Planes, trains and automobiles have a lot in common: they’ll get you where you’re going but leave a trail of pollution behind them. Environmentally-conscious travelers will be pleased to find an organization that removes the guilt from the trip. iJourneyGreen seeks to un-do the damage of travel by offering “travel credits.” These credits allow travelers to invest in the economic development of their destinations.

Rather than selling a product, iJourneyGreen offers an opportunity to make a substantial change in our world. iJourneyGreen provides several types of travel credits:

Carbon credits are designed to counteract the buildup of greenhouse gases that results from the burning of fossil fuels. The credits are invested in projects that lessen the carbon footprint associated with travel, resulting in a net-zero impact on the environment. Projects funded include reforestation, energy efficiency and renewable energy efforts.

Microfinance loans provide savings and basic financial services to the world’s working poor. Since more than half of the world’s population lives on less than $2.50 per day, traditional financing is of little benefit. iJourneyGreen works with companies that operate in the areas to fund these local businesses. When loans are repaid, the funds are re-invested in the same vicinity. Funds are collected and distributed every two months, and travelers are notified when and where loans are awarded.

Traditional aid is provided to the non-working poor, including those who are ill or incapacitated.  iJourneyGreen provides donations to charities that work with infrastructure issues including churches, homes and schools, disaster relief and protection of the environment. Individuals, families and businesses can purchase packages to invest in the people and places associated with travel destinations:

• Individual packages range in price from $89 for 1-4 trips to $169 for 11-15 trips per year
• Family packages have the same prices, but travelers are asked to purchase additional packages if family members travel separately, compounding environmental impact
• Business travel packages start at $299 for occasional travel (1-15 flights annually) or $399 packages for moderate (16-30 trips annually); substantial travelers are requested to call for pricing

Education for travelers is another important mission of the organization. Understanding the need for environmental conservation, as well as the international cultures of their destinations, helps motivate visitors to recognize their responsibilities to the world in which they travel.

iJourneyGreen works to ensure that the sites the world sees now will be available to future generations for international journeys to come.