Do you like to travel often? And do you ever think about the damage you leave on the environment, in the process? If you haven’t thought about how you can improve your travelling habits and make them more sustainable, now’s the right time to start. The matter has never been more pressing, and it is high time you developed eco-conscious habits that will make your future trips less damaging for the environment. Keep on reading to catch up on the latest tips for becoming a more eco-aware traveller.
Use sustainable travel options
First and foremost, in order to become an eco-friendlier traveller, you need to use a sustainable means of transport. Instead of flying to your desired destination, travel by train. Can’t reach the destination by train? Go to a less remote destination. Backpacking through your country will be an adventure on its own. No matter how many places you’ve visited, you can always explore more. Go to the neighbouring countries where you can cycle or travel by an electric car. If you must fly, choose airlines that reduce their emission of CO2. Use public transport, and walk to see most of your goal destination. Car sharing is another sustainable travel option, as it saves money and gas emissions at the same time. Don’t use a power-engine boat if you choose to sail, but go for a more eco-conscious option, and paddle your way through the goal destination.
Pick up after yourself
Whether you’re travelling locally or abroad, you’ll need to pack food, toiletries and drinks that will generate waste after being used. You wouldn’t leave garbage in the middle of your room when you’re done eating, would you? That’s why you should dispose of waste accordingly. Look for bins that are intended for paper, plastic and general rubbish. Pick up after yourself when you go on a picnic or spend a day at the beach. Leave nothing but footprints behind you.
Look for eco-friendly accommodations
What are the criteria on which you base your choice of accommodation? Is it just the proximity to the main attractions, or is there more to it? One of the factors that every sustainable traveller takes into consideration when choosing accommodation is whether it’s eco-friendly or not. Does it have solar-powered devices? Do they have dual garbage chutes that will make recycling much easier? Make sure you investigate as much as possible about the accommodation option you want to book before making final reservations. Choose the ones that use non-toxic cleaning agents and laundry detergent for maintenance. If they offer organic fabric sheets, energy-efficient lighting, non-disposable dishes and a non-smoking environment, consider them for your stay.
Pack light
Clothes take up the majority of your luggage space, which adds up to the carbon footprint you leave during your trips. To minimize the CO2 emission, pack light. A capsule wardrobe is one of the best options for travelling. If you pack outfits instead of individual pieces of clothes that you cannot mix and match, you’ll pack more efficiently and wear the majority of your clothes. Not to mention that you won’t end up buying more of those mass-production shop’s clothes that will end up in your wardrobe for years without ever being worn.
Reduce plastic waste
Minimise waste and pollution by not using plastic disposable plastic products. Reusable water bottles are a much better alternative. If you’re going to a destination where drinkable water is scarce, invest in a reusable water bottle with a purifying filter. Bamboo straws, reusable bags, and biodegradable toothbrushes are all friends of the planet. Shampoo bars are another good option as they don’t come in plastic bottles. The same goes for soaps, shampoos and conditioners in refillable silicone bottles. If your period hits on the road, don’t use tampons or pads, but opt for a reusable silicone sanitary cup instead.
Look for eco-friendly eating options
Did you know that our eating habits affect the planet immensely? One of the ways to reduce your carbon footprint is to take cooking classes in your new destination. Not only will you learn something new about the food, but about farming as well. Try vegetarian and vegan meals, eat what locals eat as that’s the food that’s always prepared fresh. Look for a local dining experience instead of choosing a buffet breakfast/lunch options that waste tons of food every day.
Final thoughts
Becoming a more sustainable traveller may seem like a challenging task, but it doesn’t have to be that difficult. Yes, it might require effort and giving up, but it will all be for a good cause. Nothing is more important than our planet’s well-being because it directly affects the well-being of everyone living on it. So, the least you can do is contribute to the environment’s health by practising more eco-friendly travelling habits.
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