ADVENTURE GREEN ALASKA

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.

Cape Fox Tours is located in Ketchikan, Alaska and originally started out of Saxman, Alaska. Their focus is to offer immersive Tlingit native tours for guests to learn about the history, people, foods, and more of Cape Fox. Cape Fox Tours have implemented practices that correlate with cultural, social, and economic pillars since the beginning of the company. They have a deep rooted connection with the communities of both Saxman and Ketchikan that have allowed them to grow and play a significant part in educating the next generation.

For tourism businesses who are starting their journey into sustainable business operations, Cape Fox Tours recommends that sustainability programs be integrated into the company culture. These initiatives need to be something the staff and guests can play a role in to support or assist in achieving goals.   

Cape Fox Tours’ sustainability is rooted in community engagement. They have participated in several community food drives, clean ups and fundraising efforts for its shareholders, community members and others. Aside from their community interactions, they 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. Cape Fox’s culinary tours have also incorporated using other locally sourced foods and beverages that also keep sustainability practices at the forefront of their businesses.

By being certified by Adventure Green Alaska, Cape Fox Tours has been able to connect with travelers who are actively looking for experiences that are grounded in sustainable practices. Certification has additionally offered marketing campaigns and attention to the sustainable initiatives they continue to further.

To learn more about Cape Fox 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.

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.

The Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center has incorporated sustainable practices since their inception in 2008. From the beginning, sustainability and cultural stewardship have guided their facility’s operations, programming, and community partnerships.

For businesses who are considering developing and implementing sustainable practices, the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center recommends starting small. When starting small, businesses are able to limit their scope and remain intentional in order to consistently engage staff and the community they operate in.

The Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center is particularly proud of their 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, they have converted almost all of their lights to LED fixtures, with a cost savings significant enough that their electric bills today are lower than 10 years ago, even though the effective rate from their 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 Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center also works with other local organizations. For example, the produce that is grown in the garden by the cabin at MTCVC is shared with Breadline, a local non-profit in Fairbanks.

The MTCVC’s strongest alignment is with cultural sustainability. Their 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 their Alaska Native Gift Shop offerings are from regional artisans, many of whom are elders, who can share their arts and traditions with MTCVC’s guests.

The Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center believes that Adventure Green Alaska has provided valuable guidance and recognition that reinforces their commitment to sustainability. People like to shop their values, and AGA elevates their 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.

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.

They created their 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, they never wavered from their commitment. In addition to their Adventure Green Alaska certification, Out to Sea is currently the only 1% for the Planet business operating in Ketchikan. They are also members of Whale SENSE and use their required stewardship project to focus on removing marine debris and participating in citizen science.

Out to Sea Expedition Company recommends to businesses who are seeking to implement sustainable practices to start from the beginning, but it’s never too late to enact positive change. They suggest for businesses to consider the ways that their activities may impact the environment and communities they operate in. Out to Sea Expedition Company recommends to first identify areas where your business can 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.). They say that “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”.

As a part of their participation in Whale SENSE, they conduct an annual stewardship project within their community. Since 2021 their focus has been on removing marine debris from local beaches and waters. This includes at least one beach cleanup each summer and removing items from the ocean on their daily tours. They often return to the same remote beaches each year, and they are proud to say that they have seen a noticeable difference at one site in just a few years of removing marine debris. In 2024, they also began monitoring for invasive European Green Crab as a part of their effort to incorporate citizen science into their stewardship project. The recent discovery of this invasive species in their 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. In 2025, they hope to increase their monitoring efforts and include this citizen science project into more of their trips.

The pillars that most align with Out to Sea Expedition Company are supporting the local community and the environment. They chose fully inflatable Zodiac Milpro HD vessels as their platform to explore the waters surrounding Ketchikan because they are quiet, fuel efficient, and they get 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 the forests.

Out to Sea Expedition Company has an opportunity to provide education and inspire actions about the issues affecting the incredible nature and wildlife guests experience while visiting Alaska. To educate and set a good example to guests, they explain the importance of removing marine debris from the ocean and respectfully viewing magnificent marine mammals. In addition to being good stewards of the environment, they are also good stewards of their local community. They are business owners, but they are also community members, and they want to see their community thrive. When they support local events, nonprofits, and other small businesses, they are investing in the future of the place they love.

