As we are more aware of our impact on the environment it is of increasing importance to practice eco-friendly solutions in all aspects of our lives. One area that you might not think about your impact on the environment is when traveling. We may book holidays without regard to how it may affect our environment, but there are many things one can do when traveling to apply eco-friendly concepts when traveling.
What does eco-friendly mean? Simply put, it means having the least possible impact on the environment as we go about our daily lives. This should include traveling. But how can we travel in an eco-friendly way? We’ll explore some ideas below.
Transportation
Perhaps the most environmental impact of a trip on the environment will be during transportation, both to get to the destination as well as transportation during the trip itself. You may have heard how terrible airline travel is for the environment, however, the environmental impact of flying is less than that of car travel. Cars account for the vast majority of emissions worldwide so car travel should be avoided if at all possible. If flying is the only option to reach your destination, it is best that you choose a nonstop flight and that you pack as light as possible since the weight of luggage will affect the amount of emissions. A more environmentally friendly way to travel is on trains. Traveling on trains to your destination and using trains to get around during your trip if possible is a great way to be eco-friendly. Cruise ships are not eco-friendly and emit more CO2 emissions per person than flying, so cruising should be avoided. If you cannot use public transportation or walk during your trip, consider renting an electric vehicle. If your destination is close to your home, you could also rent an electric vehicle to get there and avoid a flight. The other option to be simple is to purchase an EV from a seller, like Edmunds.
Accommodations
Being eco-friendly on your vacation is also affected by where you stay during your trip. Research accommodation to ensure they practice eco-friendly initiatives before booking. If staying in a rental, check to make sure they also have eco-friendly features. As a lower cost option, consider staying in a hostel, as they will have a lower environmental impact compared to hotels or home rentals. If you do stay in a hotel, consider hanging up and reusing towels for multiple uses to lessen the laundry load of the hotel.
Dining
One of the most exciting aspects of travel is experiencing the local cuisine. Eating at locally owned restaurants is a great way to experience a new location and culture and can also be eco-friendly. Local restaurants benefit the local people directly as opposed to large corporations and you will be more likely to experience the real local culture and food. Avoid takeout food and coffee and enjoy your meals at the restaurant to avoid packaging waste.
In conclusion, traveling does not have to cause great harm to the environment and small changes in trip planning can lessen our impact on the environment.