As travel becomes more popular and more accessible, it becomes even more important for travellers to remain eco-conscious. Tourism accounts for 8% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, but being mindful of the planet doesn’t mean you can’t explore it. Use these 5 tips to ensure that the only footprints you leave behind are in the sand.
1. Choose sustainable transportation
Many places you’ll want to visit will only be accessible by airplane. Once at your destination, consider other ways of exploring. Walking is a great way to see a new town, allowing you to find places you might miss when sitting in a car. Public transportation is another way to get you where you need to go, while giving you a truly local experience. Larger cities like Paris, Amsterdam and Barcelona have bike-sharing programs that will reduce your carbon footprint and give you a fun and zippy way to see the city.
2. Take your own green gear
Instead of buying plastic water bottles to stay hydrated, take your own refillable water bottle to use while you’re abroad. You can also carry your own reusable drinking straw to reduce your use of disposable plastics. A reusable tote and even shampoo and conditioner bars will mean less disposable plastic, a smaller eco-footprint and more sustainable adventure. All of these products are easily available in the I LIVE ECO box.
3. Stay in eco-friendly accommodations
Businesses around the world have been looking to minimize their own environmental footprints, which makes finding eco-conscious hotels easier than ever. When you’re booking a place to stay, look for hotels that:
- Are actively working to become carbon neutral in their business
- Use green energy whenever possible
- Employ linen reuse initiatives
- Contribute to their local communities
- Use green cleaning products
4. Choose sustainable tours and activities
Whether it’s diving in Belize, skiing in Switzerland or dolphin swimming in Hawaii, each place we visit offers its own unique activities for travellers to enjoy but it’s worth researching the environmental impact your activity has. Riding elephants in Thailand, swimming with whale sharks in the Philippines or hanging with gorillas in Rwanda all sound like amazing adventures, but they all come with an environmental impact that shouldn’t be ignored. Do a little research into your activities and the local tour operators, and choose adventures that support the local community and encourage ethical operators.
5. Eat local
When you want to truly experience a new culture and community, there’s no substitute for diving into the local cuisine. But not all eating is green. Choose locally-owned street vendors and restaurants, staying away from big food chains. This will help keep your food dollars within the local community. And don’t forget that eating eco isn’t just about where you eat, but also what you eat. Animal agriculture can be detrimental to the environment, so choose vegetarian or vegan dishes over meat to keep your eating green. A little research into what you’re eating can go a long way into making sure your food choices support the local community and the planet.
Sign up for the I LIVE ECO box now to start getting the tools you need to live more eco at home and abroad.