Our Sustainability Spotlight series is aimed at broadening the conversation surrounding sustainable tourism for visitors and businesses by sharing the stories of our Adventure Green Alaska certified businesses. To learn more about Adventure Green Alaska certification please visit our about page.

Kantishna Roadhouse is owned and operated by Doyon, Limited. Doyon, Limited is the for-profit Alaska Native Corporation established under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971. Kantishna Roadhouse is a backcountry lodge offering guests an immersive Alaskan wilderness experience. Situated along the banks of Moose Creek and deep within Denali National Park, Kantishna Roadhouse provide activities, such as gold panning, guided hiking, and cultural sharing.

In 2018, they earned gold-level LEED certification, a reflection of their longstanding efforts to operate responsibly. Kantishna Roadhouse incorporates energy-efficient lighting, low-flow fixtures, non-toxic cleaning products, and an active recycling program. They prioritize sourcing supplies from local vendors and using post-consumer recycled materials to minimize their footprint.

When the Pretty Rocks landslide in 2021 closed the Denali Park Road, they adapted by transitioning to a fly-in-only model. That change not only allowed them to continue welcoming guests – but it also enhanced the exclusivity and sustainability of the experience they offer, keeping their impact on the land as low as possible. From cultural presentations that share their Athabascan heritage to daily operational choices that protect the environment, they are deeply proud of the way their values are reflected in everything they do.

At Kantishna Roadhouse, the sustainable practice they’re most proud of is their ability to offer an immersive, low-impact wilderness experience deep in the heart of Denali National Park while protecting the environment and honoring the culture that surrounds them. They’re proud of how they’ve adapted to challenges in ways that reinforce their values. When the Pretty Rocks landslide in 2021 forced the closure of the Denali Park Road beyond mile 43, they could have seen it as a setback. Instead, they embraced it as an opportunity to deepen their commitment to sustainability by becoming a fly-in only lodge. This change dramatically reduced visitor volume in the area, helping preserve the delicate ecosystem that makes Kantishna so special. It also allowed them to provide a more intimate, intentional guest experience – one that’s rooted in nature, connection, and respect for the land. Beyond logistics, they’re proud of how they incorporate Athabascan cultural education into the guest experience. Kantishna Roadhouse believes that sustainability isn’t just environmental, it’s also about sustaining identity, language, and heritage. By sharing their stories and traditions, they’re helping guests form deeper bonds with Alaska, and supporting a tourism model that’s not only responsible, but meaningful. That combination, of operational choices that reduce impact and cultural practices that foster respect is at the heart of what makes their sustainability efforts something they’re deeply proud of.

Alaska History and Culture aligns the most with Kantishna Roadhouse. They proudly share and celebrate Athabascan culture through educational programming, storytelling, and traditional knowledge. For them, cultural sustainability is just as important as environmental protection – it connects their guests to the land in a more meaningful way and ensures that Indigenous voices remain at the forefront of Alaska’s tourism narrative.

To learn more about Kantishna Roadhouse, visit their Green Business profile and their website.

Our Sustainability Spotlight series is aimed at broadening the conversation surrounding sustainable tourism for visitors and businesses by sharing the stories of our Adventure Green Alaska certified businesses. To learn more about Adventure Green Alaska certification please visit our about page.

Cindee Brown-Mills founded Breathe Alaska in 2023 after a 20-year corporate career. She found herself burned out, anxious, and overwhelmed by grief and panic attacks. Discovering breathwork was truly life-changing. It offered her a way to reset the nervous system, release deeply held emotions, and reconnect on a more meaningful level.

Cindee became certified as a breathwork coach and launched Breathe Alaska with the intention of helping others, especially women, who feel stuck, stressed, or emotionally exhausted. She wants to create experiences that offer a real sense of relief and reconnection.

