AAA & The Environment

Promoting Ecotourism

As wild and remote parts of our country become more accessible, we must be careful not to love them to death. This requires awareness of how tourism affects the quality of a destination. Ecotourism is not the simple act of traveling to a natural or cultural heritage site. It's learning to care for the unique qualities of the place itself, without harming it in any way.

In 1992, AAA launched a popular ecotourism promotion called "Freedom's Way." With support from agencies such as the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Environmental Protection Agency and others, AAA produced travel tips and public service messages encouraging travelers to help protect America's scenic areas and respect the environment.

Topics included reducing congestion and pollution, conserving energy, disposing of litter and enjoying wildlife at a distance. The prevailing theme was that heavy use or abuse of a site damages the quality of the experience for everyone and sometimes even results in the closure of parks and recreation areas. The message was simple but effective:

"When you See America, Care for America."

Read more about AAA programs: Battery Recycling, National Car Care Month and State / Local Activities.

AAA & The Environment Index

AAA Programs

Public Education Efforts