If you are reading CATALYST you probably have a passion for travel. Here are some ways to make your journeys as sustainable as possible.
White bus on the road. Oleksandr Pidvalnyi. CC BY 2.0.
Traveling around the globe alone or with a few friends can do wonders for your inner peace. It’s self-care at its finest. Seeing new places, meeting interesting people, and experiencing a novel culture can give you a broader perspective on life. And let’s not forget all the memories you’ll fondly look back on years from now.
However, despite all the positive effects of travel, one thing that might not cross your mind is how everything we do while globetrotting deeply affects the environment.
As travelers, we often forget that we have a responsibility to travel with care, not only for ourselves and the people around us but also for the places we visit.
Remember, we humans are the ones depleting Earth’s natural resources. So whenever you’re going somewhere, do your best to practice sustainable travel.
Here are some ways to travel green:
1. Choose Off-The-Beaten-Path Locations
Woman walking on a path in the forest. Erik Mclean. CC BY 2.0.
Right now, one of the biggest threats that the travel industry faces is over-tourism. In fact, according to the World Economic Forum, about 80% of travelers visit the same five to ten locations in each country.
Popular cities may have up to 70% population growth during peak season, placing strain on the environment and infrastructure.
As much as possible, opt to avoid adding to this over-tourism phenomenon. Get creative when determining where to go next. This way, you won’t have to deal with crowds, and you’ll get to enjoy more genuine and lasting experiences than you could get in the overdone tourist traps.
2. Public Transportation Is Earth’s Best Friend (And Yours, Too)
Silhouette of a person riding a bike on top of the mountains. Jahangeer Bm. CC BY 2.0.
Sometimes the fastest way to your destination isn’t always the better option. Instead of speeding through a checklist or an itinerary, why not slow down a little bit? Allocate more time to your journey to discover more than you could ever ask for.
Slowing down can be beneficial for the environment, and it will allow you to soak in every sensation and experience. Travel by train so you can visit towns and cities you would normally miss if you took a direct route.
For shorter distances or if you’re just going to explore cities, take a walk or cycle to your destination. These two activities won't consume energy and are also pollution-free. They’re also a great way to stay healthy while traveling.
3. Don’t Use Single Use & Cleanup Wherever You Go
Woman drinking from a tumbler. PNW Production. CC BY 2.0.
The image of plastic bottles littering beaches, parks, and waterways has grown alarmingly common in many tourist places. The plastic waste we humans produce poses a serious health risk for all living things, particularly marine life.
Avoid using plastic bags as much as possible. Try to refill and bring your travel-size containers whenever possible.
Carry a refillable water bottle with you at all times to avoid purchasing single-use plastic water bottles. Don’t forget to pack an extra cloth bag in case you need to buy something.
Additionally, if you’re visiting the beach (or any other natural area), pick up some of the trash that you see. Beach cleaning is a great way to meet new people while traveling. You can also look for local clean-up events to meet locals while preserving the environment.
4. Support The Local Economy
Person buying fruit from a local vendor. Erik Scheel. CC BY 2.0.
Always buy products from businesses that support sustainability. A great place to start is with cafes and restaurants that use locally sourced ingredients and avoid single-use plastics. You'll often find that these kinds of restaurants donate a certain amount of their earnings to a deserving cause.
Avoid going to multinational chain restaurants for meals or shopping at supermarkets. Instead, support local entrepreneurs and small businesses to boost the local economy. By doing this, you're keeping people employed and reducing the need for transportation across far distances.
You can also purchase handmade souvenirs and crafts created by indigenous artisans to help preserve the location’s authentic cultural heritage.
Another way to help boost the local economy is to select a local guide. You can reduce the harm that your trip would otherwise cause by selecting a tour operator who cares about preserving the environment and the local people.
Lastly, you can stay in neighborhood guest houses rather than big resorts and hotels. Not only are they typically the more environmentally friendly option, but they’re also more affordable.
5. Pay Attention To The Local Resources You Use
Man brushing his teeth. Tima Miroshnichenko. CC BY 2.0.
Consider taking shorter showers rather than longer ones and shutting off the water while shaving or brushing your teeth to reduce the amount of water you use while traveling. Fill your refillable and reusable travel containers with eco-friendly biodegradable soap and shampoo, especially when camping.
Don’t forget that necessities like hospital beds and emergency services are also local resources. So before hiking or taking a road trip, always check weather conditions and terrain to avoid getting lost or injured and the subsequent rescue mission, which can consume valuable public resources and tax dollars.
6. Respect The Natural Places You’ll Visit
Man taking in the view on top of a mountain. Jaime Reimer. CC BY 2.0.
Keep in mind that well-marked hiking trails are there for a reason, mainly to protect the surrounding area and the local flora from harm. So don't litter. As for wildlife, distance yourself from them as much as possible and never feed or touch them. This is for the protection of both you and the animals.
If you’re going on a beach or diving trip, use reef-safe sunscreen without oxybenzone and octinoxate and avoid stepping on coral.
7. Share Your Sustainable Travel Knowledge With Others
Women conversing near a bonfire. Oleksandr Pidvalnyi. CC BY 2.0.
Inform your friends, family, and fellow travelers about sustainable travel options, and remind them that even small changes can have a big impact.
Travel helps us better understand the world by exposing us to various cultures and customs that are different from our own.
Humans have a natural need to explore. That’s why tourism will always be a massive industry. We can highlight the positive aspects of tourism and lessen its drawbacks if we can come together and share strategies to make travel more ethical, respectful, and sustainable.
Travel Mindfully For Yourself & For The Environment
As regular travelers, we must find a balance between lowering our carbon footprint and helping places that depend on tourism.
We can all contribute to the preservation of our beautiful planet by making a commitment to travel more thoughtfully and go to locations where delicate ecosystems are protected and local communities are helped.
Myrtle Bautista
Myrtle is a journalism major, a social media marketer and is now exploring freelance writing. She's fond of anything related to health and wellness, and when she's not writing, you'll find her doing long-distance cycling, ultramarathons, hiking, or in a local cafe enjoying a good cold brew.