Traveling can be very harmful to the environment. Many eco-conscious people have stopped using airplanes and reduced their major vacations entirely. You don’t have to sacrifice travel for the environment, however. There are a ton of ways you can reduce your carbon footprint and give back to the environment while enjoying a full, happy vacation. If you’re wondering where you can improve your eco-travel habits, you’ll want to get creative and get some research under your belt.
Prioritize Sustainable Lodging
Many hotels or rentals have green certifications to prove their dedication to reducing resource waste and providing more eco-friendly service. Whether you prefer a hotel or an Airbnb, be sure to research the most sustainable options in the destination you’re headed to. It may be even more sustainable to rent from locally-owned eco lodges or park model cabins made with natural materials. If you want to go above and beyond, find lodging with composting toilets, renewable energy, and water conservation systems. Camping in nature or using an electric RV can also help you travel and sleep sustainably.
Rent an Electric Vehicle
Whether you want to road trip in an RV or travel around town on your own terms, consider renting or buying an electric vehicle for a cleaner travel method instead of making long distances in your gas vehicle. Electric cars use rechargeable batteries instead of polluting the air with fossil fuels. You’ll pay more money to rent or buy a new car instead of using your own, but you’ll be contributing to less environmental harm.
Eliminate Plastic in Your Luggage
It’s not unusual to bring toiletries in a plastic zip bag or to have single-use plastic travel items. Try to eliminate your use of these items unless you’re reusing them over and over again. Single-use plastics overflow landfills, as they don’t break down naturally in the environment. If you want single-use items, consider recyclable materials like paper, cardboard, or glass. You can also implement reusable items, like fabric laundry bags or metal water bottles. The less plastic you use, the better for the environment.
Bring Your Towels and Toiletries
If you’re staying in lodging that provides towels and toiletries for you, consider skipping them. Most free toiletries in places like hotels are made of single-use plastic, and the more you consume, the more plastic is tossed in landfills. Using hotel towels contributes to excessive water use, as they need to wash towels with each room cleaning. Bringing your own towels skips the need for hotels to clean their own. Alternatively, make sure your hotel towels aren’t washed each time by requesting housekeeping to skip towel laundry until you check out.
Bring Along Reusable Items
On vacation, you’ll be eating, drinking, and shopping. Bringing reusable utensils, straws, and shopping bags significantly reduces the amount of plastic you’ll be tossing away with each takeout meal or shopping trip. The more items you can reuse, the fewer materials are made for mass distribution. There are many stylish reusable travel items, such as fabric lunchboxes, bamboo utensils, and metal straws. All of these items can be continuously reused and repurposed, then recycled at the end of their lifespan.
Use Public Transportation, Walk, or Bike
Cars may be more convenient, but using gas vehicles contributes to air pollution. The most eco-friendly travel methods are walking and biking; consider using these methods within reason whenever possible. Certain public transportation methods are considered more eco-friendly than others, such as electric light rails in certain cities. Check what travel options are available to you and compare their carbon footprints. Create an itinerary to prioritize biking or walking distances whenever you’re able to.
Choose Natural Destinations
Many people travel to urban hubs and entertainment centers like New York City or Las Vegas. While there are many eco-friendly developments in these cities, the best way to reduce your carbon footprint is to go natural. Choose a camping retreat or rent an eco-friendly beachside cabin. When your vacation involves the great outdoors, you can enjoy what the natural world has to offer without overloading power grids or contributing to urban heat island effects. It’s a chance to discover the beauty of nature and embark on a new adventure.
Treat the Environment With Respect
Wherever you choose to visit, it’s crucial to treat the destination and environment with respect. Avoid littering, respect local laws, and don’t contribute to excessive resource waste. Conserve water and energy whenever possible. If desired, you can even volunteer to help local communities and environments when traveling. It’s our collective responsibility to preserve the beauty of our planet.
Consider Eco-Tourist Programs
Some destinations have eco-tourist programs that provide incentives for visitors who use eco-friendly practices. Recycling or conserving water in some destinations may allow you to receive prizes or unlock exclusive destinations. Look up green travel initiatives in your area or areas you’re looking to visit to see if there are any programs where you’re going.
Conclusion
You don’t have to completely abstain from traveling if you want to live an eco-friendly lifestyle. There are many simple ways to be more conscious about your travel pollution and carbon footprint. Electric vehicles are much better options than gas-powered vehicles, but walking, biking, or using eco-friendly transit is the optimal solution. Reuse whatever you can and aim to reduce single-use plastics on every occasion you can. Careful planning and research can help you enjoy a stress-free vacation in harmony with the world around you.
