Care for Catalina Kicks-off in Celebration of Earth Month Community-wide Clean-up Day

In support of Catalina Island exemplifying sustainable tourism practices, the Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau has launched several consumer and community based initiatives. At www.careforcatalina.com, visitors and potential visitors are invited to learn about visiting the island with details and links to the Catalina Island Conservancy, Catalina Island Marine Protection Areas and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, from which inspiration was found for many of the new programs. Consumer-facing education includes information on visiting with a light footprint including: How to Care for the Island’s precious resources like limited fresh water, avoidance of certain sunscreens, protection of marine life and boater information, packing light, sticking to trails, being careful with fire, keeping wildlife wild and ways in which to share trails, camps and beaches peacefully with others. Community based efforts will include honoring businesses or individuals that put sustainable practices in place and working with civic groups and businesses on the first (of many, we hope) Community-wide Clean-up Days.