Some airline carriers have carbon offset programs, while certain hotels have been built with sustainability in mind, but tourists often forget about their eco-friendly responsibilities on a trip away from home.
Even so, it’s critically important to protect and preserve certain holiday destinations so they can continue to entertain guests and contribute to the local economy in the future. So if you’re planning to escape the daily routine in summer 2014, don’t forget the following green travel tips:
Use water sparingly
In hot and humid countries, staying hydrated is very important. That doesn’t make it okay to be wasteful with water, however. There’s a good chance that these locations suffer from periods of drought and water will be scarce.
You should try to take short showers instead of baths (you want to be out exploring anyway) and don’t leave the tap running while brushing your teeth.
In destinations where there isn’t a clean supply, consider buying water purification tablets rather than constantly going to the shop to buy bottles. Some places don’t have recycling facilities and you could end up with several plastic bottles that can’t be used again.
Think carefully about transport
Taking a taxi from the airport to your accommodation is obviously the quickest, easiest option. The thing is, if every tourist decides to do this then pollution levels will shoot up.
Try using public transport instead, as buses, trains, bicycles and subway systems are much more environmentally friendly. In some cases, you’ll even save some money into the bargain.
Furthermore, you’ll gain a unique perspective on the destination in question. Mixing it with the locals and seeing some unusual sights is bound to be an eye-opening experience too.
Help out the hotel or hostel
Various hotels and hostels are starting to take sustainability more seriously, due to the increasing popularity of ecotourism. Nevertheless, they also need their guests to help out every now and again.
Having sheets and towels cleaned every day will use up lots of water and power, so tell your chosen accommodation that these don’t need changing (if they don’t, of course).
Whenever you leave the room, make sure you’ve switched off all electrical items. Televisions use up energy unnecessarily, even when they’re on standby. If you throw anything in the bin, be certain that it’s not recyclable.
Buy and eat local
Even though fast food outlets and high-street retailers are the most hassle-free shopping options, you don’t know where their products have come from. It’s possible they’ve been flown in from halfway across the world.
When it comes to purchasing food or souvenirs, always try and support the local economy. Be proactive in your buying decisions and ask where items have come from. This is important because some mementos and meals could have been produced using rare materials, animal skins or endangered species.
Despite the fact you could be flying a long distance or travelling for hours in the car to get to your holiday destination, this doesn’t mean to say you can’t be environmentally conscious and aware while away from home. Even when you’re having fun you can still do your bit for the planet.
Image by woodleywonderworks, used under Creative Commons license.
