These days, being a responsible traveler and staying environmentally aware while traveling is easier than it was ten or twenty years ago. This is mainly because the need to preserve our planet and its precious resources is greater now than ever.
Eco-friendly travel doesn’t have to be difficult or complicated. It just requires a state of being mindful about choices made while traveling. When you acknowledge that all your choices, from what you eat, what you’re packing, transportation, and even how you spend your money all have an impact on the planet, then you start to develop an environmental consciousness while traveling. This mindfulness is the key to keeping our planet green and healthy. If you’re not sure about how to enjoy eco-friendly travel (or need a refresher course) here are a few pointers about traveling in ways that honor our planet.
Where to Go: As a rule of thumb, the more localized you travel the better. Meaning, you are likely to leave a lower carbon footprint when you travel shorter distances from home. Luckily, there are loads of opportunities for great travel adventures you can take that don’t require traveling 5,000 miles around the world. You might be surprised what kind of enchantments await you just a few miles away from your hometown. If you are itching to take a long-distance trip, there are some destinations that are more eco-friendly than others. Stick with national parks, as these locations strictly adhere to conservation standards and tend to be far more environmentally conscious than say, amusement parks. If you’re looking to travel abroad, do some research on the most eco-friendly destinations. Some examples include certain areas in Germany, Finland, Canada, and even regions in Costa Rica and South Korea that offer environmentally conscious travel opportunities. A simple search for eco-friendly travel locations will reveal a lot more possibilities for you.
What to Pack: This section might be better titled, ‘what NOT to pack.’ Did you know it takes about 500 years for a plastic bag to decompose? Yes, you read that right…that is five centuries. Plastic water bottles aren’t as bad, it only takes 450 years for those to degrade (which is not what we would call an improvement). You get the idea, avoid packing items that are non-biodegradable. If you can’t avoid packing single-use plastics, then be sure to deposit them in a recycling bin, when you’re finished with them.
How to Get Around: Obviously, getting around by foot is the most ecologically sound mode of transportation. Whenever you can (and if you can) plan to walk to your destinations during your vacation. Riding a bicycle is an excellent environmentally conscious way to travel too. For times when you need to take automotive transportation, consider renting an electric vehicle (EV for short). These are becoming more popular for their significantly reduced carbon emissions (as compared to fossil fuel-based automobiles). Because of their popularity, finding an EV charger and charging stations is easier now than ever. This is especially true if you are traveling in an area in the world that is environmentally aware.
While You’re Staying: It may be tempting to indulge in all those luxurious, clean fluffy towels and cushy bedding if you’re staying at a hotel. However, be sure to maintain a one-use policy during your stay. Reuse your towels, and decline linen-changing services. This helps reduce your carbon footprint by lowering the energy consumption required to unnecessarily clean these items. If you don’t need a hotel, consider staying at local homestays or connecting with local guides for accommodations that are eco-friendly and support sustainability.
When You Leave: There’s an old saying that goes something like “Wherever you go, always leave it better when you leave.” This is particularly relevant when striving to stay environmentally conscious while traveling. Be sure to gather up all your trash wherever you go or wherever you stay. Leave nothing behind except for good blessings. And don’t just toss your refuse into a trash can. Instead, deposit all your trash into appropriate recycle bins before you leave. Recycling stations are becoming a more common sight around the world. Most airports have them too, so consider packing up all your recyclable trash and depositing it into recycling bins at the airport when you leave.
To be sure, eco-friendly travel is a state of mind. No matter where you travel in this great beautiful world, make a conscious vow to tread lightly. By doing this, you are doing your part to improve the environment and keep our planet pristine.
