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Switzerland already has so much to boast. Nice people, the Alps, chocolate and now according to Yale University's Environmental Performance Index (EPI), green prowess. EPI measures environmental health, air pollution, water resources, and productive natural resources.
Switzerland attained green superiority because of a tough stance on pollution. Legislation in the country plans to target pollution reduction. Switzerland also charges fees for their water and waste management services as well as environmental taxes which promote personal responsibility. It costs 1 euro for every bag of trash disposed of in Switzerland. Also the 2006 development of the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN), is meant to sustain natural resources and develop safety measures for natural hazards.
Here's what makes Switzerland perfect for green travel:
Great train travel
Trains are the best and most efficient way to get around Switzerland. SBB, Switzerland's national railway company, reaches most destinations within the country. Trams and light rail services are available in Bern, Basel, Geneva, Neuchâtel, and Zurich. Lausanne has a metro system.
It's bike-friendly
This is a truly bike friendly nation. Much of the nation is good for biking especially Zurich which is loaded with bike paths. Basel is also a very bike-friendly city, with many well-marked bicycle lanes throughout the city, and even traffic signals and left-hand turn lanes for bikes. Special route maps are also available for cyclists. Bikes can be rented locally from the Rent-a-Bike underground bike park. Besides local commuter bike lanes, there are specific bike trails that connect to other parts of Switzerland. These bike trails are indicated by signs at some intersections
Organic products abound in Switzerland
Look for the Bio Engagement and Naturaplan labels as they are widely available organic brands. The Vinatura logo means that your wine was produced in an ecologically friendly method.
Eco-friendly Resorts
Resorts like WhitePod resort in the Swiss Alps make your hotel stay fabulously green. Each pod is heated by a wood stove. The furniture in the pods is either made from recycled materials or manufactured with sustainable Swiss wood. Much of the waste generated is recycled.
More on Green Travel:
5 Ways to Green Your Flight
Costa Rica, New Zealand and France: Eco-Friendly Countries for Green Travel
How to Be a Philanthropic Traveler
