way. Do not use flashes, particularly close up. as this can disturb and/or annoy wild animals and nesting birds.
Strictly follow guidelines for personal safety and security.
Wear comfortable clothes with inconspicuous colors like khaki, olive green or gray so as not to disturb environs with bright and gaudy colors. Use good quality trekking shoes-some are rainproof as well. Use hats/caps/sunglasses during hot days, rain gear during rains, jackets/wind cheaters, gloves, mittens, scarves and multiple layers during extreme cold. Travel light. Backpacker essentials- water, food, medicines (if any) and camera. Please ask your tour guide if tent, tarp or mosquito netting are needed for shelter on your particular tour.
For further information, clarification or ecotours, contact: ECO-Tours of Wisconsin Inc.1445 Porlier street Green Bay, WI 54301-3334 or call (920)884-2224
Another helpful source of further information is a group called: Leave No Trace.
This information has been gleaned from several sources and personal experience. It is for educational purposes and needs to be used as a starting point when discussing your ecotouring philosophy with others.