Travelling can be expensive, not only in terms of money but also in terms of environmental cost. Our awareness of climate change is increasing, and many travellers, be they day-trippers or sun-seekers, are placing more importance on eco-friendly travel. Thankfully, you can reduce your carbon footprint in many ways while still enjoying our incredible planet’s wonders. This article offers some practical tips for the more environmentally conscious holidaymaker.
Choose Eco-Friendly Accommodations
The internet is your friend when it comes to discovering eco-friendly accommodation. Most internet users will spend countless hours searching for the best betting sites for golf, the cheapest flights, or things to see and do at their chosen destination, yet they will neglect to investigate a hotel or resort’s eco-friendliness.
Choose hotels, guesthouses, or resorts that have implemented eco-friendly practices, such as water conservation, waste reduction initiatives, or energy-efficient lighting. Many properties now proudly display eco-certifications or sustainability awards on their websites, making it easier to make an informed choice.
Pack Light and Smart
Believe it or not, the weight of your luggage can impact your carbon footprint. Packing a suitcase containing everything but the kitchen sink can lead to excess baggage fees and increased fuel consumption during transportation. Opting for versatile clothing that can be mixed and matched keeps your bags light and fuel consumption down. Do you need four different bottles of shampoo or six pairs of shoes? Probably not!
Choose Sustainable Transport
Transportation is the most significant contributor to the carbon emissions of any vacation. Often, flying is unavoidable, and we all know how polluting aircraft are. However, major airlines and comparison sites like Skyscanner now display their carbon emission. Major airlines are often more expensive than their rivals, but they usually have carbon offsets, such as planting trees, to help mitigate the environmental impact of your journey. Furthermore, major airlines often have newer, more economical airplanes.
Think about how you travel to and from the airport, too. Could you use a train service instead of driving? What about sharing a taxi service with other travelers? Once at your destination, consider using public transport or walking from point A to point B instead of paying for a taxi. Every little helps.
Reduce Single-Use Plastics
Plastic pollution is a significant environmental issue, especially in popular tourist destinations. While some countries have implemented measures to limit single-use plastics, not everyone is as conscious of these items’ ecological damage.
A recent Paphos, Cyprus vacation was eye-opening and jaw-dropping for the wrong reasons. The hotel bar and fast-food restaurant served drinks in plastic glasses and issued plastic cutlery for use around the pool areas. All that plastic ends up in the regular trash, meaning it will go to landfills or be incinerated. My family and I saved our plastic cutlery and cups to use again. If everyone did this, the amount of wasted single-use plastic would plummet.
Take a reusable water bottle with you and refill it from safe sources to avoid purchasing single-use plastic bottles. Similarly, carry a reusable shopping bag with you for snacks and souvenirs.
Conserve Energy and Water
It is common for people to enjoy excess when on vacation because they are letting their hair down and not having to worry about the consequences. However, you should always treat accommodations like your own home by conserving energy and water whenever possible.
Seemingly simple things like turning off lights and the air conditioning or heating when you leave your room can result in significant energy savings. Likewise, taking shorter showers or reusing towels once they have dried instead of having fresh towels daily all help to reduce water consumption.
Of course, you are on holiday to enjoy yourself and not have to worry about the stresses and strains of “normal” life, but it is important to be conscious of your actions’ impact on the environment. Imagine if a hotel had 1,000 guests and each one reused their towels again the next day; the energy and water saved would be enormous.
Practice Responsible Wildlife Tourism
Encountering wildlife on your journey can create lasting memories; few things are as amazing as seeing rare animals roaming their natural habitat. Most developed countries have strict laws and rules regarding wildlife and habitat conservation, but some parts of the world exploit animals or contribute to the destruction of their natural habitat.
Ensure you only give custom to ethical wildlife sanctuaries and conservation initiatives that have the animals’ best interests at heart.
Offset Your Carbon Emissions
Eliminating your carbon footprint entirely is challenging despite your best efforts to travel sustainably. For example, Air France says a one-way, non-stop flight from New York to Paris generates 478 kilos of carbon dioxide per passenger. Offsetting that much carbon is complex. However, that does not mean you cannot not reduce that mind-boggling figure.
Consider purchasing carbon offsets to compensate for the emissions generated by your travel. Many carbon offsetting initiatives exist, from reforestation efforts to helping fund renewable energy projects. Even a small donation goes a long way.
Everyone Can Do Their Part
In conclusion, eco-friendly travel is everyone’s responsibility and something everyone should embrace. When scouring the internet for the latest vacation deals, you probably don’t think of reducing your carbon footprint, but you should. By incorporating the tips in this article, you can explore our planet’s beauty while positively impacting it.
Educate friends, family members, and fellow holidaymakers about how their actions negatively impact the environment. By spreading the word and encouraging others to take small steps to conserve energy and water and reduce the amount of single-use plastic in the trash, you are educating people who will then pass on information to their friends, family, and loved ones. Eventually, thousands of people will be doing their part to make a difference to the world, all while enjoying their summer break and going about their daily lives.
