We must recognize how our actions impact the world around us. Traveling is an opportunity for us to take a break and reflect on the ways we can respect the environment.
If the events of this last year have taught us anything, it is that we need to respect mother nature. You may be tempted to travel as much as possible as soon as it is safe, and you are welcome to do so! Just try to keep some basic principles in mind before your next trip to preserve the environment and prevent future disasters.
1. Avoid air-travel
In 2019, Greta Thunberg popularized the Swedish concept of flygskam, or flying shame, by sailing across the Atlantic Ocean to attend the UN Climate Meeting in Madrid. In reality, environmentalists have been avoiding air travel for many years. Air travel emits more greenhouse gasses than any other kind of travel and for frequent fliers, flying may be the largest part of their carbon footprint.
2. Connect with nature
Consider camping or hiking. These activities allow you to gain an appreciation for the natural world and have a uniquely low impact on the environment. Spending a few days with little to no electricity lets you live temporarily on a negligible carbon footprint. Following the principles of leave no trace will help ensure that the natural world stays beautiful. With the right fishing supplies and hiking knives you can even sustain yourself in the environment surrounding you.
3. Drink clean water
Humans use 1 million single-use plastic water bottles a minute and most of them do not get recycled. Make sure you carry a reusable water bottle with you to avoid purchasing single-use plastics when you find yourself thirsty. Refill the water bottle with tap water when you get to a hotel, restaurant, or somewhere with a water fountain. To give yourself peace of mind and make sure your water is safe to drink, try using the portable Go Berkey Kit. It kills bacteria and gets rid of harmful chemicals in your water.
4. Minimize your waste
In addition to carrying around a reusable water bottle, also keep a reusable shopping bag on hand. A lot of countries charge for single-use bags, so having a reusable shopping bag is a money-saver as well as a way to help the environment. Be mindful of the kind of restaurants you dine at; choose establishments that wash their dishes as opposed to vendors that hand out disposable plates and cutlery. Pack your own snacks to cut down on single-use plastics and use online boarding passes to save paper.
5. Use your time to volunteer
Volunteering is a great way to fully experience the local culture. There are plenty of websites to look for volunteer placements including WWOOF which matches participants with organic and sustainable farmers and GoOverseas which offers a wide array of volunteer placements. Volunteering will also help lower your carbon footprint as you engage with low emission activities.
6. Avoid greenwashing
While volunteering is an enjoyable, fulfilling way to give back, it is important to closely vet your voluntourism organization to make sure they are helping the environment more than they are harming the environment. Greenwashing is when companies advertise themselves as environmentally friendly, when they, in reality, are no more eco-friendly than any other company. Before participating in any green travel program, look for the common tell-tale signs of greenwashing. Be wary of experiences that allow you to interact with wild animals. A lot of those animals are not well-treated and become stressed from forced interaction with humans.
7. Buy local
When you are looking for souvenirs, try to find local artisans or craftspeople. Not only will this augment your experience, but it will lower your carbon footprint. Avoid anything that looks like it was made in a factory far away, and prioritize shops where you can buy directly from the producer. This is a great way to support the local economy and have fun doing it. Most artisans are friendly and happy to tell their stories or give you travel pointers.
8. Stay close to home
Consider not traveling very far at all. Traveling tends to leave a large carbon footprint. Try visiting an interesting park nearby or find popular in-state destinations. Be a tourist in your own town. You probably haven't fully experienced the tourist destinations in your own city or town. Find out what popular restaurants you haven't seen yet and spend an entire day exploring your city. This will save you money and help the environment.
Hopefully, these small actions can make your travel fun and eco-friendly. We must recognize how our actions impact the world around us. Traveling is an opportunity for us to take a break and reflect on the ways we can respect the environment.
