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Green travel essentially means travel that is concerned with protecting the environment and the culture of the places one visits. This can be achieved in many ways, from the simple to the more complex. Some of the ways we can be greener travelers include:
Before You Leave on Your Trip
- Turn off or unplug all appliances in your home: some appliances can pull up to 40 watts per hour even if turned off.
- Turn down the temperature of the thermostat and water heaters.
- Temporarily interrupt your newspaper service or donate it to a local school.
- Turn off your water connection.
While Travelling
- Use electronic tickets for your airline flights.
- Opt for a hybrid rental car.
While at your Destination
- Tell hotel staff you don't need your linen changed every day. Many hotels employ a system to only replace used towels in guest rooms to avoid excessive laundry.
- Re-use the plastic cups in hotel rooms, or bring your own re-usable cups and utensils.
- When leaving the room, turn off all lights and appliances, and turn down the air conditioner.
- Bring and use your own toiletries during your trip, reducing the need for excessive packaging of small lotions, shampoos, etc.
- Take short showers and turn off the water when brushing teeth.
- Take public transportation or walk whenever possible - many local sightseeing tours are walking tours.
When Sightseeing
- When hiking, stay on marked trails, and follow any posted rules about campfires, trash receptacles, and interaction with local animals.
- Whenever possible, buy local and locally grown products.
- Avoid buying anything made of endangered species, such as tortoise shells, ivory, rare animal skins, etc. Many of these are made only for the tourist trade, and if not supported, won’t be sustained.
- Avoid disposable cameras, which contribute to waste.
- Respect local wildlife and local native culture.
These efforts to reduce environmental impact are not overly disruptive to a holiday routine, and can help greatly in reducing pollution and interference with the local environment. Most people are concerned with the condition of the earth, and can continue to help even when on holiday. As the old saying goes, take nothing but memories, leave nothing but footprints. Small, environmentally responsible footprints.
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