Traveling is what we all enjoy, as it brings so much joy to our day-to-day lives. After all, there’s nothing more comforting than taking a nice vacation or just going away for a weekend to forge the week you’ve just left behind. However, the state of the planet and the environment is slowly decaying, which is why it’s important to do our best on an individual level in order to rectify the consequences of climate change. So, if you enjoy traveling, then being a prepared eco-friendly traveler is an excellent way to start your sustainable journey. Therefore, here are some tips that will help you along the way.
Respect your surroundings
The first and most important tip on this list for a reason: Simply, throwing the trash out of your pockets onto the ground is disrespectful, not only to the environment but also to the place you’re visiting. Therefore, if you find yourself with your pockets stuffed, then make sure to discard the trash in the designated areas only. If the place of your visit doesn’t value clean surroundings, keep in mind that doesn’t mean you should act that way too. Instead, keep your unnecessary items in a special bag until you find the proper place to dispose of them. Also, make sure to follow local rules and guidelines, especially when it comes to littering, local etiquette and language customs.
Be mindful when packing
Sometimes, packing a lot of things is inevitable, however, if you want to make your trip more eco-friendly, then it’s important to travel as lightly as possible. So, preparing a packing list is a great place to start, as it will help you track all your belongings. Plus, knowing how to pack your stuff, so they won’t take that much space is also a skill worth learning, especially if you wish to pack more lightly. Before you decide to go, make sure to check the local weather forecast for the duration of your stay, so you’ll know what to expect and what types of clothes to pack.
Know your transportation options
Even though flying is still the fastest and most reliable way of transport, it’s also responsible for a lot of pollution all over the globe. So, if you’re aiming to be an eco-friendly traveler, then make sure to reduce flying in favor of greener alternatives. Also, once you arrive at your destination, using different means of transport will help you save money and reduce your carbon footprint. Some countries such as Australia are so big and interesting that it’s impossible to visit all that in a short period. Therefore, using public transportation or finding a car hire in Melbourne that offers a wide variety of vehicles that are environmentally friendly is a great option. This way you’ll get to see many gorgeous monuments and other amazing places while protecting the environment at the same time. Also, if you enjoy cycling and walking, feel free to incorporate that into your trip as well.
Avoid single-use plastics
Single-use plastics are extremely convenient, however, once you learn the fact that plastic pollution makes a big chunk of general pollution, especially in the oceans and on coastlines. That’s why choosing reusable water bottles, grocery bags, drinking straws, and coffee cups is a nice way to make your trip (and your general life) more eco-friendly. Of course, opting for single-use plastics while away might be tempting to many, so if you can’t stop using them altogether, then at least find an appropriate way to minimize your usage.
Choose a green accommodation
Since you’re very likely to spend some time at the accommodation of your choice, then choosing a green place to stay is a great way to become an eco-friendly traveler. Unfortunately, it’s still challenging to find such types of accommodation through popular booking websites, so the manual search is the only way to do so. When looking for eco-hotels, make sure to check whether they pay attention to proper waste management, and energy-conserving practices.
Support local businesses
The best way to be an eco-conscious tourist is to support local businesses. Eating and drinking at local establishments rather than large international fast food chains will surely contribute to the local economy while also helping the planet. Also, eating locally available fresh produce will reduce carbon emissions, since imported products had to travel long distances. Choosing to visit local restaurants, cafés and bars will also boost the local entrepreneurial spirit, so next time you decide to go on a trip, make sure to research the best local places that are worth your visit.
Conclusion
Becoming an eco-friendly traveler might take you some time, which is why it’s important to do things on your own terms. Your effort is always welcome, and going on a trip is a perfect chance to adopt some new and valuable eco-friendly practices. Being aware of local customs, supporting local businesses, packing lightly and using all transportation options are all important tips that will surely make your trip more sustainable in the long run.
