Travelling should always be an amazing experience, but it can be hard on the environment. There are lots of ways you can enjoy your holiday while being kinder to the planet and they don’t have to cost a lot of money. Before setting off, do a bit of research and find out what could increase your carbon footprint the most while you’re away.
Whether you have a trip planned already or want to change your habits for the future, this blog has lots of tips to help you make the right decision. And don’t forget, there’s no need to feel guilty if parts of your trips aren’t as green as you’d like. You could spend hours weighing up the pros and cons of wind energy, deciding what type of water bottle to buy, and thinking about the kinds of clothes you buy, but in the end, it’s the small steps you do take that count.
Avoid flying
While you need a plane to get to certain destinations, some can be easily accessed by more eco-friendly modes of transport, such as train or coach. If you have a few weeks available, you could even go interrailing on the way to your final destination. This way, you’ll see a lot more places and really have the chance to experience new cultures in a way you just wouldn’t be able to when flying.
Choose your sun cream carefully
Sun cream is a staple for pretty much every holiday, but did you know that some types are bad for the planet? If you don’t check the label carefully, your sun cream could contain chemicals that are harmful to coral reefs when they get in the water. Coral reefs are a key part of the sea’s ecosystem, so make sure you check your sun cream bottle before setting off.
Leave no trace
If you’re going to be out and about in national parks or natural reserves, it’s best to adopt a ‘leave no trace’ mindset. This means leaving the landscape exactly as you found it when you arrived. Make sure you tidy up after your picnic and don’t leave behind any rubbish. You might not think a sandwich crust could do much harm, but you never know how an animal might react to it. Respect the place you’re in and the planet will thank you.
Buy local food
Everyone knows that it’s important to support small businesses, but it’s actually better for the planet to eat food that was grown in the area you’re in rather than imported by boats and planes. Not only will you be living a greener life, but you’ll be experiencing the richness of life in the country you’re in. Travelling is all about immersion and seeing how other people live around the world, so sample that fruit you’ve never had before and treat yourself to a hand-carved figurine from a market stall.
Wherever you decide to go, make sure you implement one or more of these tips to have a greener holiday.
