Backroads Bear Adventures: First Home-Based Business to Earn Sustainable Business Achievement
We are thrilled to announce that Backroads Bear Adventures has officially become the first home-based business to earn the Big Sky Sustainable Business Achievement, a recognition that celebrates and promotes Big Sky businesses committed to sustainability.
Offering a Curated Experience in Big Sky, Yellowstone, and Surrounding Areas
Backroads Bear Adventures is a locally owned tour and travel concierge in Big Sky, Montana. Thomas Reed owns and operates the tour company and works hard to ensure guests have an unforgettable experience while seeing wildlife and nature in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
For Backroads Bear Adventures, providing a curated experience is important. Whether on a tour into Yellowstone National Park, a day hike in Big Sky, or working from his home office, Thomas ensures that quality and respect for the environment remain a priority. Incorporating sustainable practices throughout his work is one way he helps ensure that our natural environment is respected and appreciated.
Tour Vehicle for Backroads Bear Adventure
Sustainability Action Highlights
What Backroads Bear Adventures Is Doing Differently
Packing Out Recycling and Composting: Thomas works hard to follow the pack-in/pack-out rule. Thomas ensures that any recycling or compost is brought back from tours and disposed of correctly.
Reusable Water Bottles and Refill Jug: Reusable water bottles are provided for guests, as well as a 5-gallon refill jug so guests don’t have to buy water bottles while they are out exploring.
Energy and Water Efficient Home Office Practices: LED lighting, energy efficient appliances, and water efficient appliances are used throughout Thomas’s home office.
Sustainability as a Business Advantage
Thomas believes in lowering his impact on the environment as much as possible. It's inspiring to see his small business implement such impactful actions around his home office and out on tours. While sustainable practices can seem daunting to incorporate into a business, Thomas has found that these actions aren't just reducing his impact, they're saving him money in his day-to-day work.
IN HIS OWN WORDS
"...I like to try to do things to help the environment and not be a burden. It doesn't hurt my business or cost me money to be sustainable; it actually saves me money." — Thomas Reed, Owner
5-Gallon Water Jug for Clients to Refill Reusable Water Bottles
LOOKING AHEAD
One Area of Growth: Community involvement
One of the benefits of participating in the Big Sky Sustainable Business Achievement program is access to expert sustainability advice. Big Sky SNO has introduced Backroads Bear Adventures to different community advocacy actions and events, including trash talk volunteering events, public comment opportunities, and more.
Congratulations to Thomas at Backroads Bear Adventures on this well-deserved recognition. His commitment to prioritizing experiences with respect for clients, the community, and the environment is exactly what the Big Sky Sustainable Business Achievement program is all about.
Get Involved
The Sustainable Business Achievement program is open and ready for your participation. We're here to support you every step of the way, from initial assessment through implementation and recognition. Together, we can build a business community that not only serves our guests and customers exceptionally well but also protects the natural environment that makes Big Sky such an extraordinary place to live, work, and visit.
Ready to get started? Learn more about the Sustainable Business Achievement program and how your business can participate at bigskysno.org/biz.