Being a sustainable traveller is becoming increasingly important in today’s world. We should all do our best to minimise our environmental footprint and limit the negative impact our travels have on the planet. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps we can take to ensure our travels are as eco-friendly as possible.
In this article, we will discuss how to be a more sustainable traveller and the small changes you can make to help protect the environment.
Update your browser
The easiest way to begin doing your bit for the environment is with the help of ‘Ocean hero’ or ‘Ecosia’. These tools are added to your browser and every time you search for something, you collect bottles or plant trees.
So why not start by making a small change to your browser to make a big change to the environment? Download Ocean hero or Ecosia today!
Offset your carbon footprint
One way to be an environmentally friendly traveller is to offset your carbon footprint. A carbon footprint is the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of activities such as travelling. It’s important to lower your carbon footprint as much as possible in order to reduce your impact on the environment.
There are many ways to offset your carbon footprint when you travel, such as purchasing carbon offsets or supporting eco-friendly organisations. Carbon offsets allow you to reduce the impact of your own emissions by supporting projects that help mitigate climate change. This can include investing in renewable energy sources or planting trees.
By taking the time to offset your carbon footprint when travelling. You can do your part to make a difference in the fight against climate change and be a sustainable traveller. Don’t know what your carbon footprint is? Why not use Carbon Calculators quick and easy test?
Bring a reusable water bottle
When travelling, one of the easiest ways to be more environmentally friendly is by bringing a reusable water bottle. A reusable water bottle can save you money and help to lower your carbon footprint. If you don’t bring your own bottle, you may end up buying single-use plastic water bottles which will add to your carbon footprint and create a lot of waste.
By bringing a reusable water bottle, you can also easily save money while travelling. Instead of buying single-use plastic bottles, you can fill up your own water bottle with tap or filtered water which is cheaper and often just as safe as buying bottled water. This way you can become a sustainable traveller and save money at the same time!
Bring a reusable bag
Using a reusable bag is a great way of lowering your carbon footprint. Lowering your individual use of single use plastic is a great way to start doing your bit for the environment. Single use plastics are things such as plastic bags, plastic water bottles, crisp packets and some other food packaging. It’s estimated that 1 trillion single-use plastic bags are produced every year, so by using a reusable bag when travelling, you can help lower your carbon footprint and reduce plastic waste. You can buy reusable bags made from materials such as canvas or jute and take it with you on all your trips.
Not only will it be more convenient for you to carry your items, but it will also help the environment by reducing plastic waste. Plus, it’s a great way to show people how serious you are about reducing your carbon footprint.
Say no to plastic straws
One of the easiest ways to be an environmentally friendly traveller is to say no to plastic straws. Although plastic straws are small, they can have a huge impact on the environment. Plastic straws are non-biodegradable and can harm marine animals if not disposed of properly. If you must use a straw, opt for a reusable one made out of glass or stainless steel. You can also opt for paper straws which are more environmentally friendly.
By saying no to plastic straws and using alternatives, you can help lower your carbon footprint while travelling. Even the smallest efforts can make a big difference in reducing your impact on the environment.
Choose eco-friendly accommodation
When travelling, one of the most important aspects of being a sustainable traveller is choosing eco-friendly accommodation. This means finding an accommodation that is conscious of their environmental impact and is taking steps to reduce their carbon footprint.
When looking for an eco-friendly accommodation, there are some key features you should look out for:
- Energy efficient appliances and lighting – This can help reduce your carbon footprint when staying in the accommodation.
- Renewable energy sources – Look for accommodations that use renewable energy sources, such as solar power, to generate electricity and hot water.
- Composting and recycling – If the accommodation has a composting or recycling system, it means they are taking steps to reduce their waste output.
- Local sourcing – Accommodations that source their materials locally are helping to reduce their carbon footprint by eliminating the need for transportation of goods.
- Sustainable practices – Ask the accommodation if they have any sustainable practices in place, such as using natural cleaning products or providing guests with reusable items such as metal straws and mugs.
By choosing eco-friendly accommodation you can make sure that you are doing your part to be a sustainable traveller while still enjoying your travels!