Today, Breathe Alaska offers both in-person and virtual breathwork sessions, along with their signature Mindfulness in the Wilderness program. This one-of-a-kind experience combines guided meditation, immersive time in nature, and nourishing local meals designed to quiet the mind, restore balance, and foster a deep sense of emotional freedom. It’s wellness, Alaska-style: wild, intentional, and deeply healing.

Sustainability has been a core value of Breathe Alaska since day one. Cindee has been committed to creating experiences that not only support personal wellbeing but also respect and protect the natural environment she’s privileged to work in. Mindfulness and sustainability go hand in hand. Both are about intentional choices, presence, and long-term care. Whether it’s minimizing impact on trails, supporting local food systems, or partnering with like-minded organizations, sustainable practices are woven into everything Breathe Alaska does.

Cindee’s advice for tourism businesses starting their sustainable journey is to start simple, stay intentional, and let your values lead the way. Sustainability isn’t a checklist, it’s a mindset. She argues that businesses don’t have to overhaul everything overnight, and instead small, consistent actions make a big difference. These changes are as simple as looking at your daily operations and asking, “How can we reduce harm and increase care?” Whether it’s minimizing single-use items, choosing local suppliers, or educating guests on how to be good stewards of the land, every choice matters. Also, sustainability isn’t just about the environment, it’s about creating meaningful, respectful connections with people and place.

Cindee is most proud that sustainability has been a foundational value of Breathe Alaska from the very beginning, not an afterthought or an add-on. These practices have been woven into how they guide experiences, care for the land, and engage with their community. From minimizing environmental impact on trail to educating guests on respectful interaction with nature, every decision is made with sustainability in mind.

Breathe Alaska aligns most closely with the environment and Alaska history and culture pillars of the Adventure Green Alaska program. Their work is rooted in helping people reconnect with the natural world through breath and mindfulness, and they take great care to guide our experiences in a way that honors and protects the land. Breathe Alaska also acknowledge and respect the deep cultural history of the places where they operate, especially the unceded lands of the Áakʼw Ḵwáan and they incorporate that awareness into the way they lead and speak about their experiences. For Breathe Alaska, sustainability isn’t separate from mindfulness, it’s an extension of it.

Breathe Alaska was recently awarded Adventure Green Alaska certification, and they’re honored to be recognized alongside other businesses committed to sustainable tourism. “While we’re still in the early stages of sharing this achievement, we see it as a powerful way to show visitors that they can experience Alaska in a meaningful, mindful way while also supporting sustainability. This recognition helps us communicate our values more clearly and encourages travelers to choose experiences that care for both people and place,” says owner Cindee Brown-Mills.

To learn more about Breathe Alaska, visit their Green Business profile and their website.

Our Sustainability Spotlight series is aimed at broadening the conversation surrounding sustainable tourism for visitors and businesses by sharing the stories of our Adventure Green Alaska certified businesses. To learn more about Adventure Green Alaska certification please visit our about page.

Two Alaska Travel Industry Association (ATIA) staff members had the opportunity to spend time with Adventure Green Alaska certified Kayak Adventures Worldwide (KAW) on their wonderful half-day trip on Resurrection Bay.

Kayak Adventures Worldwide is a small, family-run company that offers kayaking tours in Resurrection Bay. Groups meet at their shop in Downtown Seward before heading off on expeditions around Resurrection Bay. Adventures vary from 3-hour daytrips to multi-day cabin or camping based trips. Kayak Adventures Worldwide is one of the original members of Adventure Green Alaska, first certified in 2010 and continuing to honor their commitment to sustainability to this day!

Staff members attend a three-week orientation before the start of the summer season. This orientation dives into safety procedures, emergency rescue protocols, and a breadth of education on Alaska history, ecology, and culture. Part of this training involves each staff member selecting a topic to delve into and teach the rest of the staff about. This knowledge is built upon year after year as returning staff undergo this training annually. KAW’s thorough orientation results in interpretation delivered to guests that is rooted in place-based knowledge about Resurrection Bay.

