Irresponsible and excessive tourism has become a significant threat to the planet, leading to harmful effects on ecosystems, deforestation, habitat destruction, pollution, and disturbing the peace of local communities. Before you set off on your next trip, consider adopting some sustainable travel practices.
Booking:
- Overseas Travel Insurance: Book affordable overseas travel insurance.
- Flights: Opt for direct flights whenever possible, as airplanes emit more carbon during take-off and landing than during cruising. Avoid unnecessary layovers. Check if the airline offers carbon offset programs. Go paperless by using digital tickets.
Hotels:
- Accommodation: Choose homestays or eco-friendly hotels with certifications like Green Seal, LEED Certified, EarthCheck, Green Globe, Rainforest Alliance, or Green Tourism Business Scheme. ResponsibleTravel.com advises against all-inclusive resorts due to their negative environmental and economic impacts.
Cruise Liners:
- Avoid Cruises: Cruise ships, which bring thousands of tourists to small towns or islands for short visits, often contribute little to the local economy while significantly increasing pollution and environmental degradation.
Packing:
- Travel Light: Pack only what you need, and choose items that are easy to hand wash and quick to dry. Bring a BPA-free reusable bottle, reusable shopping bags, a collapsible travel mug, steel straws, and a cotton handkerchief.
- Multi-Purpose Toiletries: Opt for multi-use toiletries like conditioner as shaving cream, coconut oil as a moisturizer and shaving aid, and Castile soap for hair, skin, and laundry. Solid shampoo bars can also double as body soap.
Also Read: Airbnb Reports 340% Spike in Domestic Travel Searches for Independence Day Weekend
When You Check into a Hotel:
- Energy Saving: Unplug electronics not in use. Reuse towels and sheets to conserve water and energy. Consider declining daily housekeeping services to reduce waste and resource use.
- Take Toiletries with You: Partially used hotel toiletries are often discarded, so take them with you.
- Conserve Water: Take showers instead of baths and avoid using the hotel’s laundry service.
- Thermostat Control: Set the thermostat a few degrees higher when leaving your room.
While Traveling:
- Sustainable Transport: Walk, bike, or use public transportation whenever possible. Renting hybrid or electric vehicles can also reduce your carbon footprint.
- Support Local Businesses: Shop and dine at small, local businesses that typically use seasonal, locally-sourced products.
- Travel Responsibly: Opt for fewer, longer trips rather than multiple short ones, and choose tour operators that prioritize local suppliers.
- Avoid Single-Use Plastic: Reduce plastic waste by dining in instead of ordering takeout, which often comes with single-use containers and utensils.
- Offset Your Carbon Footprint: Use an online carbon calculator to determine your carbon footprint and purchase offsets to balance it out. These offsets fund projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Ethical Considerations:
- Avoid Animal Exploitation: Think twice before participating in activities like elephant rides, which often involve cruel practices like ‘phajaan’ or ‘spirit-breaking,’ where young elephants are subjected to severe abuse to make them submissive to humans.