Vacations are important to keep us healthy and happy, but vacations can also be a burden on the environment. Being more aware of the impact of your choices on the environment can help you develop a lifestyle that is more eco-friendly, sustainable, and better for the environment. More and more companies are moving toward renewable energy sources, using recycled packaging for items, and more. As individuals, we can try to minimize our impact by not flying every time we go somewhere that's less than 400 miles away. Here are some tips for the travel industry to become more sustainable and how you can help.
Create More Direct Flights
Airlines would do well to reduce the number of multi-stop flights they offer. Direct flights are not only nicer for passengers, but they are also better for the environment. Until they start offering more, it's important that you as a passenger do your due diligence. Flying direct is better than connecting. When you're traveling from point A to point B, see if there are any non-stop flights available instead of booking a flight that involves three or more stops along the way. This will save time, and money and create less stress for you-and it's also better for the environment. There are also plenty of sustainability services to help companies make more environmentally friendly choices. So, look for those airlines when possible.
Travel During the Off-Season
Traveling during the off-season is a great way to save money and reduce your carbon footprint. You can be more selective about accommodation, and types of flights heading to your destination, and even find eco-friendly transportation options. Using a bus service is more comfortable during the off-season because there are fewer travelers and you may be less likely to rent your own vehicle when public transportation is not as crowded.
Book Local Tours With Locals
Hire a local guide, or check out one of the many new companies that offer city tours led by guides and/or locals. These options are often much more sustainable than those offered by large, international tour operators. Local guides can take you to off-the-beaten-path destinations, help you learn about the culture and history of your destination, and help you gain a better understanding of what's happening in the city around you. And better yet, they'll be able to connect you with local businesses so that when it comes time for lunch or dinner, or drinks on your trip, you can find the best local places with fresh ingredients and eco-friendly practices.
Don't Stay in Big Chain Hotels
While many hotels are starting to implement eco-friendly practices, like using less water, leveraging solar electricity, and using sustainable bedding, chain hotels in general are known for being less energy efficient. If you want to make a big impact on your vacation, you can do it by finding a chain hotel with good sustainability practices, or by finding a local place to stay. With more and more apps offering the option to find local accommodation, you'll be able to enjoy your vacation more like a local resident. This means that there is often less waste and a better commitment to sustainability.
Some options include staying in small locally owned hotels or hostels, a cabin or cottage house swap, friends and family, and even staying for extended periods instead of short trips.
Eat at Local Restaurants
The second way to reduce your carbon footprint is to eat at local restaurants. Eating at restaurants that use sustainable processes and ingredients will help reduce waste, as well as contribute to the economic growth of the community. For example, a restaurant that uses biodegradable containers or utensils will divert food waste from landfills, which means less greenhouse gas emissions and natural resources used by your lunch spot instead of in a trash can. The travel industry as a whole is more successful when there are more local places to eat versus just big chain restaurants.
Make Your Own Food With Local Ingredients
When you're traveling it can be easy to want to buy comfort foods from home. Instead, make your own food and use local ingredients. Buying from local vendors and local farmers means that the supply chain did not use as many natural resources to get your food to your table. This is great for the environment because it uses fewer fossil fuels to transport your food to its final destination.
Conclusion
Vacationing can be a burden on the environment which makes it worthwhile to try to minimize that impact as much as possible. Promoting sustainable travel and sustainable businesses is important. Spend your vacation money locally and with companies that are committed to a variety of sustainability practices.
