The saying "leave a place better than you found it" has been making the rounds in travel circles for quite some time now. And there’s a good reason behind it! More and more people are becoming extra mindful of how they travel so that fellow travelers of today and adventurers of tomorrow can also enjoy the sights they’ve seen and the locations they’ve experienced.
Becoming a green traveler can have a profound impact on your perspective of the world and the impact you have while exploring it. So, if you’re looking for ways to become one yourself other than learning the “reduce, reuse, recycle” mantra, you’ve come to the right place!
Read on below for our tips on how to become a more eco-conscious and sustainable traveler.
Time to Pack!
Switch To A Shampoo Bar & A Bar of Soap
Shower gels and hair care products that come in plastic bottles are so yesterday! So make the sustainable switch and go for an old-fashioned soap and shampoo bar. Not only are they more sustainable, but they’re also easy to carry around and take very little room in your toiletry bag.
Bring A Marine-Safe Sunscreen With You
Nobody wants an uneven skin tone! A good SPF sunscreen will do its job. However, if you're going to a place known for its beautiful bodies of water, remember only to use marine-safe sunscreen! Formulas with octinoxate and oxybenzone are toxic to coral reefs and other marine life.
Pack A Period Kit
There's nothing comfortable about traveling during your period, but you can make the experience a little less dreary by being prepared! Use a menstrual cup instead of pads and tampons. They're more sustainable, compact, and easy to use! You can also try wearing period underwear if you've got a heavier flow.
Get Some Organic Towels
For any serious adventurer, a towel made of organic cotton or bamboo is most certainly a necessity! These natural materials are not only better for the environment, but they can also be used as a blanket and are lightweight and easy to carry.
Practice Sustainable Self-Care!
Your self-care and skincare routine shouldn’t stop when you’re traveling! Make it eco-friendly by making delicious spa water, DIY-ing a face and body scrub using coffee grounds, treating yourself to a coconut oil hair mask, and using a natural loofah for exfoliation! Don’t forget to protect your eyes from dryness every now and then.
Grab Your Reusable Water Bottle
Don’t ever forget to hydrate yourself while going on any adventure! Just make sure to keep it sustainable with a BPA-free reusable water bottle.
Traveling To Your Destination
Don’t Take A Car To The Airport
When traveling to and from the airport, always choose public transportation first! If you can, take the bus, metro, subway, or even opt for car-sharing. These are significantly greener, easier, and less expensive.
Fly Direct
If takeoff and landing account for 25% of a flight's total emissions, the less frequently you fly and land on the ground, the better! Plus, flying directly is more time-efficient.
Choose Your Airline With Care
If you're traveling by air, think about using one of the more than 30 IATA (International Air Transport Association) member airlines that offer carbon offset programs to neutralize the aircraft's carbon emissions by investing in carbon reduction initiatives.
Take The Train
Take the train rather than the plane for shorter journeys, especially in Europe or other places where train service is fast and frequent.
Once You’re There
Opt For Public Transportation, Walking, or Cycling
When you arrive at your location, substitute using a rental car and a cab for public transportation or a car-sharing service. If you’re staying somewhere central, get ready to walk or ride a bicycle!
Book An Eco-Tour
If you wish to visit some of the world's most isolated and protected locations, you’ll enjoy an eco-tour! It’s a great alternative to mass tourism as it provides far more socially responsible travel options.
Choose A Carbon-Neutral Hotel
When booking your accommodation, look for a hotel that adheres to the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) guidelines and concentrates on reducing emissions through the use of low-energy light bulbs, linen reuse programs, and other initiatives.
Conserve Water & Energy
As much as possible, cut the usual length of your showers in half, and turn off the water while brushing your teeth. And don't forget to turn off the heat, television, lights, and other electronic devices before leaving the room.
Ask About Recycling
If any recycling programs are in place at your hotel, they would be pleased to share them with you. However, if you think they might be lacking in this area, use their suggestion box or guestbook to let them know.
Exploring Sustainably
Never Ever Litter
The saying "take nothing but photographs and leave only footprints" is something you've got to keep in your heart when it comes to seeing the most breathtaking locations on earth.
Stick To The Trails
When out adventuring, stay on designated paths and trails to prevent endangering local wildlife or harming native plants and animals.
Avoid Contact With Wildlife
Elephant rides, tiger encounters, and other exotic animal attractions are sometimes unregulated and may unintentionally encourage animal abuse. Only book encounters that are ethical and promote wildlife conservation.
Do Your Research
Take a look at your route, check the weather forecast, and have a plan in place. You might need a ranger rescue if you become lost or put yourself in danger without reason, which uses up public resources.
Immerse Yourself in the Culture Around You
When traveling to a place you have never been before, be a participant, not just an observer. What makes traveling fun and life-changing is the opportunity it gives you to step outside of your comfort zone and experience new foods, music, and traditions.
A Mindful Traveler is A Responsible Traveler
Traveling responsibly while exploring the world might be challenging at first, but once you get into it, it’ll eventually become natural for you. So, go out there and travel with sustainability in mind!
For more travel tips, check out Acanela Expeditions’ blog!
Post Written By: Bash Sarmiento