Travelling the world might seem like an environmentally costly pursuit – particularly if you’re going to be putting in a lot of air miles. But some ways of getting around are inherently more polluting than others.
In recent times, attitudes toward the environment have shifted. This has caused a new term to emerge: ‘sustainable travel’. This refers to a form of travel that’s designed to minimize environmental impact. But exactly what does it look like, and why does it matter?
A Guide to Sustainable Travel
What is sustainable travel?
The definition of sustainability might vary, depending on who is writing it. However, the term ‘sustainable travel’ is often taken to refer to a form of tourism that could be maintained for years without negatively affecting the peoples, economies, flora and fauna of the places being visited.
In other words, it’s an ideal form of travel that might be continued indefinitely, without damaging the natural world. In practice, however, it tends to simply mean being mindful of the environmental impact of your travels, and taking steps where possible to reduce that impact.
Why does it matter?
Tourism accounts for around eight percent of all the world’s carbon emissions, once factors like accommodation, flights, and food are taken into account. And it’s not just greenhouse gases that we need to worry about. In the UK alone, around 79,000 metric tons of food are thrown in the trash each year.
If you’re visiting a country where environmental protections are lax, then the potential impact of your trip could be even more severe. If you take a proactive approach and seek to support practices and organizations that support local communities and ecosystems, then you could end up doing more good than harm.
How to do it
If you want to make your trip sustainable, there are a few practical steps you might take.
Spend smart
Put your money into local businesses rather than large multinationals, and you’ll help to ensure that the people around you benefit from your visit. This might involve researching local vendors or simply taking a chance on an unknown small retailer.
Slow down
It’s faster to get from one place to another via plane or car. But if you’re willing to get around via other means, you could reduce your emissions dramatically. Plan a cycling or hiking tour of a given continent, for example, and you could end up emitting next to nothing. Hiking tours of Europe provided by sustainably minded companies are often the ideal.
Pack smart
The more single-use plastics and aerosols you take with you, the less you’re going to have to throw away. Think about investing in reusable bottles and bags – on the condition that you actually get good use out of them!
Conclusion
In conclusion, sustainable travel is not just about reducing our environmental footprint; it’s a mindset that embraces responsible tourism. By adopting practices like spending smart, slowing down, and packing smart, we can make a positive impact on the places we visit and the communities we encounter. Together, let’s continue to explore the world in a way that respects and preserves its beauty for future generations to enjoy.
What sustainable travel tips have you found most effective in reducing your environmental impact while exploring new destinations?
*Disclosure: Collaborative Post
Thanks for stopping by,
Love you all ❤️
Franca 💋
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