Kayak Adventures Worldwide guide, Abby Lang, had arrived in Alaska in May, two months before guiding ATIA staff. Her narrative invoked local wisdom effortlessly by engaging in groups’ points of interest and being up to the challenge of answering any question that came her way. Resurrection Bay’s history is steeped in World War II history, which she was able to educate the group about, even on the three-hour half day trip. Due to her KAW training, Abby had learned about Indigenous knowledge of the area, resulting in her being able to point out edible kelp and sea greens that the group was able to enjoy.

This hands-on experience made the half day trip feel like nothing but fun, while guests came away from the experience as if they had spent the day in a classroom. Abby’s knowledge is indicative of the thought and care put into staff orientation at KAW that directly improves the guest experience.

“Paddling in one of the most productive ecosystems in the world, we have a responsibility to steward this place and teach others how to do the same all over the world. That is exactly what I get to do every day, and as a result, it’s the most rewarding job I have ever had.” – Abby Lang

Community involvement is an integral part of Kayak Adventures Worldwide. KAW is a member of 1% for the Planet. This pledge commits at least 1% of their annual sales to nonprofit environmental organizations. Involvement in this initiative is part of the guest experience, as each guest learns about their choice of three environmental nonprofits in Alaska and “votes” with a wood token for the nonprofit they would like 1% of the cost of their trip to go towards. In 2025, KAW is working to support Native Conservancy, Alaska Conservation Foundation, and North Gulf Oceanic Society. Since the start of this initiative Kayak Adventures Worldwide has donated over $90,000 to their nonprofit partners.

The Alaska Travel Industry Association is proud to certify and continue to support Kayak Adventures Worldwide. Kayak Adventures Worldwide’s business practices are a model for the tourism industry in Alaska through their emphasis on place-based learning, preservation, and low-impact activities in Resurrection Bay.

To learn more about Kayak Adventures Worldwide, visit their Green Business Profile and their website.

Our Sustainability Spotlight series is aimed at broadening the conversation surrounding sustainable tourism for visitors and businesses by sharing the stories of our Adventure Green Alaska certified businesses. To learn more about Adventure Green Alaska certification please visit our about page.

Seldovia is home to three Adventure Green Alaska certified businesses! Located on the south shore of Kachemak Bay across from Homer, Seldovia is off the beaten path, and accessible only by boat or plane.

Seldovia Nature Tours

Cindy Mom’s background as a land steward and ecologist gives her a unique perspective on how important it is to have a diverse ecosystem, and that tourism can support – rather than detract from – the protection of wild places. She started Seldovia Nature Tours in 2018, and offers a variety of walks and activities: a 1-hour cultural and history stroll of town and the boardwalk, hikes on the Otterbahn and Rocky Ridge Trails, and adventures further afield up to the alpine zone, down into the Barabara Creek Valley, or out to Red Mountain.

Birding, botany, and tidepooling are Cindy’s specialties, but she is an experienced naturalist and can focus on a variety of topics. Seldovia’s rich biodiversity and the cultural heritage of its Indigenous and settler peoples also make for fascinating storytelling.

“Having access to a healthy and intact ecosystem is absolutely vital to the success of my tours. People come to Alaska to experience wild places, and it’s my delight to share Seldovia with them through direct experience. The most satisfying part of my work is when I see people, especially kids, get a look of wonder in their eyes when they learn something new, taste a wild berry, or find an interesting sea creature under a rock. Learning leads to love, and you need to love something before you get interested in protecting it. People write to me, sometimes months after their tour, to tell me how their experience here changed their lives. Seldovia becomes a touchstone for what truly matters.”

-Cindy Mom, Seldovia Nature Tours

Between Beaches Alaska

Between Beaches Alaska is located on MacDonald Spit, about seven miles from downtown Seldovia. Surrounded by water, Between Beaches’ seven comfortable rental cabins offer guests the opportunity to experience the true quiet and beauty of remote Alaska.

