Being responsible even when you travel doesn’t only entail being respectful to the culture and customs of the country you’re visiting. It also means making an active effort in reducing your carbon footprint and engaging in eco-friendly practices.
The act of traveling alone — from hopping on planes and riding cars — readily creates a significant footprint that affects the environment. Nevertheless, the least you can do is be as eco-friendly as possible when you get to your destination.
Whether you’re going on an adventure off the grid, a weekend getaway from the city, or traveling halfway across the globe, here are six ways you can make your trip more eco-friendly.
1. Choose the right destination
In recent years, due to global environmental awareness, more and more businesses are doing their part by introducing sustainability initiatives to help save the environment. If your vacation involves staying someplace else, make it a habit to pick accommodation that is eco-friendly.
This means opting for hotels, hostels, and BnBs that have efficient waste treatment systems, energy-efficient lighting, recycling composting, low-flow toilets, and more. It’s even better if you find one that uses energy resources like solar energy and wind turbines.
2. Be mindful of your trash
Although this should go without saying, there are still times where you may overlook how you dispose of your trash. Make an effort in recycling items when you’re done using them. Look for hotels that have recycling bins that can accommodate your junk.
3. Veer away from using plastic water bottles
There’s a reason reusable cups, bottles, and dispensers are all the rage right these days. Not only do they help cut on plastic usage, but they’re also easy on the eye, doubling as accessories. When traveling, it’s normal that you get tired and often feel the need to hydrate. Just be sure to carry a reusable water bottle that you can refill whenever you want so that you can quit buying single-use bottles as they only contribute to plastic pollution.
4. Shop and eat locally
Instead of eating meals and buying souvenirs at big chain restaurants and shops that heavily rely on imported goods, it would be best for you to support local businesses instead. In doing so, you’ll be contributing to the economy and also minimizing the transport costs of goods and foods.
5. Utilize public transportation
While it’s undoubtedly more convenient to rent a car or hire a driver to bring you around, it’s more eco-friendly to use public transportation instead. Walking or biking in a new city helps keep you healthier and decreases the clutter of vehicles on the road. You’ll also be supporting the local economy if you choose to ride public trains and buses.
6. Leave no trace behind
The only thing you should be left at your destination is your footsteps. When traveling, don’t drop your trash anywhere as you please, and touch or remove flowers, rocks, and leaves. When you hike and drive, stay on the path that is meant for you and stay aware of your surroundings so that you don’t crush plants and other vegetation. Even when swimming, avoid touching corals because you may easily damage them. Whatever you do, remember always to be respectful of the places that you visit.
Final words
At this point, you now know several tips on how you can do your part in caring for the environment. Keep these tips in mind at all times, and you’ll be making the earth a better place to live in. If you’re looking for a residential villa in Phuket, get in touch with us today to see how we can help.