Traveling is a large part of the experience of visiting new lands, cultures, and adventures. In recent years, as awareness of environmental issues (climate change, etc.) has grown, so too has the number of travelers looking to see the world and minimize their negative impact upon the earth. The purpose of this resource is to provide the practical advice and knowledge needed to combine environmentally aware traveling with enjoyable and sustainable travel experiences.
1) Use Sustainable Transportation
As an important contributor to carbon emissions within the travel industry, transportation is one area where travelers can take action to minimize their carbon footprint while still achieving their goals.
Choose public transportation: Consider using buses, trains or subway systems for shorter trips since they are more efficient and produce fewer emissions than taxis and/or personal vehicles.
Long distance transportation: When possible, consider traveling by train or bus over longer distances. Train and bus travel typically have significantly lower carbon footprints compared to air travel.
When flying: If flying is unavoidable, look into flying directly (to limit flight miles and emissions), and consider airlines that are working towards developing sustainable aviation technologies.
The selection of sustainable modes of transportation will enable you to enjoy your travels while also being more environmentally friendly.
2) Select Eco-Friendly Accommodations
The impact of hotels/resorts on the environment varies widely depending on factors including water consumption, waste generated, etc. Eco-friendly accommodations will help ensure that your stay is as environmentally friendly as possible.
Look for certified eco-hotels: Look for hotels and resorts that are certified through programs like Green Key and EarthCheck which are designed to be used as a way to certify that hotels and resorts follow environmentally sustainable practices.
Water Conservation: Consider staying at properties that implement water conservation techniques, utilize low-flow fixtures, and do their best to minimize waste.
Local Businesses: Choose locally owned hotels/guesthouses/eco-lodges that value sustainability and assist in the growth of the local economy.
Your choice of eco-friendly accommodations will allow you to appreciate your stay while supporting environmentally sustainable practices that benefit local communities and the environment.
3) Reduce Your Use of Single-Use Plastic Products
Single-use plastic products are one of the greatest environmental concerns facing the travel industry. It is up to each of us as responsible travelers to minimize our dependence on single-use plastics when traveling.
Reusable Water Bottle: Bring a reusable water bottle to avoid purchasing bottled water. Many airports and tourist attractions are now providing refill stations.
Plastic Straws and Utensils: Use a reusable straw or bring reusable utensils, or choose establishments that use biodegradable/compostable alternatives.
Toiletry Bags: Fill your reusable toiletry bags with travel-sized toiletries packaged in reusable containers to avoid the single-use plastic bottles provided by hotels.
By limiting your use of single-use plastics, you will help reduce waste and contribute to the global effort to prevent plastic pollution.
4) Respect Local Ecosystems and Wildlife
In addition to the above environmentally conscious actions, there are several other ways that you can be a responsible traveler. You should be aware of the potential environmental impacts of your actions and strive to support conservation efforts.
Walking Trails: While hiking or exploring natural areas, always remain on designated walking trails to avoid damaging sensitive ecosystems.
Wildlife Experiences: Only participate in wildlife experiences that promote conservation; avoid those that encourage animal exploitation for entertainment purposes.
Conservation Organizations: Support local conservation organizations by donating to them or volunteering with them in order to help preserve natural habitats and wildlife populations.
By demonstrating respect for the environment and supporting conservation efforts, you will help protect the environments and wildlife that you visit for future generations.
Conclusion
Traveling with environmental awareness is about making intentional decisions that will minimize your carbon footprint and support sustainability. Small changes in your travel habits can make a big difference when combined with the growing number of travelers who are embracing sustainable practices. As a result of the collective efforts of travelers to be environmentally sustainable, we can all play a role in preserving the natural beauty and biodiversity of the earth for future generations.
