How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint as a Traveler
Sustainable tourism is an ever-increasing movement focusing on the importance of traveling in a way that minimizes potentially harmful impacts on the environment and local communities. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or take a trip every few years, there are many ways to enjoy your holiday while maintaining a positive impact.
From choosing the proper forms of transport to enjoying local cuisine, you will find yourself packing your best plastic free shampoo bars and heading off on your next adventure with the peace of mind that you are making sustainable choices.
What is Your Carbon Footprint?
A carbon footprint measures the greenhouse gases that individuals, organizations or countries emit. These gases are released into the atmosphere through the burning of fossil fuels and include harmful additions like carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.
To calculate your footprint, you must assess your annual emissions from all sources, like transportation, food, energy, and waste. However, it is a very effective way of evaluating your impact on the environment and helps to highlight places you can make changes.
Methods to Reduce Your Impact
Traveling is a luxury many of us enjoy, as it allows us to see and experience countries and cultures around the world. And as a traveler, it is your responsibility to limit your impact on the environment by choosing green travel options and engaging in sustainable tourism activities.
Avoid Air Travel When Possible
Flying is the most popular way of traveling these days. Many consider it a fast and convenient option, especially for long-haul distances. However, research has shown that this form of travel is the fastest-growing source of greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change.
Furthermore, the noise pollution created by planes has a massive influence on the disruption of wildlife communities. Avoid planes for shorter distances and instead take buses, trains, cars or boats to reach your holiday destination. These forms of transport can often land you much closer to your destination and allow you to take in scenic views during the trip.
Fly With Sustainable Practices
If you must travel by plane, there are ways to minimize your environmental impact. Firstly, you can choose to fly with an airline that is investing in renewable energy projects and fuel efficiency strategies, showing they share your commitment to sustainability.
Secondly, always choose to fly economy. The cramped seat may not be ideal, but according to a study conducted by The World Bank Development Research Group’s Environment and Energy Team, the flying economy produces the lowest level of carbon dioxide per person.
Thirdly, pack light. The heavier your plane is, the more fuel it will ultimately need and burn. Therefore, pack only what you need, and avoid checking a bag if possible. This will allow you to save time when checking in and save you money on additional baggage.
Finally, always try to choose a nonstop flight. Many people assume this will be the most expensive option, but with proper research, you can find deals that will not cost you an arm and a leg. Furthermore, it is better for the environment and a far more convenient and quicker way of traveling.
Bring Reusable Products
A simple way to be eco-friendly during your stay is to pack your own reusable products. This can include water bottles, coffee mugs, straws, and shopping bags. In addition, many hotel rooms have mini-fridges that can keep your water bottle and other drinks cold.
You should also bring your own green hygiene products, including soap, shampoo and conditioner bars. This will help you avoid the single-use products provided in your room and reduce your waste. Head to the local supermarket to buy small snacks you can keep in your room.
Use Public Transport
When traveling around a new country, city, or town, there are many different options for transportation that eliminate the need to hire a car. Instead, avoid any associated stress with driving in unfamiliar environments and unnecessary carbon emissions by using public transport, like buses, taxis, and trains to cover larger distances.
While sightseeing, walk or cycle from place to place to enjoy the views at your own pace in an impact-free way. As all countries are different, familiarising yourself with routes, schedules, and costs is crucial to avoid being stranded.
Enjoy Local Cuisine
One of the most significant ways to embrace a new destination and culture is by indulging in local dishes and food. Depending on how exotic your holiday destination is, the unique flavors and ingredients can feel worlds apart from what you are familiar with.
You will get a taste of local cuisine and contribute to the sustainability of local farmers, food producers, and companies who directly benefit from your business. In addition, these practices can lead to improvements in a particular place’s economy, environment, and society.
Practice Sustainable Tourism
Recreation travel and responsible travel are not mutually exclusive. When choosing your holiday destination and the activities you hope to do, ensure you travel in a way that positively impacts the country, its people and the local environment you visit.
Before leaving, research tourism activities that directly give back to the community and focus on preserving the environment and cultural heritage. Many eco-tourism initiatives allow you to visit these beautiful countries and give back in a sustainable and positive way.