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GO GREEN: Best tips for sustainable travel

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We love this earth and everything in it which is why it is so important to treat it kindly. If you want to be an eco-conscious traveller and help save the planet then keep reading! Furthermore, we go over the 7 best tips for sustainable travel and how you can do your part so we can all keep exploring.

1

Choose the right destination

annecy france

 Before you decide where to go next, think about choosing eco-friendly destinations that are focused on going green. Not only are you supporting their efforts, but also engaging in sustainable travel. Some destinations to consider:

  • Canada is planning to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 40%, and there are eco-friendly accommodations and carbon neutral adventures across the country. Also, Vancouver is one of the world’s greenest cities.
  • Denmark is currently the most environmentally-friendly country in the world. There is a huge focus on sustainability, clean products, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

 Also re-think about destinations suffering from over-tourism. As popular places bring in more and more tourists, that means negative environmental impacts. Including increased litter, waste, and air pollution. For example: 

  • Venice has been struggling with over-tourism for some time now. With the amount of 1-day visits from cruise ship travellers, and higher costs of living, there is a desperate need to counteract some of the negative impacts. In fact, there are now tourist fees and increased watch on loitering.
  • Machu Picchu has also been suffering from the amount of growing visitors year after year. There is great concern for the increased damage, litter, and waste at this UNESCO world heritage sight.

2

Be considerate

go green

 One of the best tips for sustainable travel is to be considerate of your destination. This includes a slow travel approach, wherein your travels are introduced to local and more meaningful experiences. In general, slow travel means staying longer and immersing yourself in the culture. For instance, embracing local businesses that are deeply connected to the community. As a result, your travels are greener, and your experiences are greater. Along with slow travel, that also means doing small but effective measures to protect the city and the Earth. Here are some examples of considerate green-friendly acts for travel and at home:

  • Clean up after yourself and do not litter
  • Avoid food and product waste
  • Carry a reusable water bottle 
  • Avoid plastic containers and utensils
  • Recycle
  • Do not damage or destroy landmarks, parks, or any part of the city

 These small changes to your activities and lifestyle can make all the difference when it comes to reducing your carbon footprint. In this case, every little bit counts!

3

Know who you book with

planes

 Back when the environment was not a hot topic, few businesses bothered to think about their ecological effects on the Earth. Thankfully, today that has changed and we have the opportunity to support forward-thinking businesses. With this in mind, choose accommodations, airlines, and transport services trying to make a difference. Rather than the cheapest option, or the one with the most perks. For example:

  • Airlines who have begun using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
  • Airlines offering carbon offsetting
  • Hotels actively reducing waste and saving energy
  • Eco-friendly and smaller accommodations

 Furthermore, this also includes booking with restaurants that are plant-based and/or locally sourced. As well as tour operators providing environmentally-safe activities and excursions.

Eco-friendly travel tip: Lighten your luggage to reduce carbon emissions.

Booking.com

4

Consider travel alternatives

train travel

 Getting around is an important factor to figure out and it’s not as simple as getting from point A to point B. In this case we are specifically talking about air pollution and combustion from fossil fuels from ships, cars, planes, and trains. If you can, avoid short-haul flights, cruise ships, and even cars that are not electric. Moreover, go green by walking and biking as much as possible, and opt for train rides if available. These are some of the best tips for sustainable travel that make a huge impact.

Best-Worst Carbon Emissions Overall (For Travel)

Walking
Walking
Biking
Trains
Buses
Ships
Flights
Cars and Trucks

Eco-friendly Travel Tip: Go mobile by using e-tickets for bookings.

5

Eat and shop locally

paris

 Buying local is better because you are supporting the economy, reducing fossil fuels, and getting a better experience overall. That being said, be sure to stop at local markets for fresh produce, and try to eat at locally sourced restaurants. As well as choosing souvenirs from local shops and vendors for handmade and meaningful gifts. Also, avoid buffets and consider the benefits of going vegan. Last but not least, use your own re-useable bag for grocery and shopping items. In fact, buy one from a local shop to use daily and keep as a memorable souvenir!

Eco-friendly travel tip: Opt for bamboo products and toiletries because they are biodegradable and compostable.

6

Conserve water and energy

 On the whole, we need to continuously think of the resources we take for granted every day. Such things as energy and water may be freely available to you, but in many other destinations, they are not. When it comes to energy and electricity we are specifically talking about greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. Thus, here are some easy ways to conserve energy:

  • Unplug appliances and turn off lights that are not being used.
  • Re-use towels and wear clean clothing items more than once before washing.

 Saving water is another crucial and easy task to keep in mind no matter where you are. Obviously, all living things need water to survive, so it is our responsibility to not waste this natural resource. Moreover, consuming more than we require leads to unsustainable extracting processes. Therefore, we need to be a bit more vigilant about waste each day.

7

Question yourself

best tips for sustainable travel

 Let’s get real, not all of these eco-friendly tips and recommendations will be on your mind all the time. And that’s okay, but that brings us to our final note on going green. If you really want to help the world, and be an eco-conscious traveller, then here is the only thing you need to ask yourself… Is this good for the environment? This simple question is effective when shopping, eating, travelling, and every activity in between. As a result, you will instantly help save the planet and live a more fulfilling life. As well as travel smarter and better!

Thanks for reading the best tips for sustainable travel! Give us a ❤️ in the comments if you will think about them from here on out!

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