Guests take a water taxi from Homer and get dropped off on the property, or at Nubble Point, depending on the tide. Every cabin has access to the beaches, along with the art gallery, sauna, hot tub, kayaks, paddle boards, rowboat, halibut fishing float, and fishing gear. Owner Kristi McLean grew up spending every summer on MacDonald Spit, digging clams, and catching Dungeness crab, shrimp, and silver salmon.

“It’s changed a lot since I was a kid. I want to protect the Spit and the ocean, so I’m continually trying to become more sustainably focused. We get our fresh water directly from the mountain. We clean up plastic and rubbish that washes up on shore. We make sure to properly dispose of what we find, and also love to up-cycle some things into treasures to display on the property. Our landscaping uses local native plants like beach grass, devil’s club, and pushki instead of creating a green lawn, so we don’t need herbicides or fertilizers. The purpose of sharing the experience of this property with our guests is to share the rugged wilderness and beautiful landscapes away from the hustle and bustle of normal life on the road system.”

–Kristi McLean, Between Beaches Alaska

Tutka Tours

Based in Homer, Captain Scott McEwen started his marine tour company in January 2023. Silver Wake, his 30-foot C-Dory catamaran, has efficient twin Honda outboards and is a comfortable and stable platform for exploring the wonders of Kachemak Bay. Scott keeps high-quality 7×50 marine binoculars on board for clients’ use, and has an array of interpretive information, field guides, and tools to assist in encouraging citizen science and understanding of the natural and cultural environment. Scott’s natural teaching ability helps guests delve into history, archaeology, geology, mariculture, and the climate of Kachemak Bay.

While aboard, guests can even use a parabolic dish and professional headphones to listen closely to wildlife, or do a phytoplankton tow to see what kinds of creatures inhabit the ocean water column.

“When my wife and I decided to make our home along the Alaskan coast, we realized that our oceanic expeditions were more than mere recreation. These journeys were a treasure trove of knowledge, waiting to be shared.”

-Scott McEwen, Tutka Tours

Collaborative and Community-oriented

Seldovia Nature Tours and Tutka Tours have partnered for over three season have been working together to help guests explore Kachemak Bay and Seldovia. Both businesses operate under the premise that every tour is a custom tour, and tailor their guided experiences to best fit with the interests and abilities of each client. Sustainability and ecotourism are important values to both companies.

Cindy Mom explains, “We work to be sustainable by minimizing impacts and food waste, practicing leave no trace and responsible wildlife viewing ethics, and engaging clients in education and citizen science. Ecotourism takes it a step further, with the understanding that you give something back to the community.”

Seldovia Nature Tours collaborates with local nonprofits like Kachemak Heritage Land Trust and Cook Inletkeeper. Tutka Tours donates a portion of their proceeds to nonprofit organizations focused on educational and environmental initiatives. Between Beaches works to manage their oceanfront property with an eye toward protecting water quality and marine habitats. A key philosophy for all three of these businesses is the stewardship, protection, and support of Seldovia’s wild character and tight-knit community.

Our Sustainability Spotlight series is aimed at broadening the conversation surrounding sustainable tourism for visitors and businesses by sharing the stories of our Adventure Green Alaska certified businesses. To learn more about Adventure Green Alaska certification please visit our about page.

Recently, two Alaska Travel Industry Association (ATIA) staff members had the opportunity to spend time with Alaska Wildland Adventures (AWA).

Alaska Wildland Adventures offers a wide range of accommodations and guided experiences throughout the Kenai Peninsula, with sustainability woven into every aspect of its operations. Each of AWA’s lodges provides a distinct rustic charm paired with exceptional service. Guests stay in heated cabins that offer scenic views of the surrounding wilderness.

At the Kenai Backcountry Lodge, hydroelectric and solar power create a uniquely quiet and immersive experience. The gentle patter of Cottonwood Creek and the rhythmic waves of Skilak Lake serve as a natural soundtrack inside the cabins and while adventuring on the trails. At the Kenai Riverside Lodge, guests enjoy front-row views of the lively Kenai River and engage in meaningful conversations with expert staff while savoring thoughtfully prepared meals.

