Green Travel Tips: Reduce Your Carbon Footprint While Exploring the World
Travel can leave a large carbon footprint––but that doesn’t have to be the case. With a few simple tips, you can reduce your carbon footprint while exploring new places and cultures around the world. From transportation to accommodation, conscious travel is possible. Read on for green travel tips to help you reduce your carbon footprint while on the road.
- Fly Direct and Choose Trains
One of the most important green travel tips is to choose the most efficient transportation available. Whenever possible, opt to fly direct as planes produce more emissions than other modes of transportation. Moreover, try to skip the car and opt for public transportation. If you’re touring a new country, trains provide an ideal way to travel quickly, efficiently and sustainably.
- Limit Your Use of Air-Conditioning
Another specific green tip is to limit the use of air-conditioning. If the hotel or house you’re staying in has air-conditioning, open windows and use fans instead. Maximize natural cooling and beat the heat by using blackout curtains or shades. Furthermore, keep your shower times as short as you can and try to turn off all the lights when you are out.
- Buy Local and Travel with Reusable Bags
When you travel, try to purchase food and products from local businesses. This will not only reduce your transport-related emissions, but it will support the local community as well. Bring a shopping bag with you and avoid single-use plastic items like straws, cups, and bags. By purchasing local produce, you can enjoy sustainable meals made from fresh ingredients.
- Choose Sustainable Accommodation
Choose sustainable accommodation with good ratings when possible. There are several different sustainability certifications that hotels, hostels, and B&Bs can receive, with differing criteria. For example, Green Globe is based on a global sustainability standard. Hotels that have earned this certification are committed to improving energy efficiency, conserving water and reducing waste. Also, look for hotels or hostels with a robust recycling program.
- Pack Eco-Consciously
Whether you travel for one week or six, limit your packing. Unfortunately, non-environmentally friendly plastic packaging often accompanies many toiletries, so come prepared with your own recycled or reusable containers. Choose lightweight clothing made of natural fabrics that don’t use the same chemicals as conventional clothing. Also, avoid packing excess electronics and chargers that require electricity to work. Pack versatile clothing which can be paired and styled to create several different outfits.
- Research Local Eco-Events
Get to know local events, fairs, and festivals that feature local environmental activism, eco-friendly products and sustainable transportation. Learning about the local area can give you ideas on how to become a part of the movement and provide sustainable solutions that work for the environment. Take this opportunity to meet with likeminded individuals and explore eco-friendly activities in the area.
- Visit Green Tourist Attractions
Look for travel destinations with clean energy, biodiversity and sustainable local businesses. For example, in Spain, projects like Monte Halcones are restoring ecosystems and protecting animal habitats. Also visit historical sites, nature reserves and parks to see the area’s beauty and learn about its significance. Consider joining a guided green tour that can introduce you to unique locations, festivals and activities.
The world is full of beauty, awe-inspiring landscapes and fascinating cultures, so why not explore them in an environmentally responsible way? With these green travel tips, you can reduce your carbon footprint while exploring the world. So, start planning your trip and do your part to make our earth a better place.