The Adventure Green Alaska program has benefited Out to Sea Expedition Company by allowing them to connect with other Alaskan businesses that share similar values and provide inspiration that helps them continuously improve their 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.

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 Above and Beyond Alaska

Above and Beyond Alaska is a boutique guiding company that has been operating since 2002. Our priorities are safety, providing outstanding customer service, upholding the highest safety standards, and serving as responsible stewards of the environment. We specialize in small group, high quality wilderness adventures that feature the best of Southeast Alaska – glaciers, bears, and whales. Our tours are sought after those passionate about the environment and sustainability and want to explore off the beaten path adventures. We combine human powered adventures with boat or float plane transport to several of our tour destinations. 

How long has your business been implementing sustainable practices?

Since opening our doors in 2002, ABAK has been deeply committed to sustainability by focusing on reducing, reusing, and recycling. We’ve implemented measures such as minimizing paper use, providing reusable aluminum water bottles to reduce single-use plastics, and using reusable snack bags to cut down on waste. Additionally, we actively recycle cardboard, paper, plastic, glass, and aluminum. In 2015, we took another step toward energy efficiency by installing heat pumps to heat our warehouse and office.

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

Make sustainability a key value proposition for your company. Create clear sustainability policies, gather input from your team, and promote them on your website and social media platforms. Maintain consistent follow-through to demonstrate your commitment.

What sustainable practice is your business most proud of?

In 2022, we partnered with the Alaska Carbon Reduction Fund (ACRF) to help meet our sustainability goals and became the first tourism company to participate and raise funds for heat pumps to be installed in low-income family homes. Over the span of 2022-2024, ABAK successfully raised over $22,000 to support this endeavor, contributing to the Alaska Carbon Reduction Fund’s mission. The Alaska Carbon Reduction Fund replaces oil-burning heating systems with efficient, emissions-free air source heat pumps. This initiative offers heating assistance to lower-income families in Juneau, helping reduce housing costs by significantly cutting annual heating bills. By using heat pumps, the reliance on diesel fuel is eliminated, preventing the release of tons of carbon dioxide each year.

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

Environmental sustainability is deeply aligned with our business values. We strictly adhere to Leave No Trace principles on all our trips, ensuring we pack in and pack out everything. Our mission is to explore, educate, and promote environmental conservation in our own backyard. We believe that exploration, paired with education, inspires conservation, and this philosophy is at the heart of everything we do.

Collaboration with the Adventure Green Alaska program

Joining the Adventure Green program has given us the opportunity to highlight the sustainability practices we’ve embraced since the inception of our business. Our commitment to environmental responsibility and operating in a way that minimizes our carbon footprint has not only reinforced our mission but also helped set a higher standard for tourism operations across Southeast Alaska.

To learn more about Above and Beyond 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.

About Wrangell Mountain Air

Wrangell Mountain Air was founded by Kelly and Natalie Bay in 1992 as a small but ambitious air taxi service in McCarthy, Alaska—one of the most remote towns in the country, nestled deep inside Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. This is no ordinary park; it’s the largest in the United States, dwarfing Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the entire country of Switzerland combined! From the beginning, our mission has been simple: connect people to this vast and wild landscape in a way that’s safe, responsible, and awe-inspiring.

Our services range from daily flights between Chitina and McCarthy—helping visitors skip the notorious McCarthy Road—to private charters, backcountry drop-offs, and flightseeing tours over some of the tallest peaks and largest glaciers in North America. In fact Wrangell – St. Elias NP has over 3,100 glaciers, making it the park with the most glaciers in Alaska as well! Over the years, our fleet has grown to include a mix of aircraft suited for both front-country and deep wilderness operations, including Cessna 172, 185, and 206s, a Piper Super Cub, and a DeHavilland Beaver. The original owners have since passed the torch to a new generation of pilots, but they’re still here, still flying, and still very much a part of our community.

How long has your business been implementing sustainable practices?