Alaska Wildland Adventures’ guides ensure a personable and educational experience for guests. Fishing guide Matt Spradling works with anglers of all skill levels. Whether it’s your first time fishing or you’ve been fishing your entire life, Matt will help you find the best locations to ensure success. Matt was able to name every turn and landmark on the fishing trip from the Kenai Backcountry Lodge to the Kenai Riverside Lodge. His expertise was complemented by insights into the local wildlife, particularly facts about local bird species.

AWA integrates cultural sustainability into its core operations. In partnership with the Kenaitze Indian Tribe of Cooper Landing, the organization developed a land acknowledgment, personally reviewed and approved by Kenaitze elders. This acknowledgment has since been shared with hundreds of guests, fostering a deeper respect for Indigenous stewardship. Staff and guides honor the Kahtnuht’ana Dena’ina Peoples, who have cared for Alaska’s lands, waters, and air since time immemorial; recognizing the Elders of the past, present-day Dena’ina communities, and future generations.

“It was important for us to share a sentiment that the Kenaitze felt truly represented by.” — Alaska Wildland Adventures

To deepen cultural education, AWA distributes Alaska Native Cultural Guides to both guests and staff at the Kenai Backcountry Lodge, Kenai Riverside Lodge, and Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge, offering insights into the diverse Indigenous cultures of Alaska.

Environmental stewardship is a cornerstone of AWA’s operations. The Kenai Backcountry Lodge is entirely off-grid. Menus across all properties increasingly feature Alaska-grown ingredients, as AWA works to support local food networks through intentional sourcing. AWA also takes an active role in wildlife protection and habitat conservation. As a proud member of WhaleSENSE, AWA upholds best practices for responsible marine wildlife viewing. The company also partners with the Resurrection Bay Conservation Alliance for annual beach cleanups.

AWA’s dedication to environmental care extends to its longstanding support of conservation organizations, including the Alaska Center for the Environment, Alaska Conservation Foundation, and The Nature Conservancy of Alaska. Through the “$2 a Day for Conservation” program, guests are invited to contribute directly to local conservation efforts. Over the years, travelers have donated more than $20,000 to these initiatives.

To learn more about Alaska Wildland Adventures, visit their Green Business profile and their website.

Scott McEwen offers immersive tours of Kachemak Bay aboard his 30’ C-Dory catamaran, the Silver Wake. As a seasoned naturalist, Scott provides insightful interpretation of the area’s rich natural surroundings. On his three-hour “Touring Kachemak Bay” excursion, guests visit scenic landmarks including Gull Island, Peterson Bay, and Halibut Cove.

The personalized nature of Scott’s tours is the true gem of Tutka Tours. With decades of research and experience in the region, Scott brings a wealth of knowledge to share with curious guests. Whether you’re interested in local marine life, bird species, cultural heritage, or the maritime history of Kachemak Bay, Scott’s engaging interpretation has you covered.

Tutka Tours emphasizes personalization and environmental stewardship, ensuring each tour supports both the guest experience and the ecosystems explored. Scott has invested in fuel-efficient Honda outboard engines, which are some of the most environmentally friendly in their class. Tours are adapted based on weather and tides, providing guests with the best possible experience in ever-changing conditions. Passengers are treated to coffee, tea, and muffins from Captain’s Coffee Roasting Co., a local Homer business, enhancing the tour with authentic, local flavor.

Scott McEwen is also passionate about citizen science, inviting guests who partake in his longer tours to contribute to local research initiatives. This educational component benefits not only visitors but also the broader Kachemak Bay community.

“Narratives used in my tours are based on contributions by a historian and archaeologist, a marine biologist, a geologist, several wildlife photographers and artists, ornithologists and professional interpreters who live in the Homer area. Most of these individuals are personal friends who have taken marine trips with me over a long period of time” – Scott McEwen.

