— Written by Lyle Jarvis

Sun’s out, Tonnes Out ☀️ 

Memorial Day Weekend is upon us, which means summer vacationing is heating up. And while we’re ready to get out there and enjoy it, we’re taking a minute to look at the price our planet pays in carbon emissions – and thinking of ways to travel as thoughtfully as possible.

Over the past decade, the travel and tourism industry has accounted for an estimated 6 to 10% of the global greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, according to the EPA, a typical passenger vehicle emits about 400 grams of CO2 per mile! This means long summer road trips are adding up.

While obvious (and might sound like low-hanging fruit), taking the train is a great way to make the journey part of the vacation. If you’re on the West Coast, the Starlight route along the Pacific Ocean has been picking up some serious buzz in recent years and becoming a highly-instagrammable summer favorite. On the east coast, check out some of Amtrak’s Vacations tab to get any inspo for a ride by rail.

For some ideas of where to go, check out this list of The Best Sustainable Travel Destinations in the U.S.!

Happy Campers ⛺️ 

Have kids? It’s often said that one of the best ways to start the climate conversation with them is to just start enjoying the outdoors together. While building out your vacation agenda, try to plan some visits to science museums, planetariums, or nature centers to build up their appreciation for nature. Take walks in the park, go camping (or glamping!)

As our National Park system remains under fire, the positive impact of camping has never been better – for the planet and protecting our parks. Use this link to find a campsite at a park near you! And beware, depending on where you live, campsite availability could be pretty slim – so planning ahead is the name of the game.

Traveling Thoughtfully 🧳 

Like other things in the climate conversation, travel is a part of life. We’re not telling folks to live without it, but it’s a great avenue to be thinking about the climate impact of our activities, and doing our part to do things more sustainably whenever possible.

If you do have to fly, be on the lookout for “lower emissions” filters on your trip results, which are popping up on search engines like Skyscanner or Opodo! Google Flights also added a carbon lens into their flight searches in 2021.

This summer, whether you're hitting the road, rails, or trails, let your travel choices reflect the care and appreciation you have for the world around you. Whether it’s swapping a drive for a train ride, finding a campsite under the stars, or inspiring your kids through nature and science, every mindful choice adds up. Thoughtful travel isn’t about perfection—it’s about awareness, intention, and making the commitment. 

What we’re watching this week 🎬

🌱🐝 PBS Nature Documentary: My Garden of a Thousand Bees

Bees and other pollinators are vital for plant reproduction, food security, and ecosystem health -- all things that support a healthier planet. Follow a wildlife filmmaker during lockdown, filming the bees in his urban garden and discovering the diverse species and personalities in this insect family!

👀 Some Stories You Might Have Missed This Week 🗞️📺:

1. More states are considering laws to make Big Oil pay for climate damages (Grist)

2. 3M will pay New Jersey $450m for polluting residents’ drinking water (NY Times)

3. Why businesses won’t abandon sustainability as a long term play (Reuters)

4. Arizona ranch revives soil and saves water through Indigenous-rooted regenerative farming (Civil Eats)

📅 Community Announcement 🍿🎥

We’re thrilled to announce that we are a proud sponsor of this year’s Hollywood Climate Summit! This annual gathering brings together people working across entertainment, media, and advocacy to explore how storytelling can drive meaningful climate action. Hosted in partnership with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Summit convenes over 3,000 entertainment and media professionals from 65+ countries, both in person in Los Angeles and online.Together, we’re proud to support action towards a healthier planet!

📅 June 2nd - 4th, 2025
🎟️ Get your tickets here!
ℹ️ And check out this link to learn more about the summit!