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Sustainable & Responsible Travel

Sustainable & Responsible Travel

Lombardy And The Lakes, Italy

Environmental Care

Support local conservation efforts by staying on marked trails and respecting protected areas like Parco dei Colli.

Waste Management

Italy has a comprehensive recycling system. Separate waste into Umido, Plastica/Metallo, Carta, Vetro, and Indifferenziato.

Water Use

Tap water is safe to drink. Be mindful of water usage in hotels; take shorter showers and reuse towels.

Conscious Choices

Small choices make a big difference for the environment and community.

Environmental Considerations

Act mindfully to preserve Bergamo's natural beauty.

Protected Areas & Offsets

  • Parco dei Colli di Bergamo: Stay on marked trails, do not litter, respect wildlife.
  • Orobie Alps: Adhere to park rules and Leave No Trace principles.
  • Carbon offset: Consider offsetting flight emissions through programs like Terrapass.
  • Eco-friendly gear: Find sustainable outdoor equipment at Patagonia.

Sustainable Consumption

Choose options that lessen environmental impact.

Green Choices

Cultural Sensitivity

Engage respectfully with local culture and heritage.

Respectful Interaction

  • Cultural Preservation: Adhere to ZTLs, do not deface historical sites, avoid walking on restricted monument parts.
  • Dress modestly: Especially when visiting religious sites (shoulders and knees covered).
  • Noise: Be mindful of noise levels, especially in residential areas and during siesta (1-4 PM).
  • Photography: Ask permission for close-ups of people; discreet in religious settings.

Religious Site Etiquette

Observe proper conduct in sacred spaces.

Sacred Space Guidelines

  • Enter quietly.
  • Turn off mobile phones or put them on silent.
  • Do not eat or drink inside.
  • Observe designated prayer areas and avoid disrupting worshippers.

Economic Impact

Local Support

Support local businesses: family-run Trattorias, artisan workshops, independent B&Bs.

Ethical Shopping

Seek "made in Italy" products and local artisans; avoid mass-produced souvenirs.

Mindful Choices:

Your travel choices leave an imprint; choose consciously for a positive footprint.

Community Engagement

Contribute positively to the local economy and social well-being.

Local Business Support

Direct your spending to local enterprises.

Keep it Local

  • Choose local restaurants, cafes, and shops over international chains.
  • This keeps your money within the community.
  • Sustain local livelihoods and unique businesses.
  • Seek out community-based tourism initiatives.

Ethical Practices

Be aware of and avoid harmful tourism practices.

Conscious Tourism

  • Do not engage in activities that exploit animals.
  • Avoid activities that exploit local communities.
  • Research before participating in animal-related tours or experiences.
  • Charitable giving: Donate through established local charities.

Fair Trade & Artisans

Support fair trade and authentic local crafts.

Authentic Purchases

  • Look for shops promoting "made in Italy" products.
  • Support local artisans and traditional crafts.
  • Your purchases directly benefit the local economy.
  • Avoid mass-produced souvenirs without local origins.

Positive Community Impact

Your travel choices have a positive ripple effect.

Sustainable Benefits

  • Spending at local businesses circulates money within the community.
  • This supports local jobs and traditional industries.
  • Your choices reinforce sustainable and ethical practices.

Benefits of Responsible Travel

Your actions contribute to the long-term well-being of Bergamo.

Supports Economy

Directly benefits local families and small businesses.

Support Bergamo:

Every dollar spent locally strengthens the community and promotes a sustainable future for tourism.

Ethical Tourism Guidelines

Adhere to principles that foster positive interactions and conservation.

Waste Management

Practice responsible waste disposal.

Recycling Categories

  • Umido (organic waste).
  • Plastica/Metallo (plastic/metal).
  • Carta (paper/cardboard).
  • Vetro (glass).

Water Conservation

Conserve water resources.

Mindful Usage

  • Take shorter showers.
  • Reuse towels when staying in hotels.
  • Turn off faucets when not in use.
  • Tap water in Bergamo is safe to drink.

Eco-Friendly Stays

Choose accommodations committed to sustainability.

Green Hotels

  • Look for properties using renewable energy.
  • Accommodations committed to reducing waste.
  • Properties actively conserving water.
  • Hotels sourcing local products.

Avoiding Exploitation

Do not participate in harmful activities.

Ethical Boundaries

  • Avoid activities that exploit animals.
  • Do not engage in activities that exploit local communities.
  • Research before participating in any animal-related experiences.
  • Do not give directly to beggars; support established local charities.

Community-Based Tourism

Prioritize experiences that directly benefit the local population.

Local Guides

Hire local guides for tours to ensure fair wages remain in the community.

Artisan Crafts

Purchase authentic souvenirs from local artisans, supporting their traditional skills.

Small Eateries

Dine at family-run Trattorias and Osterias for a true local culinary experience.

Cautionary Note:

Avoid any tour or activity that seems to exploit animals or local populations; prioritize ethical providers.

Sustainable Impact:

Responsible tourism preserves Bergamo's charm for future generations.