Tourism accounts for about 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, making it a huge contributor to the greenhouse effect and climate change. Travelers often neglect to consider the environmental impacts of traveling and opt for convenience, comfort, spontaneity, or even luxury — all factors that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, travelers become disconnected from their actions and don't realize how much harm they are causing by simply going on vacation.
Sustainable travel is becoming a major trend in the travel industry. As a result, airlines are putting forth initiatives to be more fuel-efficient, hotels are adopting green practices, and cities are offering alternative modes of transportation for travelers. There are many things that you can do to make sure that you're sustainable while on the go, including:
It’s essential to understand all aspects of green travel — from before your departure to returning home — to make sure you produce the smallest carbon footprint you can during your travels.
One of the most critical green travel habits to adopt is planning in advance. Planning is essential to sustainable traveling, allowing you to look ahead and make eco-friendly choices for your journey. You must plan and give yourself enough time to research ecologically responsible choices and keep your home sustainable while you're away.
If you don't prepare your house, it will consume a lot of energy while you’re away, and you will wind up spending more money on your power bill. Unplug unnecessary appliances when you're on vacation, such as the television, microwave ovens, and other devices. Another trick you can try in order to save on energy consumption while on your trip is adjusting the thermostat to minimize air conditioning or heat usage.
Historically, booking flights and lodging involved mountains of paperwork. Going paperless and electronically filing these papers is a significant way to decrease your carbon footprint in the digital age. Go green and consider booking your flights online, using travel websites that offer fuel-efficient flights and eco-friendly accommodations.
Additionally, your booking phase is where you will make many of the eco-friendly decisions for your travels. Be sure to look for green hotels, sustainable restaurants, and flights with lower emissions and sustainable practices.
One eco-friendly travel tip to adopt is packing efficiently and minimally. This includes maximizing space in your travel bags, trying not to check luggage, and focusing on reusable or recyclable items to cut down on waste. You can save room in your bags by understanding what the weather will be like at your destination and cutting your travel items down to the essentials.
You can travel much lighter without unnecessary clothing or items you will seldom use during your trip. If possible, make sure your travel bags are made out of sustainable material as well.
Specific locations have a particular period of the year when a lot of people wish to visit. These travel hotspots can be overrun with greenhouse gas emissions during peak tourism periods due to the number of cars, buses, and other forms of transportation used. Additionally, the large influx in population can harm the environment.
It is best to travel to a region during the off-season or a month or two earlier or later. You may have a better experience without so many people trying to do the same things as you during your trip.
If you are trying to reduce the carbon footprint of your travel, try traveling to sustainable cities. Sustainable cities have several eco-friendly features, including efficient public transportation and recycling programs in place. If possible, when planning your trip, make sure the town you visit has policies already in effect that will benefit from increased tourism, such as the incentivization of sustainable restaurants and green hotels.
Some sustainable cities to consider traveling to include:
Three-quarters of CO2 emissions from tourism are transport-related. While air travel — mostly planes — is the most significant contributor, cars, busses, trains, and boats are also to blame. Maintaining your green travel habits will be essential for planning sustainable transportation both before and during your trip.
Once you’ve got your transportation lined out, you’ll want to turn your attention to eco-friendly accommodations that you can pursue.
If you are an eco-conscious tourist, it is essential to explore travel accommodations. Do your research before booking a hotel or resort so that you have an eco-friendly option on the table for your trip. This includes hotels with certifications such as the LEED certification. You can also find green lodging options available through Airbnb and other short-term housing rentals.
No matter what kind of travel accommodations you choose to stay in — hotel/resort, Airbnb/rental, hostel — there are several ways to reduce the carbon footprint of your lodging.
One travel tip for hotels is to request a green room, where the hotel has taken measures to cut down on energy use. For example, some hotels have stopped providing plastic water bottles in rooms and instead provide eco-friendly reusable water containers for guests.
It is best to stay in locally-owned accommodations, including guest houses, private Airbnbs, and other local rentals. Be sure to be mindful of the thermostat in your room, never preheating or pre-cooling it when you are away. In another effort to conserve energy, make sure to turn the lights off when you leave. To save water, try not to wash your towels every day.
When you’re considering options for lodging, be sure to look for Energy Star Properties or other certified eco-friendly businesses using directories like The EarthCheck Responsible and Sustainable Directory. It is becoming more and more the case that you will be able to find an eco-friendly hotel.
Hotels recognize the environmental impact of traveling, and places such as the San Francisco Marriott Marquis are doing their part for sustainable practices such as recycling. While it does do wonders for marketing a hotel and brand, many hotels are embracing energy-saving technologies. This includes composting, water conservation, and finding alternative energy sources to do their part in lessening the carbon footprint of their business and its customers.
You can still enjoy your night out on the town with restaurants and entertainment venues that have a green mindset. An eco-friendly perspective for eating and entertainment should include supporting local businesses, restaurants, and cultural centers. When dining, try locally sourced food and local customs and traditions. This way, you support the industry in that area while also giving back to the community. You can enjoy local flavors and culture without adding more strain on global resources.
You can often find eco-friendly restaurants when traveling, as more and more green-themed restaurants pop up across the world. For example, in Washington D.C., you can find eco-friendly dining at Founding Farmers restaurant. This green-certified restaurant uses sustainable ingredients, including environmentally friendly food products through their relationship with local farmers throughout North America.
Restaurants know how important sustainability is to customers, and many are taking steps to build a green reputation. Often, marketing your restaurant in today's world will involve integrating "green" into the brand.
When touring, consider a local guidebook to support the economy. You can typically find local guidebooks at many attractions, where some may even offer a discount for tourists who choose to take this route. Many companies provide green tours for a variety of locations. Often you will find tours that emphasize preserving the nature and culture of where you are visiting. If you plan a marina, beach, or boat tour, look for a Blue Flag certified organization. These operators also embody principles that preserve their respective environments.
Eco-tourism refers to tourism that minimizes environmental impact and promotes sustainable practices. Education and awareness are great ways to help protect exotic and threatened environments. For instance, visiting the Galapagos Islands involves eco-tourism that focuses on educational experiences and sustainable practices. Many companies offer green trips to exotic locations, including outdoor adventures like kayaking, hiking, and biking tours.
You can support eco-tourism by ensuring you are supporting sustainable businesses. When booking travel, be sure to find eco-friendly lodgings and transportation options that support sustainable practices like green hotels. You can also look for eco-tours offered by companies and local tour guides. When at your destination, be sure to support dining and entertainment venues that are sustainable. You can even get involved with eco-friendly volunteering opportunities for a more immersive travel experience.
Eco-conscious travelers will need to explore several resources to find sustainable transportation, green hotels, and restaurants.
When planning your trip, consider the next destination you want to visit. There are many resources available that can help you create a sustainable trip from home to wherever you may go.