Eco-Friendly Travel Mistakes You Might Be Making
Traveling can rack up a large carbon footprint, but more travelers are realizing the impact of their vacations and rethinking how they visit a new destination. There’s no need to cut travel out completely, but with a few new practices, you can enjoy your destination without hurting the ecosystem around you. Even the most eco-conscious traveler can make costly mistakes without realizing it. Once you learn from them, you can travel in style and with a clearer conscience.
Excessive Luggage
Many people don’t realize that the heavier they load up vehicles, the more gas it takes to move them. When you and everyone else bring excessive luggage that they don’t need, you’ll be using more energy to get where you need to go. This is especially harmful for gas-powered travel methods like planes or cars. While it may seem convenient to include those “just in case” items, you’re actually causing higher carbon emissions. Try to stick to bringing only the items that you’ll wear and use.
Flying First Class
Air travel isn’t the most eco-friendly travel method. Apart from gas-powered cars, planes travel the longest distances and use the most fuel, contributing to a very high carbon footprint. Sometimes, it can’t be avoided, especially if you need to travel overseas, but you can make eco-friendly choices on flights. Opt for economy instead of first class. When you choose economy seats, there is less space per person, lowering everyone’s carbon emissions. Taking multiple short flights instead of driving is also counterproductive. Try to book a direct flight whenever possible. You can also purchase carbon offsets to make up for air travel, but this should usually be a last resort.
Not Vetting “Green” Accommodations
You’re probably aware that not all hotels or lodgings are eco-friendly. Many hotel chains are wasteful with their water, food, and energy. You’re on the right track if you start choosing green-certified hotels or accommodations, but you’re going to want to do a little more research. Sometimes, lodgings are vague about what makes them “green.” Sometimes, “green” can simply mean asking guests to reuse towels or skip the housekeeping service while still wasting resources behind the scenes. Research any lodging you visit; make sure their “green” methods are actually practiced behind the scenes. You can also choose to stay in more natural accommodations, like a locally owned farm-to-table bed and breakfast or eco lodging like naturally built park model cabins. Research all the options in your destination, and you can make informed choices.
Single-Use Travel Items
Travel-size single-use items are convenient and admittedly cute, but you’re wasting money and harming the environment with them. Travel items are lighter, which can lighten your load, but single-use plastics aren’t worth it. Plastics don’t break down naturally in the environment. They harm the soil and habitats of plants and animals. When you’re traveling, you may opt to resort to a plastic water bottle or plastic toiletries from a hotel for convenience. Try to avoid these items as much as possible. Bring a reusable water bottle instead and refill it each day. Take travel-size shampoos from home with reusable travel-size containers made from natural or recyclable materials. Take some reusable bags so you can go grocery shopping without plastic. If you have to use plastic at any time, try to use recyclable options.
Too Many Gas-Powered Activities
When you’re on vacation, there are likely many tourist activities that call to you. There’s nothing wrong with indulging in some fun excursions, but be mindful about what you choose. Some activities, like helicopter tours, gas-powered airboat explorations, or inhumane zoos, actively harm the environment and animal species on our planet. You can still enjoy animals and scenery without the ethical dilemmas. Instead of airboats, immerse yourself in kayaking or paddle boats. Instead of helicopters, enjoy a zipline. Instead of a circus or an inhumane zoo, visit a wildlife rescue center. You’ll likely learn a lot more and have a richer experience when you’re in harmony with the world around you.
Not Learning Local Sustainability Laws
Eco-conscious travelers will likely do all they can to offset their carbon emissions on their trip. Some destinations, like the island of Palau, offer eco-tourism incentives as a way to keep their island sustainable while maintaining a decent economy. Their eco-tourism app allows you to unlock exclusive experiences and destinations on the island as you commit to sustainable practices. Palau isn’t the only destination that offers these incentives and perks. You can learn what destinations prioritize eco-tourism and support them. You should also research the local sustainability laws and practices, regardless of where you go. How you recycle and how others do may differ. Your ideas of water conservation can be a lot different in other places. Make sure you’re respecting the planet, other cultures, and local laws.
Buying Harmful Souvenirs
What is a vacation without a souvenir? There are many ways to get gifts and memorabilia based on your travels, but you’ll want to be careful. Some souvenirs are mass-produced in factories using harmful materials and wasteful practices. You’ll be supporting these companies instead of local artisans and crafters. Other souvenirs may be stolen from the natural environment, like seashells or hermit crabs. Many of these gifts are very unfriendly to the environment, depriving wildlife of resources or actively taking them from their natural habitat. Be careful of what souvenirs you buy!
Conclusion
You don’t need to avoid fun when you’re traveling with eco-friendly practices in mind. You may be making some simple mistakes, but they’re easy to make up for on your next trip. Be mindful about your destinations and how you get there. You may want to change your accommodations if they’re not taking environmental impact seriously enough. Choose your souvenirs and meals wisely. Always prioritize ethical supply chains and locally sourced goods. All it takes is a little adjustment, and your eco-friendly escape is good to go.