Scott’s storytelling brings to life the history of Homer and Kachemak Bay. He shares personal anecdotes from his work with respected organizations like the Alaska Center for Coast Studies and the Kachemak Bay National Marine Estuary Reserve. His collaborative spirit is a model for sustainable tourism; one that prioritizes the well-being of guests, the local community, and the natural environment.

To learn more about Tutka Tours, visit their Green Business profile and their website.

Our Sustainability Spotlight series is aimed at broadening the conversation surrounding sustainable tourism for visitors and businesses by sharing the stories of our Adventure Green Alaska certified businesses. To learn more about Adventure Green Alaska certification please visit our about page.

What is the history and function of your business?

Cape Fox Tours is located in Ketchikan, Alaska and originally started out of Saxman, Alaska. Our focus is to offer immersive Tlingit native tours for guests to learn about the history, people, foods, and more of Cape Fox.

How long has your business been implementing sustainable practices?

We have implemented practices that correlate with cultural, social, and economic pillars since the beginning of the company. We have a deep rooted connection with the communities of both Saxman and Ketchikan that have allowed us to grow and play a significant part in educating the next generation.

What advice do you have for tourism businesses that are beginning their sustainability journey?

Your sustainability program should be a part of the company culture. It needs to be something that the staff and guests can play a role in to support or assist in achieving goals.   

What sustainable practice is your business most proud of?

Cape Fox Tours has participated in several community food drives, clean ups and fundraising efforts for its shareholders, community members and others. Aside from our community interactions, we have advocated and provided opportunities for shareholders and others of native descent to partake in tourism related career paths. There are several family members and generations of families, that have worked for the company over the years. Our culinary tours have also incorporated using other locally sourced foods and beverages that also keep sustainability practices at the forefront of their businesses.

Which pillars of the Adventure Green Alaska program aligns most with your business?

Local economy, the environment, Alaska history and culture.

Collaboration with the Adventure Green Alaska program

Adventure Green Alaska certification has offered additional marketing efforts and campaigns for our business and products. It has also allowed us to connect with the travelers who are actively looking for businesses with sustainability practices.

Our Sustainability Spotlight series is aimed at broadening the conversation surrounding sustainable tourism for visitors and businesses by sharing the stories of our Adventure Green Alaska certified businesses. To learn more about Adventure Green Alaska certification please visit our about page.

About the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center

The Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center opened in Fairbanks, Alaska, in 2008 as a community collaboration to celebrate and share the appreciation Alaskans have of the Interior’s cultures, history, heritage, traditions and lifestyles. Named after Koyukon Athabascan leader Morris Thompson, the center serves as a welcoming hub for visitors and residents alike, offering exhibits, programs, and events that highlight local history, lifestyles, Alaska Native culture and opportunities to explore the Interior.

How long has your business been implementing sustainable practices?

We’ve incorporated sustainable practices since our inception in 2008. From the beginning, sustainability and cultural stewardship have guided our facility’s operations, programming, and community partnerships.

What advice do you have for tourism businesses that are beginning their sustainability journey?

Start small, remain intentional, and consistently engage your staff and community. Sustainability isn’t just about large-scale actions; it’s built on everyday choices that collectively make a significant impact. Sustainability is frequently better for your bottom line in the long run, with reduced operational costs.

We are particularly proud of our cultural sustainability practices, including strong partnerships with Indigenous communities to ensure authentic representation and education. This collaboration directly enriches visitor experiences and supports cultural preservation.

On the facility side, we have converted almost all of our lights to LED fixtures, with a cost savings significant enough that our electric bills now are less than 10 years, even though the effective rate from our electric utility is about 53% higher today. The building’s heat comes from the local hot water feed. MTCVC does not have a boiler using oil or gas, and does not have to maintain storage for heating oil nor have to have a response plan for potential heating oil spills.

The produce that is grown in the garden by the cabin at MTCVC is shared with Breadline, a local non-profit in Fairbanks.

Which pillar of the Adventure Green Alaska program aligns most with your business?

