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Greg Benchwick

Travel writer Greg Benchwick served on Lonely Planet’s Sustainable Tourism committee and has penned articles for Fodor’s, Newsweek, The Washington Post, Adbusters, and more.  An expert on sustainable travel, Latin America, and adventure sports, Greg continues to explore the world.  He owns and operates two websites, MonJo Media (www.monjomedia.com) and Sound Traveler (www.soundtraveler.com).


During his keynote address on September 13, Greg Benchwick will discuss how sustainable tourism impacts the travel industry, and how we, as travelers, can go green.  “Sustainable travel is about giving back,” Greg says.  “It's about traveling light and leaving no trace. It's about cultural interchange, about learning every step of the way, and about having a positive impact on the culture, people and environment that surround you. Sustainable travel is about being both a student and a teacher. And, like all travel, it is about having fun!”

Sustainable Tourism and Hostelling International San Diego

Through our hostels and educational programs, Hostelling International USA promotes responsible travel through cultural awareness and environmental stewardship.  Hostels are designed to promote cultural exchange through shared experiences, while encouraging guests to travel green.   HI-USA believes that leaving a minimal trace behind while traveling is an important way of showing respect not only for the environment, but also for the culture and lifestyle of the people whose environment you are sharing. 


 HI-San Diego is looking toward the future with our efforts in sustainability, including working toward LEEDS certification at our hostels, and practicing “green” hostel operations every day.  

A few examples of how we practice sustainable tourism include:

  • Recycling at the hostels
  • Composting at HI-Point Loma
  • Using all recycled paper products
  • Avoiding disposable plates and utensils, or using recyclable products
  • Installing low-flow water fixtures
  • Using compact fluorescent light bulbs throughout the hostels
  • Cleaning with biodegradable eco-friendly products
  • Re-using plastic bags instead of trash bags for in-room cans
  • Buying earth-friendly energy star efficient appliances
  • Encouraging the use of public transportation
  • Taking hostellers on weekly tours across the border to experience the culture of Tijuana
  • Teaching young people about the importance of cultural exchange through programs
  • Providing free World Travel 101 workshops to the community
  • Hosting groups of volunteers at our hostels who choose to give back to the community for their spring breaks
  • Organizing a Peace Building Conference in the spring
  • Promoting cultural exchange in the hostels through activities and dinners
  • Encouraging volunteerism in our community of San Diego and our community of hostellers

By doing our part, our Council and hostels support the vision of HI-USA for “Hostellers to become caring world citizens who are catalysts for intercultural exchange and understanding, and who are stewards of the earth.”