"Take only pictures, leave only footprints" has been a Green Tortoise adage since 1974. Recently we've adopted some additional eco-friendly initiatives to address the impact of our adventures on the evironment.

Biodiesel

The Green Tortoise has always been one of the most efficient and environmentally friendly ways to take a road trip — a Green Tortoise sleeper coach gets over 200 passenger miles per gallon for most trips. Our buses, which hold up to 36 people, take 36 potential cars off the road and lessen the impact of car traffic on our National Parks. In 2007 we also started running our fleet (where possible) on bio fuels, which are non-toxic, renewable, biodegradable in water, and produce fewer emissions than petroleum diesel.

Carbon Offsets

Offsetting carbon is the practice of reducing and/or sequestering carbon dioxide emissions generated by one's home, office, commute, travel, and other emissions-causing activities. By supporting a variety of projects such as renewable energy, reforestation, and energy efficiency we hope to make our trips completely carbon neutral! Green Tortoise recently partnered with Carbonfund.org, an organization dedicated to reducing the threat of climate change by supporting climate-friendly, "carbon offset" projects.

Here's how it works: for every 1,000 miles traveled, the per-passenger cost to make the trip carbon-neutral with Caronfund.org works out to be $1.00. Plus, the Green Tortoise will match your voluntary contribution to this cause. So, for example, a Southern Dream Cross-Country U.S.A. trip, which covers roughly 5,000 miles, costs $5.00 per passenger to be carbon neutral. With our matching program, this works out to be a $2.50 voluntary passenger contribution. Passengers can also choose to offset the entire amount themselves; we'll match that amount as well, for an even greater contribution to the carbon offset fund! When you make your reservation ask us about this great program and how you can contribute.

In addition to our biofuel and carbon offset efforts, Green Tortoise is also a memeber of the Co-Op America Business Network. By approving Green Tortoise as a member, Co-Op America recognizes us as a business that "operates in a way to solve, rather than cause, both environmental and social problems."