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A lot of us try to do our bit to preserve the environment. Actions as small as cutting down on single-use plastics and simple changes to our lifestyle like repurposing random articles around the house go a long way in reducing the harmful impacts of Climate Change.
But, when we go on a vacation, most of us try not to think about it as we don’t really know how to be a climate-friendly tourist. Here are some points to keep in mind as we go on vacations. Just remember and follow these and you will definitely have a guilt-free trip this time around!
1) Reducing Air Travel for a Greener World
Aviation is responsible for approximately 4% of human-induced global warming and is anticipated to result in around 0.1° Celsius (0.2° Fahrenheit) of warming by 2050 if the aviation sector continues its growth at pre-pandemic rates. In light of the ongoing climate crisis, it’s crucial to assess our decisions and curb the increasing frequency of flights. Opting for buses and trains whenever possible is an impactful choice, reducing air travel and associated guilt while benefiting the environment. Additionally, this choice enhances your travel experience, allowing you to appreciate often-overlooked breathtaking landscapes.
2) If Flying is Unavoidable
If you must fly, prioritize flying direct and with minimal luggage. The weight a plane carries contributes to our carbon impact, so lighter packing means a smaller carbon footprint.
Opting for direct flights is preferable, as take-off and landing incur significant fuel emissions. Additionally, consider using trains or buses for domestic travel to enjoy scenic views without the environmental impact of short flights.
3) Avoid Cruises
Over the last few decades, cruise holidays have gained immense popularity among vacationers. However, conscientious individuals, particularly eco-conscious advocates, argue that opting out of these voyages is the responsible choice. Cruises are detrimental to the environment, people, and marine life, primarily due to extensive diesel fuel use and excessive food waste. Moreover, they often negatively impact local communities, as tourism funds tend to remain on the ship, leaving the local population without significant financial benefits.
4) If you have to fly or sail, offset the carbon impact
To estimate your travel footprint, Shame Plane, an independent Swedish carbon calculation site, offers a rough estimate based on scientific journal-published data. It not only provides insights into your carbon impact but also suggests actions like recycling, reducing food waste, and adopting a vegan lifestyle to help neutralize emissions in your daily life. You can try to offset your flight or cruise’s carbon footprint through tree-planting projects.
5) Embrace Plastic-Free Travel
Plastic has an extensive environmental impact, being petroleum-based and contributing to pollution in various ways, from contaminating waterways during manufacturing to emitting greenhouse gases. As plastic is not fully recyclable, even plastics labelled as such end up as waste, adversely affecting oceans, rivers, rainwater, and food sources. To reduce your environmental impact, it’s crucial to adopt a plastic-free approach while travelling, whether it involves rejecting plastic bottles or ensuring all your amenities are packed with you.
6) Less Litter
This goes without saying! Carrying reusable bottles for drinking water and reusable straws are two ways of ensuring less litter. Another good addition to the list is carrying reusable shopping bags- no trip is complete without shopping right?
7) Choose Environmentally Conscious Lodging
Simple steps like opting for eco-friendly hotels or resorts ensure our vacation does as little harm to the environment as possible. The travellers can choose to opt out of daily changing of towels or sheets and can keep electricity usage minimal thus reducing resource consumption.
A considerable number of boutique as well as luxury chain hotels are making major changes thus offering environmentally friendly stays to the guests. However, to ensure a guilt-free trip, nothing can be better than staying at an eco-resort or a campsite to have minimal impact.
8) Opt for Sustainable Dining
Consider choosing locally sourced vegan meals during your travels for a more environmentally conscious dining experience. Scientific consensus underscores the importance of dietary adjustments, specifically reducing meat and dairy consumption, to combat climate change. The animal agriculture industry surpasses global transportation in emissions, contributing to topsoil erosion, water pollution, and deforestation, yet provides only 18% of the world’s food calories. Choosing to avoid meat and dairy constitutes a powerful individual action for responsible travel, reducing environmental impact, decreasing food transportation emissions and also promoting community support and stimulating the local economy in the process.
9) Opt for cruelty-free and environment-friendly tourist activities
Choosing to avoid activities like taking elephant rides goes a long way in convincing such businesses to stop such trips and hence lessen animal cruelty. Choosing to visit places that are success stories in conservation efforts will help boost the tourism potential of such spots, thus helping to create environmental awareness among all who come to visit. Hiking, trekking and birdwatching are some of the eco-friendly activities that are gaining popularity day by day. We just need to keep in mind to avoid littering and maybe carry a bag along to pick up amy litter you may notice!
10) Choose public transport or opt for an EV for roadtrips
The best way to get to know the place is on foot or cycles but when you do need to use bigger vehicles, opt for public transport or EVs as that will help limit your carbon footprint to a minimal amount.
Sustainable tourism which is now being embraced by many is a form of tourism that yields more positive outcomes than negative impacts, particularly concerning the environment, the economy, and local communities. Genuine sustainable and responsible tourism aims to enhance both the quality of life for residents and the overall visitor experience in destinations.
These are just a few suggestions to help the environmentally conscious tourist travel better. Hoping these will come in handy when you plan your next trip!
If you have any queries or come across suspicious content related to climate change or the environment and want us to verify them, send them to Climate Buddy, our WhatsApp tipline +91 70453 66366.
Banner Image: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-standing-on-cliff-287240/
Other images: https://www.pexels.com/photo/silhouette-of-person-standing-near-camping-tent-2398220/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/pram-train-passing-through-building-and-people-1426494/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/unrecognizable-person-near-lemons-and-bell-peppers-7262789/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-planting-plant-169523/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/white-ship-on-calm-sea-2079450/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/brown-leather-duffel-bag-1058959/
