Eco-Friendly Travel

No matter if your travel is domestic or abroad, there are numerous ways to travel sustainably.

Air travel, driving and other modes of transport all account for a substantial part of tourism’s carbon emissions.

An effective way to lower your travel footprint is taking public transportation, as this helps lower carbon emissions significantly while adding to the overall experience.

1. Recycle Your Waste

Recycling waste can be one of the easiest and most impactful ways to have an immediate positive effect on the environment, helping conserve natural resources while saving both energy and money while creating jobs.

Recycle everything from paper products and plastics, metal, and glass by sorting materials into separate bins, containers or bags before going to your local recycling center.

2. Switch Off Appliances

Unplugging appliances is an effective way to lower energy usage while you are away, leaving no trace when you return and making a substantial impactful impactful difference to your energy bills.

Energy vampires, the devices and electronics that draw power even when you turn them off, account for up to 10% of your electricity bill; cutting their use is one way you can help the environment.

3. Leave No Trace

Leave No Trace is a non-profit that strives to protect and preserve outdoor areas through education and training.

This organization educates travelers to reduce their impact on nature during travels. They address problems like trashed natural areas, polluted water sources, overcrowding at parks, disturbing wildlife or starting wildfires caused by humans.

4. Take Public Transport

Public transportation such as trains and buses are an efficient way to travel green by reducing emissions from congestion and air pollution.

Buses and trains also utilize environmentally-friendly electricity as opposed to private cars that rely on gas-guzzling engines for propulsion.

5. Bring Only What You Need

Pack only what is necessary and save time, money and energy by packing only what is essential. Doing this will reduce stress as well as save both energy and money!

Bring along reusable water bottles, cutlery, and containers in order to limit how much plastic waste there is in your life.

As much as possible, avoid buying disposable products like single-use straws as these have been known to harm wildlife and pollute the environment.

6. Use Biodegradable Products

Utilizing biodegradable products during your trip can help to minimize waste disposal issues; however, these items still must be handled responsibly when discarding.

Avoid single-use plastic toothbrushes in favor of reusable versions; other eco-friendly travel products include natural soaps and laundry detergent strips that are lightweight, hypoallergenic, vegan-friendly.

7. Stay in Eco-Friendly Accommodations

There are plenty of eco-friendly accommodations that can help you meet your sustainable travel goals, such as hotels that are LEED certified or have green energy initiatives in place.

Staying with a local family provides an unforgettable experience while supporting local communities.

8. Take Sustainable Adventures

Sustainable adventure travel offers travelers who like to venture off-path an opportunity to do so without harming the environment. Reputable companies strive to reduce their environmental impact by incorporating sustainable practices like using reusable goods and limiting packaging waste into their itineraries.

Eco-friendly travel can also be an excellent way to support local businesses. For instance, try finding a tour operator that collaborates with artisans and farmers from your destination area in creating unique products with an eco-friendly touch.

9. Support Local Businesses

Supporting local businesses while traveling can contribute significantly to the economic and cultural wellbeing of communities you visit.

Consider staying in locally-owned B&Bs or hostels instead of hotels or resorts for an ideal experience.

Travel experiences and business growth alike can be enhanced through local accommodations; particularly in smaller towns and villages where local alternatives tend to put more effort into providing customers with pleasant stays than larger hotel chains.

10. Enjoy Your Trip

On an eco-friendly vacation, there is much to see and do; take time to rest and rejuvenate as well. Even if this means leaving work behind temporarily or putting down your smartphone – doing this might just be one of the best decisions of your vacation!

Make your eco-friendly journey as green as possible by bringing your own luggage and purchasing local products whenever possible, which will maximize budgetary constraints while giving back to local communities you visit.