Seeing the world is an ambition a lot of us share, but is it possible to do it in an eco-friendly way?
We should all be trying our best to enact greener behaviors, but that doesn’t mean we can’t visit new and exciting places simultaneously. In this guide, we’re going to take you through five ways you can travel more sustainably.
1. Stay Connected with Renewable Energy
Everyone has different motivations for traveling, but one thing is for sure: you need to stay connected. While going off-grid can be very romantic, it could also put you in a compromised position if all of your devices suddenly lose their power! With a solar powered generator, you can keep your essentials charged up via an entirely renewable energy source. You might be surprised by how portable they can be.
2. Choose Destinations That Aren’t Tourist Hotspots
Travel isn’t always bad for the planet. In fact, it can have some real benefits (see point five for reference). However, it needs to be done responsibly. Tourism can cause significant harm to the natural beauty of a location, especially if its patrons don’t care for their surroundings. When choosing a travel destination, try to go somewhere that isn’t already ravaged by frequent visitors.
3. Rethink Your Travel Options
The easiest way to get just about anywhere is via plane. You can travel extreme distances in a fraction of the time, and it is largely a very convenient means of travel. However, it is also the worst offender of pollution. If possible, look into different ways of getting to your chosen destination. If you absolutely must fly, try looking into more eco-friendly airlines that use sustainable aviation biofuel. Even big airlines, such as United and Qantas, can provide eco-friendly flights.
4. Look for Eco-Conscious Accommodation
You don’t need to string up a hammock in the woods for an eco-friendly escape. In recent years, there has been a boom in sustainable hotels and similar accommodations that can provide you with a comfortable stay without the guilt over excess waste and damage to the ecosystem. Some hotels even commit to a no-plastics policy, which significantly reduces the amount that ends up in landfill or out at sea.
5. Support the Local Economy
Wherever you travel, try to shop locally as much as you can. Pouring money directly into the local economy is a great way to show your gratitude and support the people who live there. Putting your money into corporate chains may prove to be the easier option, but as we have seen with air travel, convenience isn’t always the best sustainable choice you can make.
Green Travel is Possible!
You don’t have to stay home for the rest of your life to live an environmentally conscious life. It is entirely possible to travel, and even fly, without significantly contributing to the climate crisis. Even small changes here and there can amount to a significant difference over time, and eventually, it will simply become a habit.