How To Stay Eco Friendly While Traveling

With the holidays approaching and time moving as quickly as it does we figured let’s discuss how to remain eco friendly while traveling!

Whether it’s spring break, summer vacation, a fall hiking trip or a holiday with family we’ve compiled a list of tips and tricks to stay eco friendly while traveling. Some are little adjustments and some will take a conscious effort, the choice is yours, the key is any little bit helps! 

Staying eco-friendly while traveling is all about making mindful choices that reduce your carbon footprint and lessen the environmental impact of your trip. Here are some practical ideas to consider and not all will be acceptable in all situations, but good things to get the mind rolling. 

1. Choose Eco-Friendly Transport

• Public Transport: Opt for buses, trains, or subways instead of taxis or rideshares. Trains are particularly eco-friendly.

• Carpooling and Electric Vehicles: If renting a car, look for hybrids or electric cars, or use carpooling services to reduce emissions.

• Direct Flights: When flying, choose nonstop flights, as takeoffs and landings contribute most to a plane’s emissions.

• Offset Carbon Emissions: Look into carbon offset programs for flights to compensate for your travel emissions.

2. Pack Light and Smart

• Travel Light: Reducing the weight of your luggage means less fuel consumption on planes and cars. Plus, it simplifies your travel experience.

• Eco-Friendly Gear: Bring reusable items like water bottles, cutlery, and straws. Look for sustainable luggage and clothing made from eco-friendly materials.

• Minimize Single-Use Plastics: Use biodegradable toiletries, like bamboo toothbrushes and shampoo bars, which are compact and plastic-free.

3. Stay in Eco-Conscious Accommodations

• Eco-Certified Hotels: Look for hotels with sustainability certifications. These accommodations often use energy-efficient practices, water conservation systems, and recycling.

• Stay Local: Consider locally-owned guesthouses or eco-lodges that have sustainable practices and support the local economy.

• Turn Off: When leaving your room, turn off lights, air conditioning, and any electronics to save energy. This one can be hard to remember, but unplug those chargers!

4. Be Water-Wise

• Use Water Sparingly: Many places experience water shortages, so conserve water by taking shorter showers and reusing towels.

• Refill Over Buying: Bring a reusable water bottle with a built-in filter or use local refill stations rather than buying bottled water.

5. Shop and Eat Local

• Local Markets and Restaurants: Eating at local restaurants and buying from local markets supports the community and reduces the carbon footprint associated with imported goods.

• Avoid Food Waste: If you can’t finish your meal, ask for a small portion or take leftovers with you.

6. Respect Natural Areas and Wildlife

• Stay on Trails: Stick to designated paths to prevent damaging local ecosystems, and don’t take plants, rocks, or other natural items.

• Avoid Single-Use Toiletries: Refill your own travel-sized containers instead of using hotel-provided toiletries, as they often generate plastic waste.

• Eco-Friendly Tours: Choose tour operators that follow ethical guidelines and focus on wildlife conservation and low-impact tourism.

7. Reduce Energy Usage

• Minimize Digital Use: Use your phone’s battery efficiently by going offline or on airplane mode when not in use, reducing your energy consumption.

• Unplug: When possible, unplug devices after they’re fully charged to reduce unnecessary energy draw.

8. Practice Responsible Souvenir Shopping

• Choose Local and Sustainable: Buy souvenirs that are made locally and sustainably rather than mass-produced items.

• Avoid Wildlife Products: Steer clear of souvenirs made from endangered plants, as they can contribute to environmental harm. The same can be said for some animal souvenirs not made of naturally occurring byproducts. 

9. Educate Yourself and Share

• Learn About the Destination’s Environment: Understanding local environmental issues and practices helps you make better decisions.

• Raise Awareness: Share your eco-friendly travel tips and experiences with friends and family to inspire others to travel sustainably.

These steps can help make your travels kinder to the planet, creating a positive impact for both the environment and local communities. Enjoy your eco-friendly adventures! 

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