Google Launches Eco-Tourism Maps

Google is launching a new service – and it’s green. The new Google Maps Summer of Green is an environmentally-focused video and map guide to eco-tourism spots, chosen with the help of Earth Day Network. The presentation features green travel options in top US travel city destinations – New York, Orlando, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

Users can take guided virtual video tours of green destinations, including organic spas, hotels, restaurants, eco-car rentals, and green family activities, such as nature museums and horseback riding outposts.

Google creates an overlay of video clips on city maps, capturing green locations recommended by Earth Day Network. The service will be live throughout the summer. If you click on New York, for example, you’ll see a map of the city with icons indicating green locations. Click on the icon and a video pops up with a description. I happened to click on Candle Cafe, a wonderful restaurant I’ve been too that serves only organic, vegan food.

“Google strives to be a green company, from our environmentally friendly construction practices to the initiatives we support through Google.org,” says John Hanke, director of Google Earth and Maps. “Many Americans are interested in green travel options and Summer of Green enables them to quickly and easily find green travel recommendations from Earth Day Network in a dynamic Google Map for top travel destinations.”

This a fantastic idea that I hope expands.

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Rona Fried, CEO SustainableBusiness.com