10 WAYS TO BE MORE ECO-FRIENDLY WHEN TRAVELLING
Where to go
As a general rule, the shorter the distance, the lower your carbon footprint. But if you want to go further, choose places that are working to combat climate change and preserve their local ecosystems.
Visit places that need support
Another way to spend your hard-earned money is to travel to destinations that are trying to be rebuilt after disaster. When you get there you can also volunteer in environmental and social projects helping to revive devastated communities.
Visit a Coast
If you’re planning a trip to any coastal destination, you could choose one with a Marine Protected Area, since it is a way to ensure the involvement of local communities in protecting landscapes and aquatic life.
Pack lighter
This may seem insignificant, but packing light has a huge environmental impact. If your bag is lighter that means the plane, the bus or the car will weigh less, and the fuel consumption will also be less.
Avoid flying
The best way to reduce CO2-emissions is to simply not fly. But if you do need to fly, it’s best to avoid stopovers and prefer a direct flight. Out of all the different ways of transport, short distance aviation causes the most pollution per kilometer.
How to fly
Plane travel is often the only viable way to reach some of the world’s great destinations, but one of the easiest ways you can offset your carbon footprint is by selecting an eco-friendly airline.
Book eco-conscious accommodation
Sustainable or eco-friendly hotels try to reduce to the minimum the consumption of natural resources, the expense of energy or the emissions and they take special care of the waste treatment so their environmental impact is as low as possible.
Seek local experiences
Homestays, local guides and programs that give back to communities are also good ways to ensure your money is injected back into the local economy.
Say goodbye to plastic
In countries where water is potable, take your own stainless-steel bottle with you to avoid buying plastic bottles. If you travel to a place where the water is not potable, it will always be better to buy a larger bottle and refill it when you go outside.
Respect animals
To make your trip as much of a friendly travel one, you should respect the animal kingdom. That means to avoid activities that use animals as entertainment, like visit a zoo, or climb on the backs of a donkey.