Small steps to sustainable travel

When we talk about sustainability, it’s like entering a big world with lots of gray areas. Sometimes it’s difficult to see through a lot of eco-friendly claims that businesses make. And sometimes it’s challenging to know just what to do to help.  I’m here to assure you that it’s not hard to take small steps to achieve sustainable travel.

People and businesses are trying to be good for the Earth, but we’re still figuring out the best ways. There are lots of terms and ideas, and some folks pretend to be eco-friendly when they’re not. It’s like a trick and we call it “greenwashing.”

The best way to help the planet is to not travel at all, but that’s not always possible. Travelling is good because it makes us smarter and kinder. So, instead, let’s learn how to be better travellers and not leave a big mark on the Earth. First, we’ll talk about how to tell when someone is pretending to be eco-friendly when they’re not.

Greenwashing and Eco-Friendly Travel

Greenwashing in travel can be a little tricky because some places pretend to be really good for the environment, but they’re not. In their effort to attract more customers they bend the truth a little.. This happens because they want more people to visit.

This isn’t just a problem because it’s not truly transparent; it’s also bad for the Earth and makes it harder for places that really care about the environment.

Examples of Greenwashing in Travel

Imagine someone saying they’re helping the planet by giving out water in cartons instead of plastic bottles, but they could just let you drink tap water. That’s an example of greenwashing, where they make it seem eco-friendly, but it’s not the best choice for the Earth.

How to Spot Greenwashing in Travel

So, how can you tell when someone is pretending to be good for the environment? One way is to look for official certifications, like a badge or label, that shows a place is really committed to helping the Earth. Also, check if they’re helping out other local businesses and their community. If they’re doing that, it’s a good sign they care about more than just making money.

Places with certifications like EcoTourism Australia or Booking.com’s Travel Sustainability Badge are usually trying to be honest about how eco-friendly they are. It might take some time, but with everyone working together, we can make sure places truly care about the Earth and not just say they do.

Going on a trip in a way that’s good for the Earth means thinking about how what we do can affect the planet and trying our best to make it better. Some people believe that travelling in an eco-friendly way is too expensive, but I want to show you that it’s not as hard as it seems. Let’s talk about some easy things we can do!

The Small Steps to Sustainable Travel

Think About Your Impact

First off, when you’re on a trip, it’s cool to think about how what you’re doing affects the Earth. This means being careful about the things you do, the stuff you throw away, and the people who live where you’re visiting. Just being aware of this stuff can help you make good choices.

Pack Light

Carrying less weight reduces fuel consumption, whether you’re driving or flying. Plus, it’s more convenient for you!

Use Reusable Items

Bring a reusable water bottle, shopping bag, and utensils. This cuts down on single-use plastic waste.

Choose Direct Flights

Non-stop flights are generally more fuel-efficient than connecting flights, reducing your carbon footprint.

Offset Your Carbon Emissions

Some airlines and organisations offer carbon offset programs. You can contribute to projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions to balance out your own.

Respect Local Wildlife

Keep a safe distance from animals, don’t disturb their habitats, and avoid supporting attractions that exploit or harm animals.

Support Local Economies

Choose locally-owned accommodations, restaurants, and shops. This helps the local economy and minimizes the impact of big corporations.

Respect Local Cultures

Learn about and respect the customs and traditions of the places you visit. Dress modestly when required and be mindful of local sensitivities.

Conserve Water

Be mindful of water usage, especially in areas facing water scarcity. Reuse towels and consider shorter showers.

Opt for Public Transportation or Walking

Use public transportation, rent bikes, or walk whenever possible. It’s a great way to experience a destination while minimizing your carbon footprint.

Choose Eco-Friendly Activities

Look for tours and activities that prioritize environmental conservation and responsible tourism practices.

Dispose of Waste Properly

Be mindful of where you throw away your trash. Recycling might not be available everywhere, so dispose of waste responsibly.

Educate Yourself

Learn about the environmental and social issues facing the destination you’re visiting. This awareness can guide your actions and choices.

