Four Ways to Make Travel Sustainable
There’s no question that sustainability is high on the agenda for members of the public across the world. According to the World Economic Forum, in 2020, 86% of people want the world to significantly become more sustainable and equitable as society exited the pandemic.
That clamour for change has been felt across the economy, with travel being put under the microscope too. If you want your next trip to be more sustainable, here are four ways you can ensure your trip doesn’t need to go hand and hand with high greenhouse gas emissions.
Use sustainable forms of transport
From getting to your destination to travelling around when you’re there, there are all sorts of things you can do to make your travel options more sustainable. When planning your trip, you might also consider adding promotional travel items to your packing list. These items, such as branded reusable water bottles or eco-friendly travel bags, not only serve a practical purpose but also promote awareness of sustainability through their use.
Let’s start with getting there. According to Our World in Data, domestic flights are some of the most polluting forms of air travel, followed by petrol and diesel cars, then short haul and long-haul flights. Ferries and international rail are the least polluting, so if you can, consider taking the train or arranging a ferry for short-haul trips.
When you’re at your destination, consider national rail or bus (both much less polluting than hiring a car) or try and hire an electric vehicle if you want to explore the routes less travelled.
Choose walking or cycling holidays
Offering practically zero carbon emissions and helping boost your physical health while you’re at it, cycling and walking holidays can be a great change from traditional getaways. They’re also a great way to immerse oneself in the local surroundings – taking a walking holiday in Italy, for instance, can let you experience Tuscany up close and personal, or the sights and smells of rural Puglia.
Choose sustainable accommodation
Instead of simply going for the cheapest or most luxurious accommodation, be sure to do your research and aim to stay in hotels or hostels that have eco-friendly practices in place. These eco-lodges and sustainable resorts are becoming increasingly popular on the back of their innovative approaches and facilities, which include things like solar-heated water, green energy, and a zero-waste approach to cleaning and catering.
Support the local economy
One of the best ways to encourage sustainability is encouraging the development of local economies. By going to local businesses as opposed to international chains you can reduce the amount of CO2 needed to transport the goods and services behind your choices. Additionally, by buying local products as much as possible, you encourage the flourishing of local trade and business, making communities more robust and sustainable.
How do you stay green when travelling? Do you agree with our recommendations above? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.