If you’re anything like us, you want to be as sustainable as possible. Travelling sustainably is one of life’s finest pleasures, and we shouldn’t neglect ourselves of these experiences. Still, there are ways we all can and should engage in as many environmentally friendly practices as we find possible. Hopefully, the basics are all clear to us: don’t litter, turn off lights when not in use, and use reusable bags and water bottles where possible. Rest assured, there are more ways on how to travel sustainably without breaking the bank.
Eat and drink locally
Food is one of the best ways to authentically experience a culture. Step away from Burger King and McDonald’s and opt for the best in local produce. Finding traditional dishes made by locals with locally sourced ingredients not only reduces your carbon footprint but also supports the local economy. It’s a win-win. There’s beauty in choosing something on the menu rather than getting the same easy, fast food you try to avoid at home. Street food is always an affordable way to experience the best a region has to offer, and if you opt for vegetarian, that’s even more environmentally friendly. You can visit local markets that sell all sorts of seasonal fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, and snacks. And during the evening, drink locally crafted beers or wines.
Do not disturb
If you’re staying at a hotel, one of the simplest ways to help the environment is by hanging up a “Do Not Disturb” sign on your door. This will let the staff know that your room doesn’t need cleaning and your towels don’t need to be replaced. It may not seem like much, but all these little things add up and have a significant influence on cutting down on unnecessary waste and use of resources. You’ll save the electricity needed to hoover, the water required to wash bed linens and clean bathrooms, and not to mention the super harsh chemicals used in the cleaning process. In many places, resources like water are limited and conserving it is crucial for sustainability. Even better, some hotel chains will now reward you for choosing not to have your room cleaned.
“I’m just one person; it won’t make much of a difference” … said 7 billion people. The more hotel guests adopt this way of responsible travel, the more hotels may prioritise environmentally friendly policies. A broader movement towards more sustainable and ethical hospitality can be sparked by your one small effort, which could have a beneficial domino effect throughout this industry.
Interact ethically with animals
In the travel and tourism industry, unethical animal attractions have long been an issue of contention. These attractions, which offer unique animal encounters and the possibility of a great photo opportunity, are frequently visited by tourists. But a lot of these attractions mistreat animals, harming them both physically and mentally. World Animal Protection has produced guidelines and initiatives such as the Wildlife Selfie Code to assist travellers in making more ethical and educated decisions around animal interactions.
The code emphasises the importance of observing animals in their natural environment. This allows them to exhibit their natural behaviours and reduces the risk of becoming dependent on human interaction. Ensuring that you’re at a safe distance from the animals is one of the most important parts of responsible wildlife photography. It protects you and also prevents unnecessary stress and harm to the animals. Encounters with wildlife should only take place if animals can move freely. This means avoiding activities where animals are kept in cages, chains, or other forms of restraint.
Thorough research is essential before arranging tours or activities involving animals. Just because an establishment has the word “sanctuary” in its name doesn’t necessarily mean it’s animal-friendly. Many places that call themselves sanctuaries could still be involved in unethical activities, such as breeding animals for profit, exploiting animals for entertainment, or subjecting them to poor living conditions. Be mindful of institutions and accreditations that attest to the respectful treatment of animals. There are strict guidelines for wildlife sanctuaries set by groups like the Born Free Foundation and the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS).
For those wishing to witness animals in their natural habitats, national parks and wildlife reserves are ideal destinations. These protected areas prioritise conservation and offer the chance to see animals in the wild, where they can roam freely and engage in their natural behaviours.
If you like tigers, we have an article on where you can see them in the wild. Click here.
Pack light
Less luggage when travelling, especially when flying, can cut carbon emissions and fuel use. When travelling by car, bus, or plane, the weight of your luggage directly affects how much fuel each mode of transport needs. Lighter aircrafts use less fuel to reach and maintain altitude, which helps reduce carbon emissions. Weight reductions for planes, no matter how small, can save a lot of fuel.
For instance, International Air Transport Association (IATA) research found that aircraft weight reductions of just one kilogramme (2.2 pounds) can result in fuel cost savings for airlines of hundreds of thousands of £’s per year. Your journey’s energy consumption and carbon footprint can be indirectly reduced by packing only what you need and avoiding unnecessary items. And to be honest, you probably don’t need as much as you think you do when it comes to packing. Pack a few versatile outfits, and you’re good to go. You’ll avoid paying extra luggage fees, and carrying one bag is way less stressful than carrying several.
Where to get your water
A crucial aspect of travelling sustainably and responsibly is having access to clean drinking water. Although the safety of tap water varies depending on where you go, it’s essential to minimise the environmental damage caused by continually purchasing single-use plastic bottles. For travellers who want a reliable, clean water supply, a water filter is an excellent investment. These portable devices can be found in many forms, including built-in filters for personal water bottles, pump filters, and gravity filters. Since water filters are made to eliminate impurities, practically any water source can be safely consumed. You can obtain safe, clean water from a well, river, or tap by using a high-quality water filter. Water purification tablets are another great option. They’re small, lightweight and cost-effective.
Some places have their own methods for giving locals and visitors access to safe drinking water. Apps such as “Refill My Bottle,” for instance, can be used to find water refill stations in over ten countries in Southeast Asia. In addition to being sustainable, locally sourced solutions benefit local businesses and communities.
Share your experiences
Sharing your eco-friendly travel experiences with friends and family and on social media could encourage others to embrace sustainable and ethical travel practices, too. Many people may be unaware of how tourism affects the environment, how to travel travel sustainably, and the responsible alternative options. Your insights and experiences can help people realise the positive impact they can make while travelling the world. You can highlight environmentally friendly accommodation options, responsible wildlife sanctuaries, local food, and by doing so, you’re indirectly contributing to a better tourism industry and supporting eco-friendly businesses. By working together, we can create a beneficial domino effect that could result in more mindful and sustainable travel in the tourism industry.
