Travel is a favorite pastime for most of us. We work hard to save up time and funds to head out on vacation every so often. The change of pace and new scenery revitalizes our spirits, offering the chance for adventure, new experiences and expanded perspective. But in the last few decades, we also understand more about the impact travel can have on the environment, both locally and globally. From jet-fuel emissions to deforestation and gentrification, there’s a lot of added baggage that comes along with planning your next holiday.
If you’re looking for ways to be a responsible traveler and a more sustainable tourist, you’re in the right spot. Here are 8 convenient habits to incorporate into your travel itinerary. After all, we want those beautiful destinations we long to visit still there for future generations. By making a few easy changes, you can feel good about your travels and relax on your trip knowing you’ve done your part to limit your environmental impact and carbon footprint.
Sustainable International Travel Ideas
First, let’s talk about the elephant in the room, or in this case the Boeing 737 or Airbus A320: Air Travel. According to the Sierra Club, US commercial air travel is the biggest contributor of carbon emissions from airplanes. Yale Climate Connections notes that jet fuel produces more carbon dioxide than gas-powered cars do. In fact, a cross-country roadtrip with three or more travelers would create less carbon dioxide than flying that distance.
While you shouldn’t give up on the occasional travel dreams, there are some ways you can minimize the impact of airplane flights. First, always opt for economy class. Why? Although those spacious seats and pampering in business and first class are tempting, the space they consume is not efficient and means less passengers can fit on a plane. The more demand for these luxury seats equates to more planes needing to fly. So when you book that economy flight, not only will you save quite a few dollars, but you’ll also be minimizing your carbon impact.
Minimize Your Flying Carbon Footprint
There are some additional steps you can take when flying to your destination, including:
- Lightening your load: Consider traveling with less luggage, particularly pieces that weigh less. It requires less energy for planes to fly with a lighter load.
- Book the non-stop flight: Direct flights usually take less time and involve far less headaches than non-stop flights. But did you know they are also more eco-friendly? That’s because take-offs and landings require more fuel than cruising attitudes.
- BYO when you go: You can skip some wasteful elements of air travel by packing wired earbuds rather than taking the airlines’ disposable ones. Stay hydrated without packing or needing water bottles by investing in a roll-up refill-able travel bottle. Don’t worry about the pillows and blankets however, most airlines clean and reuse those.
What’s the Deal with Carbon Offset Credits?
You may have seen those carbon offset credits available to purchase from some airlines. At first, it sounds like an ideal scenario. Essentially you can “buy” your way to a clear conscience when it comes to environmental responsibility. But, of course it’s not that simple. The New York Times reported in 2023 how ineffective such credits are. And several of the main airlines are now distancing themselves from the practice.
Instead of delving into the complexities of carbon offset credits, many environmentalists offer a simple solution. For the money you would spend on such credits, instead donate it directly to a nonprofit working towards sustainability. This way you know exactly what your money is being used for.
Simple Steps to Being a Sustainable Traveler
Add nonprofit and government-funded parks to your itinerary.
Visiting these natural preserves helps support efforts to conserve wild lands. Without the proper number of visitors, these locations can become more vulnerable to development.
Be mindful of where your money goes.
Although most businesses can feel local, many can be owned by multinational companies, which causes “tourism leakage” to occur. Particularly for hotels and resorts, you’ll want to look into the company’s stewardship and sustainability efforts, to ensure the business is not exploiting or damaging the local ecosystem and culture. Begin by browsing certified sustainable accommodations provided by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.
Choose eco-friendly travel items.
Plenty of single-use plastic goes into those tiny bottles and tubes we all need to use to get past TSA. There are alternatives however! Choose eco-friendly options like toothpaste tablets, mouthwash tablets, and deodorant cream. You can also make the switch from plastic shampoo and conditioner bottles to travel-friendly hair care bars.
Join the Second City Movement
Part of being a sustainable traveler involves not taxing the tourist destinations to death. One popular option is to visit such popular spots during the off season. Not only will you find less crowds but you’ll apply less pressure to the area's resources. Another option is to enjoy the landmarks of interest at the destination location, but devote some of your time to a less-visited location nearby. Not only can this give you a break from your tourist agenda, but it will relieve some of the strain on these hot spots.
Get lost on purpose in areas that are less attractive to tourists (but still safe for travelers!). Here you may just find the most rewarding experiences with more authentic opportunities to experience local culture. You might be surprised what little hidden gems that you can find and the awesome people that you may get to meet by immersing yourself in what the destination has to offer.
Destinations That Reward Your Responsibility
Here’s a win-win that will be music to anyone with a little wanderlust – some destination locations will actually incentivize your sustainability efforts! Yes, it sounds too good to be true, but these initiatives do exist, albeit at the moment they are for limited durations. That means it’s important to do your research and read all of the details and confirm with these locations before booking your flight!
One of the best examples of these programs is Copenhagen’s CopenPay. Now through August 11, 2024, Copenhagen is offering tourists freebies like food, drinks, and tours in return for making sustainable choices. Actions like opting to bike instead of driving, using public transportation, or picking up litter can all earn you perks. Find out more at: www.visitcopenhagen.com/copenpay.
As you can see, you don’t need to skip your adventures abroad in order to remain eco-friendly. There are plenty of ways to minimize your trip’s impact on the environment and actually support businesses and initiatives working toward a more sustainable planet. Bon voyage!
Photo by @YocanVerma on Pexels. Photo by Singkham: https://www.pexels.com/photo/clear-light-bulb-planter-on-gray-rock-1108572/Photo by Singkham: https://www.pexels.com/photo/clear-light-bulb-planter-on-gray-rock-1108572/