The Environmentally Aware Traveler
When you plan a trip, you likely don't think about the impact your journey is having on the environment. It’s undeniably more fun to dream about your destination and the plans you have once you arrive. But what if it was not that difficult to make a difference in your carbon footprint? And what if the small tweaks to your adventure actually made the trip more fun? In a world concerned with climate change, it’s important to remember that every little difference counts, and when you’re traveling, you have the ability to keep the places you visit cleaner. Here are some tips that we recommend to help you be more green while on the move.
Fly Consciously
Photo by Brett Sayles from Pexels
Flying is not the most eco-friendly way to travel, but it is often unavoidable. If you plan to fly, try booking a direct flight. Taking off uses more fuel than cruising in the air so the less you take off, the lower the emissions will be. Second, fly coach. Flying coach doesn’t feel that different from business or first class, but according to a study by the World Bank, your carbon emissions from flying coach are actually three to four times less than the more expensive alternatives. Lastly, if you have the ability to choose, fly on a more efficient aircraft such as a Boeing 787. If none of these options are available, don’t worry, there are still so many more ways to lower your carbon footprint.
Trade the grocery store or the strip mall for a local market or family-owned shop.
Once you get to your destination whether domestic or overseas, it might be tempting to go shopping at a store you’re familiar with or go to a chain restaurant. Try to resist this temptation and trade those imported goods for local brands and hand-crafted items. Not only will you be reducing your carbon footprint, but you will also be helping the local economy and giving back to the community. The items that you buy will travel less and therefore will not contribute as much to the emissions created by planes, trucks and cars. You may find that you have a much more enjoyable experience strolling through a local farmers market, or shopping at quaint mom-and-pop stores.
Stay at a hostel or Airbnb instead of a hotel.
If you want to have a more immersive experience in a new location, staying in a rental home is a great option. You will be able to see the area as someone living there would and you’ll do it in a more environmental way. Airbnb reports that when staying in a rental house, “significantly less energy and water are used, fewer greenhouse gases are emitted, and waste is reduced” compared to a hotel.
Next time you travel, think of the small ways you can help the environment. Anything from where you sit on a plane to where you shop and choose to stay can make a difference in your carbon footprint. These changes to your trip may even make the excursion more exciting and provide a more intimate look at the city or town you’re visiting.
Tag us here @theedgemag in your environmentally conscious travels!