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Sustainable Travel in Amish Country

Sustainable Travel in Amish Country

Amish Country Ohio, USA Travel Guide

Conservation Efforts

The rural landscape, with its rolling farmlands and wooded areas, merits preservation. Efforts focus on maintaining the agricultural character and natural beauty.

Waste Management

Minimize single-use plastics. Bring a reusable water bottle and refill it. Use a reusable shopping bag for your purchases. Use designated recycling bins where available.

Carbon Footprint

Consider purchasing carbon offsets for flights from distant locations through Terrapass. Plan efficient driving routes to reduce fuel consumption.

Cultural Respect

Your interactions and behavior should reflect an awareness of how they live.

Cultural Continuity

Tourism has a role in sustaining the local economy, which maintains the unique cultural landscape of the Amish. Respect outranks economic contribution.

Support local

  • Support Local Farmers: Purchase produce directly from Amish farms or local markets.
  • Protect Farmland: Tourism dollars help keep land in agricultural use.
  • Ecobnb: Find eco-friendly accommodations at Ecobnb.
  • Package Free Shop: Bring reusable products from Package Free Shop.

Respectful Interactions

The most important cultural guideline: Never photograph Amish individuals, especially children, without their explicit permission.

Conduct

  • Photography Ethics: Many Amish consider photography against religious tenets.
  • Dress Modestly: Dress in modest, respectful clothing.
  • Behavior: Avoid loud or boisterous behavior. Maintain a respectful demeanor.
  • Engagement: Engage in polite conversation if an Amish person initiates it.

Sustainable Gear & Ethical Tours

Outdoor Gear

Consider sustainable outdoor gear from Patagonia for your day trips.

Visit Patagonia

Ethical Tours

Explore ethical tour options with G Adventures, supporting local communities.

Explore Tours

Mindful Choices

Bring a reusable water bottle. Ohio you can drink the tap water, and refilling reduces plastic waste.

Economic Support

Your spending choices directly affect the local economy.

Community-Based Tourism

The most direct way to support the Amish community is by purchasing goods and services directly from Amish-owned businesses.

Direct Support

  • Direct Acquisitions: Includes handmade furniture, quilts, baked goods, produce from roadside stands, and buggy rides.
  • Local Businesses: Choose locally-owned restaurants, B&Bs, and shops over national chains where available.
  • Fair Trade: Most products sold by Amish artisans are inherently fair trade due to direct sales.
  • Origin: When buying crafts, verify they are handmade locally rather than mass-produced imports.

Ethical Spending

Be cautious of businesses that exploit or missymbolize Amish culture for profit without directly benefiting the community.

Conscious Choices

  • Misrepresentation: Some businesses may use "Amish" in their name but sell products not made by Amish people.
  • Research: Research before purchasing larger items. Ask about the product's origin and who made it.
  • No Haggle: Bargaining is not customary in most Amish businesses. Prices are generally set.
  • Charitable Giving: Consider local community funds or non-profit organizations that genuinely support the region's residents.

Conservation & Community

Support conservation efforts by visiting organizations like The Rainforest Site (GreaterGood), which combine conservation with a store.

Local Crafts

Seek out authentic Amish-made crafts for unmediated local support.

Farm Fresh

Purchase fresh produce from farm stands and local markets.

Stay Local

Choose independent B&Bs and restaurants.

Impactful Spending

Your visit sustains the Amish way of life. Travel with respect, curiosity, and a desire to learn, and you leave a positive impact.

Mindful Journey

General practices for responsible travel.

Transportation Choices

Opt for efficient driving routes to minimize fuel consumption. Consider carpooling or utilizing a smaller, fuel-efficient vehicle.

Car Travel

  • Fuel Efficiency: Plan routes to avoid unnecessary driving.
  • Rural Roads: Drive carefully on country roads shared with buggies.
  • Biking: Utilize the Holmes County Trail for cycling.
  • Navigation: Use GPS to avoid getting lost and wasting fuel.

Accommodation Choices

Choose accommodations that prioritize environmental practices, like energy efficiency and water conservation.

Green Stays

  • Water Saving: Take shorter showers and reuse towels.
  • Energy Use: Turn off lights and AC when leaving rooms.
  • Local Stays: Stay in locally-owned B&Bs to support the community.
  • Sustainable Hotels: Look for green certifications when obtainable.

Waste Reduction

Support local artisans by purchasing handmade goods directly from their workshops.

Reusable Bags

Bring your own reusable shopping bags to reduce plastic waste.

Water Bottle

Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it instead of buying bottled water.

Local Produce

Purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from local farms to reduce transportation emissions.

Important Reminder

Always prioritize respect for local customs and privacy, especially about photography of the Amish people. Their cultural values are paramount.

Sustainable Practices

Embrace sustainable travel practices to protect the environment and support local communities for upcoming visitors.