Whether it’s travelling to a tourist destination or commuting daily to work, it doesn’t hurt to be more mindful of the carbon footprint or litter that we leave behind. In fact, a recent study by Booking.com found that 87% of global travellers would like to travel sustainably. After all, travelling or commuting adds to producing more carbon emissions and waste.
If you are wondering how to be a sustainable traveller, the following tips offer ways to contribute to the environment positively. Keep these tips in mind when travelling or commuting to help reduce your impact on the environment.
1. Bring reusables
One of the ways on how to travel green is by packing reusable items. These include reusable bottles, tumblers, utensils, straws, and shopping bags. Bringing these items, especially an eco bag, will help reduce the waste that you produce from buying food, souvenirs, and other products.
Even when you are just commuting to work every day, try to bring something reusable with you to work. Bringing your own items will not only help reduce your waste disposal but also ensure that your utensils or bottles are clean or sturdy.
2. Pack light
Did you know that the heavier a plane is, the more carbon it emits? That’s why every kilo counts when flying. So, when going overseas, plan the things that you need to bring and reduce them to one backpack or a small piece of luggage. Remember to pack only the things you need, including your reusables. Whether you are travelling by land or sea, packing light is a good thing to practice as it helps save the environment and it is a cheaper way of travelling.
3. Avoid papers and go digital
When travelling, maximise technology. Everything you need when travelling can now be accessed through your smartphone. For example, instead of printing your boarding pass, most airlines allow passengers to flash a PDF copy of their boarding pass. Some even provide a QR code, so passengers can scan their boarding pass quickly and easily.
Similarly, you don’t need to bring physical maps or booklets to check directions or find local spots. For those who like reading while travelling, opt for an e-book instead. All you need is a smartphone and a good Internet connection and you are good to go. Travelling in this way further reduces your paper usage and waste. Make sure to do this eco-friendly tip while travelling to help you pack light and reduce waste.
4. Eat local food
Although many travellers choose to eat local food for the experience, there will come a point where you will crave the familiar taste of fast food. However, avoid eating at fast food or restaurant chains and opt to eat at local restaurants that use local produce. Buying locally-made and locally-sourced food means that the restaurant does not produce carbon emissions from trucks that deliver the goods. Also, avoid ordering takeaways and opt to eat at the restaurant, if possible. This way, you don’t have to use and dispose of non-reusable plastics or packages.
5. Buy eco-friendly souvenirs
Buying souvenirs are a must for some travellers. Unfortunately, even if the souvenirs hold value and meaning to the buyer, most of the souvenirs are not eco-friendly. When disposed of, these souvenirs can be difficult to break down or decompose. So, when buying souvenirs, choose eco-friendly items such as eco-friendly slippers, sustainable and organic beauty products, and other items that are made from sustainable material or that can be recycled.
6. Avoid flying
Flying may be the most convenient and exciting way to travel but planes produce a lot of carbon emissions. So, it’s best to avoid flying and travel by land instead. However, if you must ride a plane, avoid flying short distances one after the other. If you can, avoid taking flights with stopovers, too, as it results in more fuel and emissions. Unfortunately, eco-friendly air travel is still not possible. However, if you plan to ride a plane, make sure to offset your carbon emissions once you land.
7. Use a micro-mobile transportation
One of the eco-friendly ways to commute is riding micro-mobile transportations such as bicycles, electric scooters, and electric bikes, among others. Among these alternative travel options, electric scooters are the most popular since they offer a quick and affordable means to travel. Moreover, electric scooters are greener than you think. Electric scooters don’t emit any harmful emissions and some are even made from sustainable material.
Many cities are already pushing for these kinds of alternative transport. So, if you are travelling to another city or country, try using an electric scooter or bicycle to reduce your carbon emissions when travelling or commuting.
8. Take public transportation
Another way to reduce your carbon emissions is by taking public transportation rather than a personal car or taxi. Since trains, subways, shuttles, and buses move more people than cars, it’s an efficient way to minimise carbon emissions. If travelling by car is the only option for you, try to rent a hybrid or fuel-efficient car. Of course, nothing beats walking when it comes to zero emissions. Always be mindful of how your actions will affect your environment.
It’s time to travel green
Travelling may not be the greenest activity that you can do, but it’s not impossible to reduce your impact on the environment. From bringing reusables to riding long-range electric scooters, remember these eco-friendly tips while travelling or commuting and you will help reduce your carbon footprint. Sustainable travelling will not only help save the environment but also make you feel closer to nature.
