Vacation Offsetting: A List of Resources
Offsetting is a useful concept when thinking about personal steps toward reparations or antiracist actions. Those of us experiencing fewer oppressions can afford to share some of our opportunities—or the fruits of those opportunities—with people experiencing numerous or ongoing oppressions.
Carbon offset calculator: I pay carbon offsets to mitigate the environmental damage my travel costs, which lands predominantly on the homes and bodies of black and brown people. This calculator is handy for travel, household or business, and the funds contribute to carbon-reducing projects. There are many kinds of carbon offset programs.
Native-Lands app is a quick & interesting way to see which Indigenous people originally inhabited the lands I recreate on. Then I do some quick research to find a housing authority, health clinic or family support organization associated with that tribal nation to donate to. Getting a tax break from a nonprofit is not the priority.
I often offer my labor during or as the focus of my vacations. Organizations running service projects are everywhere. Check that white saviorism isn't negating their intention to help. I did the Montana program through Global Volunteers summer of 2022. Check for local mutual aid events wherever you go, or contact national organizations like YWCA or NAACP, who often have volunteer opportunities.
Nickel & Dimed by Barbara Ehrenreich schooled me into tipping generously, especially housekeeping staff.
Transfer Frequent Flier Miles. Many of us with mileage-earning credit cards have big stashes after the pandemic's travel-less months. Consider transferring them to people you know who don't have the funds to travel, or donate them to an organization that distributes miles to migrants.
I have a friend who chooses vacation destinations (or road-trip stops) based on places with a museum about African-American/Black culture (apparently Boise has a great one). Find out who the oppressed peoples are in your travel destination and seek out their restaurants, venues and stores. For Black-owned businesses in the U.S., try apps like EatOkra.
July 2022 Back to Blog Home
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