Remember, sustainable travel is about making conscious choices to minimize your impact on the environment and support local communities. Every small effort contributes to a more responsible and enjoyable travel experience. Sustainable Travel International

Stay at Places That Care About the Earth

There’s a badge on Booking.com that shows which hotels and places really care about the environment. When you’re looking for a place to stay, try to find one with that badge. Also, it’s good to choose places that help the local community, don’t hurt nature too much, and respect the local way of life. If you see something at the place you’re staying that’s not good for the Earth, you can let them know. Your feedback might make them change it!

Energy Efficiency

Look for accommodations that use energy-efficient lighting, appliances, and heating/cooling systems. Some may even generate their own renewable energy through solar panels or wind turbines.

Water Conservation

Eco-friendly accommodations often have water-saving initiatives, such as low-flow faucets, toilets, and showers. They may also collect rainwater for non-potable uses.

Waste Reduction

Responsible businesses strive to minimize waste. This can include practices like composting, recycling, and reducing single-use plastics in rooms and common areas.

Local Sourcing

Accommodations that care about the environment often source products and services locally. This not only supports local businesses but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation.

Green Spaces and Gardens

Some eco-friendly accommodations incorporate green spaces or gardens. These areas not only beautify the property but also contribute to local biodiversity and may even provide fresh produce for guests.

Environmental Education

Accommodations might offer information to guests about local environmental initiatives, wildlife, and conservation efforts. This helps raise awareness and encourages guests to be more mindful of their impact.

Community Engagement

Responsible accommodations actively engage with and contribute to the local community. This can involve supporting local charities, hiring from the community, or participating in environmental and social initiatives.

Certifications

Look for accommodations that have obtained recognized eco-certifications, such as EcoTourism Australia or other regional equivalents. These certifications demonstrate a commitment to meeting specific environmental standards.

Green Building Design

Some accommodations are designed with sustainability in mind, incorporating eco-friendly building materials, energy-efficient designs, and natural cooling and heating systems.

Wildlife Protection

Accommodations in natural settings may have policies to protect local wildlife. This includes measures to prevent disturbances and habitat destruction.

Carbon Offsetting Programs

Some accommodations offer options for guests to offset their carbon footprint by contributing to environmental projects or conservation initiatives.

Remember, a combination of these practices indicates a more comprehensive commitment to sustainability. When choosing a place to stay, check their website or contact them directly to inquire about their eco-friendly practices and certifications. Your choice can make a positive impact on both the environment and the local community.

Use a Car That’s Good for the Earth

If you need to rent a car, look for one that’s not so bad for the environment, like a hybrid or electric car. These cars don’t pollute as much, and they can save you money on gas. But sometimes, it’s even better not to rent a car at all. Trains or buses are often better for the Earth. If you have to choose between renting a car and flying, the car is usually the better option for the planet.  Here are some rental cars to look for:  Toyota Prius, Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Bolt EV, Tesla Models (e.g., Model 3), Ford Fusion Hybrid, Hyundai Ioniq, Kia Niro, BMW i3, Audi e-tron, Hyundai Kona Electric.

Before renting, it’s advisable to check with the rental agency about their specific eco-friendly vehicle options and availability. Keep in mind that advancements in electric and hybrid vehicle technology are happening all the time so always check for the latest advice.

Want to know more about sustainable travel? How to Create a Sustainable Travel Kit Top 20 Cities for Sustainable Travel How to Camp Sustainably

Eat at Farm-to-Table Restaurants

Lastly, when you’re eating out, try to find places that get their food directly from local farmers. It’s called “farm-to-table,” and it means the food is fresh, the farmers get more money, and it tastes really good!  There are many ways of finding these eco-friendly dining options such as online searches, local food apps, ask locals, check menus, social media, local food associations, review websites and hotel concierge. Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education

So, traveling in a way that’s kind to the Earth is pretty easy. Just be mindful of what you do, choose places that care about the environment, use eco-friendly transportation, and enjoy delicious, fresh food!