Travel provides many benefits for us and the communities we visit. Yet it’s not always easy to be an eco-friendly traveler. Tourism can strain the environment and infrastructure of communities that are not designed to handle large influxes of tourists.
Here are 10 habits you can add to your travel routine to be a more conscious traveler.
#1 Use Mass Transit- Walk where you’re going from your hotel instead of taking a rental car, taxi, or mass transit to help reduce your carbon footprint. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore side streets, plazas, and stores by traveling on foot. Consider taking mass transit or carpooling if you need to shuttle between airports or to a train station.
Private taxis, although more convenient, produce more carbon emissions. It’s also one more vehicle contributing to traffic congestion that affects local residents.
Also, look for ground transportation instead of flying a short-haul flight if you’re going to another city several hours away. It may take more time, but buses and trains have fewer carbon emissions. Plus, you can still earn airline miles on select travel that doesn’t involve flying.
#2 Practise Zero Waste- Do you find yourself using more packaged food or single-use containers when you travel? That trash has to go somewhere to avoid seeping into the local ecosystem. If you’re on a tiny island or in a major city, the garbage may need to travel a long distance.
Try using reusable or compostable containers and dining ware when possible. Some places offer separate disposal bins for trash, recycling and compost. Placing your items in the correct bin minimizes the waste stream.
#3 Eat More Plant Based Food– You might want to consider eating less meat and seafood. That doesn’t mean you have to skip a lobster pound in Maine or an enticing cut of Argentinian beef. But you might want to make those your main meals while choosing plant-based options throughout the day.
Be mindful that commercial fishing and animal agriculture can be resource-intensive. Farm animals need large amounts of feed and water, for example. Plus, the meat may need to travel a long distance to reach the restaurant, requiring additional fuel.
Consuming less meat can help conserve resources for the community. Look for restaurants and vendors serving locally grown produce. You can support local farmers in addition to enjoying food that didn’t come from far away.
#4 Decline Plastic Bags- Consider not getting a plastic bag when buying gifts or getting a take-out meal at the airport or at your destination. Most places don’t recycle plastic bags and instead bury them in a landfill.
If you do take the bag, make sure you reuse it before discarding it. For instance, it may come in handy if you’re traveling with pets and need to clean up after them.
#5 Pack a Water Bottle- Most airports and hotels have potable tap water that’s safe to drink. Bottled water may taste better and can be more convenient. But the single-use plastic bottles contribute to the waste stream. Even if you recycle the bottle, that plastic has to go somewhere.
Bringing your water bottle lets you enjoy the local water and saves you money.
#6 Buy Locally Sourced Souveniers– Do you find yourself using more packaged food or single-use containers when you travel? That trash has to go somewhere to avoid seeping into the local ecosystem. If you’re on a tiny island or in a major city, the garbage may need to travel a long distance.
Try using reusable or compostable containers and dining ware when possible. Some places offer separate disposal bins for trash, recycling and compost. Placing your items in the correct bin minimizes the waste stream.
#7 Fly Nonstop- Reducing your carbon output when traveling is a smart way to be eco-friendly. Nonstop flights consume less carbon than multi-stop itineraries since planes require a lot of energy for takeoff and landing. A fringe benefit of a direct flight is reaching your destination sooner.
You can take eco-friendly travel a step further by booking a carbon-neutral trip. Check to see if the airline you’re flying participates in a carbon offset program. The proceeds invest in renewable energy projects like wind and solar power.
#8 Treat The Hotel Like Your Home- Being a sustainable traveler involves more than the habits you practice when sightseeing. Hotels are also emphasizing sustainable travel in several ways, including partnerships that give back to communities while spreading awareness. More properties are sourcing some of their electricity from alternative energy when possible. High-efficiency lightbulbs and showerheads are commonplace.
Be mindful of your electric and water consumption in your room. Turn off lights in empty rooms and keep the air conditioner a few degrees warmer. You can also decline daily housekeeping and reuse your towels to reduce water consumption. Some hotels will even reward you with extra points or perks for abstaining from cleaning services.
Another way to practice zero waste is by only using the hotel-provided toiletries that you need. Bring any unused portions of the toiletries with you instead of throwing them away. Most of the in-room amenities we take for granted are a scarcity in many parts of the world
#9 Go Paperless- Digital boarding passes reduce your dependency on paper. Also, bring a washable cloth you can use to wipe up small spills when traveling instead of using a paper napkin. Don’t feel obligated to take the various coupon booklets and tourism guides at travel information centers, either. Each document requires money and resources to manufacture.
See if there’s a paperless tour option at your destination. Perhaps you can use your phone to read the information. You may even find a discount for using their app or mobile service. The attraction may also provide audio tours with reusable players and headsets.
#10 Honour The Local Customs- There’s more to a destination than the ecosystem and trying to promote local families. You are also stepping into a different culture. Respecting the lifestyle can help you connect with locals, and you can have a more enjoyable trip.
Take time to study their customs before you arrive. Try and learn a few common phrases. This habit can be helpful even when you’re only in the airport to hop on a connecting flight. Basic cultural knowledge can also make passing through customs less intimidating
By Johnny Jet for Mariott BonVoy
