Travelling is one of the most enjoyable and memorable experiences one can have in their life. Going to new places, meeting new people, learning about their culture and having a stress-free time, what more can a person ask for? But sometimes, when we travel, we tend to act in a way that’s not beneficial to the environment. Without even realising, we make choices that can harm our surroundings and put animals at risk. For this reason, sustainable travel has become an important step towards wildlife and environmental conservation, which translates to being responsible and mindful while travelling.
In 2018, scientists at the University of Sydney had “estimated that the carbon footprint of global tourism may account for about 8 percent of all carbon emissions, and the total annual carbon emissions of tourism are nearly 4.3 billion metric tons.” From flights to boat rides to lodging, various activities contribute to the tourism carbon footprint. Hence, we need to be aware of our choices so we can become more conscious travellers. What does it mean? Being an eco-conscious traveller is about taking measures to reduce our carbon footprint while we are on a vacation.
The idea is to travel without adversely impacting the natural and cultural ecology of the place. But how to do that? The first step towards making our travel green is eliminating our actions that lead to waste and affects the environment. Here, we have given a few suggestions that can pave the way for sustainable travel and make your trip eco-friendly.
Pack light
The journey to becoming a more eco-conscious traveller starts at home. While packing for a vacation, carry only what you need. The idea is to pack light. For instance, if you are going somewhere for a week, do you need seven pairs of jeans? Understandably, you want to look fabulous on your trip. But think about the extra load that you have to carry with you everywhere. Also, in terms of your carbon footprint, the weight of your luggage does make a difference. A heavy bag will require more fuel during transport, which can send your carbon emissions through the roof—especially if you are flying to your destination. So, pack light and the environment will thank you.
Carry your own water bottle
Yes, sustainable travel can be that simple. To reduce waste and make your travel green, something as small as carrying your own water bottle can make a world of difference. According to UNEP, “around the world, one million plastic drinking bottles are purchased every minute.” Moreover, when you are carrying your thermos or flask, you won’t have to buy bottled water every day. You can just refill it and be on your way. This will not only help reduce plastic waste but also make you a more responsible traveller.
Shop locally
When on your vacation, visit the local shops if you want to buy something. This one act can support the farmers and producers of the region. For instance, if you purchase your groceries at the local farmer’s market, you are helping them in more ways than one. Firstly, you are helping them stay in operation and secondly, many local producers take pride in keeping their products organic and free from pesticides. When you buy things from them, you are keeping such harmful toxins from getting used, which helps improve the air quality.
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