SUSTAINABLE SUMMER TRAVELLING
As a general rule, the shorter the distance from home you travel, the lower your carbon footprint. But if you want to go farther, some destinations are more sustainable than others.
The Most Sustainable Destinations
According to a list compiled by a dozen sustainability organizations, cities and towns in Slovenia, including Ljubljana, as well as locations in Spain were among the best places to visit and leave a light footprint. In a separate competition, experts also nominated Palau — where visitors must pledge to protect the natural and cultural heritage before entering — as a pioneer in sustainability.
Each of the 100 destinations is selected based on certain criteria: that they had a governing body to manage sustainability; showed commitment to protecting natural resources, people and heritage; and reduced energy consumption, among other factors.
Places That Need Your Support
Another way to spend your hard-earned dollars is to travel to destinations rebuilding after disaster. Puerto Rico, for example, has developed a robust tourism sector since weathering a devastating hurricane in 2017. The island, which also faces sea level rise, was picked as The Times’ No. 1 destination, in part because it represents many fragile places around the world.
Travelers can help further by volunteering in environmental and social projects helping to rebuild devastated communities, said Laurie Myers, the project lead for the Global Travel and Tourism Resilience Council, which helps the industry to focus on sustainable outcomes for disaster-affected communities. “Travel and tourism is probably the fastest way to recovery,” Mr. Myers said.
If You’re Visiting a Coast
If you’re planning a trip to any coastal destination, choosing one with a Marine Protected Area is another way to ensure the involvement of local communities in protecting landscapes and aquatic life. Once the locals are engaged, it can help them to rebuild after crisis and welcome visitors to their natural environment in a way that is sustainable.
Use an eco-friendly booking site for accommodation
Sites like bookdifferent.com calculate your carbon footprint per night based on your selection and include eco-friendly ratings. Choose accommodation that injects money back into the local economy.
Consider using a sustainable travel agent
Companies like lokal can take out some of the legwork by organizing trips and activities for you that take environmental and social impact into consideration.
Look for a system of verification
This will help you determine if a business is simply greenwashing, or has met standards set by sustainability councils.
Seek out 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.
Keep in mind that “not every destination has eco-certified accommodations which is why it is also up to travellers to pay close attention. Many small scale accommodations can be green solutions as well, for instance, think of a farm which uses solar power, serves fresh organic produce for breakfast and employs locals.
Getting There and Around
Transport is one of the biggest emitters of greenhouse gases and other harmful pollutants. Considering how you get to your destination and around it can help you leave a lighter footprint.
Make Your Cars More Efficient
When it comes to cars, remember that the greater the number of passengers, the lower the carbon footprint per mile for each person (and their luggage and animals). When driving long distances, sites like blablacar.com, or carpoolworld.com can help you find people to share the ride — and the driving.
Whatever your means of transport, you can choose to offset your journey by buying credits that go toward a project that either avoids the emissions of greenhouse gases, or helps sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Keep in mind, however, that offsets tend to be unregulated and can vary substantially in quality.
Local Travel
Once you’re on the ground, think about whether there’s a more environmentally friendly way to enjoy the city:
- Consider bike or walking tours.
- If you’re on the water, sail instead of taking a power-engined boat.
- Renting a car? Consider electric, or at least the smallest vehicle that suits your family’s needs.
- Take public transit where possible. This is also a great way to meet local people.
- Try carsharing, which can save money and emissions.
- Consider activities that combine experience with environmental benefits, such as beach clean-ups.