Sustainability isn’t an afterthought for us—it’s baked into the reality of operating in McCarthy. This has always been an off-the-grid community, which means every watt of electricity we use, we have to generate ourselves. Solar panels power much of our operation, but on cloudy days, we’re hyper-aware of how much energy we’re consuming, so as not to rely heavily on generators. Water is another limited resource; we pump and haul it from Clear Creek, which makes conservation a daily habit rather than an abstract goal. Waste management is another challenge. We’re responsible for hauling all of our organization’s waste on an eight-hour drive back to Anchorage for proper disposal. That makes waste reduction a necessity. We prioritize composting, recycling, and eliminating excess wherever possible. Our staff not only work here, but most live on site, so we organize bulk grocery runs in combination with our trash hauls to reduce long drives to Anchorage to just once a month. Living communally as we do, we practice sharing resources whenever we can to keep waste minimal. Beyond infrastructure, sustainability informs how we operate in the park itself. We work to minimize environmental impact in our flightseeing and backcountry services, ensuring that visitors experience the grandeur of Wrangell-St. Elias without leaving a lasting footprint.

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

“Reduce, reuse, recycle” isn’t just a catchy phrase—it’s an order of operations. Start with reduction. Where can you use less? Less energy, less waste, fewer single-use materials? Small changes—switching to LED lighting, cutting unnecessary packaging, going paperless, encouraging carpooling—add up fast. Only once you’ve minimized waste should you focus on reuse: repurposing materials, finding second (or third) lives for equipment, and encouraging sustainable habits within your team. Recycling is last on the list for a reason—it’s important, but it’s a last resort, not the first step. Sustainability doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start small, track your progress, and always ask how we can do more and build from there.

What sustainable practice is your business most proud of?

A few years ago, one of our pilots, Bill McKinney, posed a challenge: Could we make our flight operations carbon-neutral? It was an ambitious idea, and we started small. First, we crunched the numbers—calculating our carbon emissions per flight hour. The result? Offsetting our flights would cost between $1.75 and $2.75 per hour. Not a huge sum, but a meaningful one.

We began with a tip jar in the office, labeled as a kind of “thank-you to the Earth” fund. Bill, ever dedicated, often donated much of his own tips. Our company matched contributions up to $1,500. Then we expanded—offering credit card donations, adding offset contributions to invoices, and this year partnering with travel agents to integrate carbon offsets directly into bookings.

The results have exceeded our expectations. In previous summers, we hustled to meet our fundraising goals. Now, with these new partnerships, we’ve already surpassed our target—and summer is still months away. Even as the average individual donation shrinks, the number of people participating is growing, which is exactly the kind of broad-based engagement we hoped to inspire. We hope that getting more people involved will lead to more discussions about what else one can do to make their vacation to Alaska more sustainable. 

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

While we value every pillar — it’s the environment that defines our work. Our entire business exists because of the natural beauty of Wrangell – St. Elias National Park, and we take that responsibility seriously. We know that flying burns fossil fuels, and we don’t pretend otherwise. We chose to do something about that. Through our carbon offset program, we’ve kept our air operations carbon-neutral. Every flight we operate is an opportunity to educate passengers—not just about the grandeur of the park, but about the very real changes happening here, from retreating glaciers to shifting ecosystems.

To ensure we’re sharing accurate information, our pilots receive annual training from National Park geologists. And because Wrangell-St. Elias doesn’t require backcountry users to attend ranger-led briefings, we step up—educating our clients on Leave No Trace principles and implementing our own internal system to prevent overuse of sensitive areas. We’re not just flying over this land; we’re working to protect it.

Collaboration with the Adventure Green Alaska program

Being part of Adventure Green Alaska means more than just a certification—it connects us to a network of businesses that share our values. We’ve built partnerships with like-minded operators across the state, helping travelers move through Alaska in ways that align with their environmental commitments.

Sustainable tourism isn’t just about minimizing harm; it’s about actively doing good—supporting local economies, educating visitors, and making sure that the landscapes we cherish remain intact for future generations. We’re grateful to be part of a program that prioritizes exactly that.

To learn more about Wrangell Mountain Air, visit their Green Business profile and their website.