The best type of traveler is an eco-friendly traveler. While traveling there are many easy ways to reduce your environmental impact, allowing you to take care of the world you so love to explore! There are ways to see the world and protect the environment at the same time. With that said, here is a guide on how to be eco while traveling.
Take a Reusable Water Bottle
Having a reusable water bottle does not only save a huge amount of plastic from entering landfills, but it also saves you money. You won’t have to continuously purchase water wherever you go. If you’re planning a trip somewhere with unsafe drinking water, there are also great options for filtered water bottles. Check out Grayl water bottles!
Say No to Single-Use Plastic
The creation and decomposition of plastic are toxic to the environment. That plastic you use one time can take hundreds of years to break down. This can be avoided by saying no to plastic bags and carrying around a set of eating utensils. I like to carry a reusable bag in my purse along with a set of eating utensils so I can avoid single-use plastic as much as possible.
Bring Reusable Bags for Grocery Shopping
Always pack a reusable bag if you plan to grocery shop on your trip. Carrying meshed produce bags is also a great idea, allowing you to avoid even more plastic in the store! Look for local markets, selling local food products while you’re at it. Buying local is always better for the environment.
Take a Bus or Train Instead of a Plane
We are all aware that airplane travel is not the best for the environment. If you have the option, try taking a train or bus to where you’re going. Choosing these alternatives will result in reduced emissions. If you’re unable to avoid planes, opt for airlines that have taken initiatives to improve their environmental impact.
Carpool
Carpooling has always been a known way to reduce emissions. Luckily today, there are many companies helping to make it easier to share a ride. Although mostly operating in European countries, BlaBlaCar is a convenient, long-distance carpooling platform allowing you to find rides with people heading to the same place you are. There are companies popping up in other countries such as the United States, doing carpooling rideshares as well.
Take Public Transportation or Walk
Just like carpooling, using public transportation is more fuel-efficient. If you’re visiting a place with a well-connected transportation system, take advantage of it! Choosing to walk is also a great alternative and really allows you to see the place you’re visiting.
Be Thrifty
When you travel, oftentimes shopping is involved! Conventional shopping can be harmful to the planet, making thrift shopping an excellent choice. Thrifting helps you reduce your consumption, and reuse materials that shouldn’t go to waste. Choosing to thrift is also a great money-saving solution. You’ll love whatever you buy even more if you get it for a steal!
Choose an Airbnb or Hostel
Airbnb’s and hostels operate in a more environmentally friendly way compared to hotels. Hotels consume a huge amount of energy when they wash the sheets and towels daily. When you stay at an Airbnb or Hostel, you use the same towel and sheets for the entirety of your stay, resulting in less water being wasted. If you do book a hotel, don’t overuse during your stay. Turn the lights off when you leave, reuse the same towel, and request that the sheets aren’t changed daily.
Reuse Old Plastic Bottles for Packing Liquids
We’ve all stayed at a hotel at some point and came home with the toiletries that were provided. If you still have those bottles hanging around, reuse them! The trick is to empty them out and fill them with shower products you like. This will keep you from going out and buying more travel-sized toiletries every time you go on a trip. By reusing old bottles, you’ll cut back on your plastic consumption.
Leave No Trace
Leave no trace but also find ways to leave the place you’re visiting better than you found it. Make sure to be conscious of the environment and even clean up the area you visit if you have the opportunity.
Bring Your Own Eco-Friendly Products
There are so many products to use to become more environmentally friendly, not just in your daily life, but for traveling too! Check out this post on the best eco-friendly items to pack for a trip.
Wrapping it Up
Caring about the planet while traveling is a responsibility for every traveler to uphold. With these super simple tips, you can make a significant difference by being conscious of your global footprint. Being a traveler is fun, but better when you're being an eco-friendly one at that!
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