Do you have any plans to go abroad this summer?
With global warming becoming a more prominent issue in our modern world, have you considered the environmental impact that your travel plans could impose on our planet?
Many of us do, which is why we have put together an essential list of ways you can ensure you are traveling more sustainably this summer.
Choose Sustainable Transportation
When considering how you will reach your destination, it is essential to know the environmental impact different forms of transport have on our planet. For example, the aviation sector contributes around 2% of annual global carbon dioxide emissions. Choosing a direct flight to your holiday destination could decrease your air miles. It may cost more, but you will travel more comfortably knowing that you are minimizing your impact on the planet.
If you want to reduce your environmental impact further when you travel, travelling by train could be the way to go. In 2019, it was reported that travelling by plane produced more than double the emissions if you were to travel by train. Choosing lower emissions transport options will help curb your carbon and make the journey as much of an experience as the destination. Sites such as Byway allow you to build or choose trips designed by sustainable travel experts that take you worldwide. It takes you to different lesser-known destinations across Europe and will enable you to see new and exciting places you would otherwise miss travelling by plane.
Eco-Friendly Accommodation and Destinations
Popular tourist destinations such as Mallorca received over 11 million tourists in 2022. This pressure has resulted in an “Extreme Environmental Crisis” and the “commercialization of the landscape, environment, and heritage.
Increased tourism has also been detrimental to the locals by increasing housing prices and losing business due to all-inclusive resorts. If you are considering going to a popular destination anywhere in the world to help reduce the strain, look at going during off-peak periods and shopping locally to allow residents to obtain the benefits of increased tourism.
Some holiday destinations have made a significant commitment to reducing their carbon footprint, which will reduce your stay’s impact. Explore the Global Destination Sustainability index and learn about how different destinations, such as Nyborg in Denmark, have enforced sustainable practices, resulting in lower carbon emissions and hotels utilizing sustainable practices. It is important to research your chosen destination and accommodation choice before travelling and choose locations accordingly so as not to increase strain on local communities and their environment.
Reduce Waste
It is estimated that tourism generates 4.8 million tons of trash annually in the US. To play your part in reducing this number, be sure to utilize reusable alternatives to everyday products. Eighty percent of plastic water bottles end up in landfills. Owning a reusable bottle and refilling at a water station can help reduce this waste buildup. Through my experience of owning one myself, I have also made considerable savings by no longer buying disposable bottles.
Some simple tips to consider reducing waste when exploring during your summer trip are always ensuring that you Leave no trace. Taking the time to clean up after yourself, respecting wildlife and being considerate to locals may seem small in the grand scheme of protecting our planet, but the unseen long-term effects can go a long way.
Give Back
Whether you are planning to travel this summer or staying closer to home, the global average carbon footprint is close to 4 tons. A travel plan that involves giving back to the earth or communities you are visiting can have a massive effect on reducing your carbon footprint and give your trip a unique sense of adventure! Platforms such as Worldpackers show off all the opportunities available when travelling, helping on a farm retreat in Hawaii, tending a garden in Portugal or caring for animals in Italy. With plenty of options, you may discover something about yourself whilst giving back to these communities.
Do your research
Tourism alone is responsible for 8% of the world’s carbon emissions. The most significant way to make the most negligible impact on your travels is to keep yourself well-informed about your destination. You may never know what you might find where you can reduce your environmental impact or help out! You can play your part in making our world more sustainable and protecting our wildlife ecosystems and the environment in many ways.
With the tourism sector growing annually, we all must take steps to become more sustainable in everything we do.
So before you go travelling this summer, consider where you can reduce your carbon footprint to do your part towards a sustainable future.