Our strongest alignments are with cultural sustainability. Our exhibits were developed in partnership with Tanana Chiefs Conference and using the expertise of the National Park Service’s interpretive rangers. Activities at MTCVC include storytelling, traditional skill demonstrations and classes, as well as our Alaska Native Gift Shop offerings are from regional artisans, many of whom are elders, who can share their arts and traditions with our guests.

Collaboration with the Adventure Green Alaska Program

Adventure Green Alaska has provided valuable guidance and recognition that reinforces our commitment to sustainability. People like to shop their values, and AGA elevates our profile among environmentally and culturally conscious travelers.

To learn more about the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center, visit their Green Business profile and their website.

Our Sustainability Spotlight series is aimed at broadening the conversation surrounding sustainable tourism for visitors and businesses by sharing the stories of our Adventure Green Alaska certified businesses. To learn more about Adventure Green Alaska certification please visit our about page.

About Out to Sea Expedition Company

Founded in 2019 by Ketchikan locals Eric Lunde and Delaney Murphy, Out to Sea Expedition Company is an outdoor adventure business specializing in small group, nature & wildlife eco-tours aboard fully inflatable Zodiacs. The couple was inspired by their mutual love of the pristine wilderness and wildness of Alaska, and a desire to share their beautiful home with visitors from around the world in a way that is both responsible and authentically Alaskan. Eric has worked in the maritime industry in Alaska for over 25 years and Delaney comes from a local commercial fishing family, so they are both at home on the ocean and enjoy sharing the magic of Southeast Alaska with their guests. Out to Sea Expeditions caters to adventurous visitors that want to get off the beaten path and explore Alaska with all of their senses.

How long has your business been implementing sustainable practices?

Out to Sea Expeditions was established with the belief that we can have fun and explore our world, while also being good stewards of our environment and community. We created our company to be environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable, and though starting a small tourism business 8 months before a global pandemic was less than ideal, we never wavered from our commitment. In addition to our Adventure Green Alaska certification, Out to Sea is currently the only 1% for the Planet business operating in Ketchikan. We are also members of Whale SENSE and use our required stewardship project to focus on removing marine debris and participating in citizen science.

What advice do you have for tourism businesses that are beginning their sustainability journey?

It’s easier to build sustainability into your business from the beginning, but it’s never too late to implement positive change. Tourism businesses do not exist in a vacuum, and we need to consider the way our activities impact the environment and communities in which we operate. Start with identifying areas where your business can improve/reduce negative impacts, then move to finding ways your operations can benefit the surrounding ecosystem (this includes both the natural environment, local communities, cultures etc.) We’re all learning, and you won’t always get it right, but progress is more important than perfection when it comes to developing a more sustainable tourism industry.

What sustainable practice is your business most proud of?

As a part of our participation in Whale SENSE, we conduct an annual stewardship project within our community. Since 2021 our focus has been on removing marine debris from our beaches and waters. This includes at least one beach cleanup each summer and removing items from the ocean on our daily tours. We often return to the same remote beaches each year, and we are proud to say that we have seen a noticeable difference at one site in just a few years of removing marine debris, but there is still a lot of work to do! In 2024, we also began monitoring for invasive European Green Crab as a part of our effort to incorporate citizen science into our stewardship project. The recent discovery of this invasive species in our area is very concerning due to the potential ecosystem impacts. Monitoring can aid in detection of the invasive species, while also providing scientists with baseline data of existing species. This year we hope to increase our monitoring efforts and include this citizen science project into more of our trips!

Which pillars of the Adventure Green Alaska program aligns most with your business?

The pillars that most align with our business are local economies and communities and the environment. We chose fully inflatable Zodiac Milpro HD vessels as our platform to explore the waters surrounding Ketchikan because they are quiet, fuel efficient, and they get our guests closer to the environment, letting them experience salty splashes, the sound of calling birds and the distant breath of a marine mammal, or even the feeling of rain that nourishes our forests. It is our responsibility to set a good example for our guests, and when we remove marine debris from the ocean or respectfully view magnificent marine mammals, we have an opportunity to provide education and inspire action about the issues affecting the incredible nature and wildlife they experience while visiting Alaska. Beyond being good stewards of our environment, we must also be good stewards of our community. We are business owners, but we are also community members, and we want to see our community thrive. When we support local events, nonprofits, and other small businesses, we are investing in the future of the place we love.

Collaboration with the Adventure Green Alaska program

The Adventure Green Alaska program has benefited our business by allowing us to connect with other Alaskan businesses that share similar values and provide inspiration that helps us to continuously improve our own sustainability practices.

To learn more about Out to Sea Expedition Company, visit their Green Business profile and their website.

Our Sustainability Spotlight series is aimed at broadening the conversation surrounding sustainable tourism for visitors and businesses by sharing the stories of our Adventure Green Alaska certified businesses. To learn more about Adventure Green Alaska certification please visit our about page.

About Alaska Alpine Adventures

Alaska Alpine Adventures was founded with a passion for exploring Alaska’s wildest and most remote landscapes while preserving them for future generations. For over 25 years, we have specialized in small-group, guided wilderness expeditions, taking guests deep into national parks like Lake Clark, Katmai, and Gates of the Arctic. Our mission is to provide transformational experiences that connect people with nature, foster personal growth, create lasting memories – all while maximizing the tenets of sustainable tourism. 

How long has your business been implementing sustainable practices?

Sustainability has been at the heart of our operations since day one. From the beginning, we have prioritized Leave No Trace principles, low-impact camping techniques, and responsible wildlife viewing. Over the years, we have expanded our efforts to include carbon footprint reduction, waste minimization, and supporting local communities through ethical partnerships and sourcing. As a proud 1% for the Planet member, we have donated over $125,000 to conservation non-profits, reinforcing our commitment to protecting Alaska’s pristine wilderness.

What advice do you have for tourism businesses that are beginning their sustainability journey?

Start with small, meaningful changes and build from there. Sustainability isn’t about perfection—it’s about process and progress. Begin by adopting Leave No Trace principles, reducing single-use plastics, and sourcing locally whenever possible. Educate both staff and guests on responsible tourism, and be transparent about your efforts. Collaboration is key—partner with like-minded organizations, seek certifications like AGA, and continuously look for ways to improve. Most importantly, integrate sustainability into your company culture so it becomes a natural part of your day to day operations. 

What sustainable practice is your business most proud of?

We take immense pride in our commitment to low-impact adventure travel. By limiting group sizes, carefully selecting gear and supplies, and training our guides in sustainable practices, we ensure that our trips leave minimal impact on the environment. Additionally, our partnership with 1% for the Planet allows us to support conservation efforts directly, with over $100K contributed to environmental non-profits. Our guests appreciate that their adventure not only enriches their lives but also helps preserve Alaska’s wilderness for future explorers.

Which pillars of the Adventure Green Alaska program align most with your business?

Our business aligns most closely with the Local Economies and Communities and The Environment pillars.

• Local Economies and Communities: We support local Alaskan businesses, hire local guides when possible, and promote cultural & community exchange through authentic experiences.
• The Environment: We operate with strict Leave No Trace ethics, reduce waste, and advocate for conservation efforts that protect Alaska’s delicate ecosystems. Through 1% for the Planet, we actively fund organizations working to safeguard these wild spaces.

Collaboration with Adventure Green Alaska

Becoming a certified Adventure Green Alaska business has strengthened our reputation as a leader in sustainable adventure travel in Alaska. It reassures our guests that their experience is both environmentally responsible and socially conscious—aligning perfectly with their values. The program has also connected us with a network of like-minded businesses, providing opportunities for collaboration and growth. Ultimately, AGA certification, alongside our 1% for the Planet membership and ongoing conservation donations, helps us inspire trust, attract like-minded travelers, and continue making a positive impact on Alaska’s wild places.

To learn more about Alaska Alpine Adventures, visit their Green Business profile and their website.