Taking a fun filled trip soon? Be sure to follow these tips for eco-friendly traveling! In this day and age, it is so important that we “go green” to help halt the damaging effects of climate change.
Pack Light
Not only will you save money with baggage fees, but you will also help save the environment. The heavier the bags, the heavier the planes which means more carbon emission. So only pack what you need, not everything you want. Worst comes to worst, you can always buy something at your destination if you forget something or really need something! Plus packing light, means less to carry around and less to keep track of! If you need some tips on packing light, check out my blog on how to travel with only a carry on.
Take Public Transit…or Walk!
When exploring a new city, take public transit! Or for even better options, walk or ride a bike. I personally love walking or biking a new city as you get to stop wherever you want whenever you want. Walking and biking is also better for your health along with the planet’s well-being. It’s a win-win!
Ditch Plastic Bags and Water Bottles
There’s these wonderful things called reusable bags and water bottles, USE THEM! So much plastic is found in our oceans, forests, lakes, etc. and it needs to stop. I promise you that reusable bags aren’t expensive and guess what? They are more durable than plastic ones! Pack a few reusable bags and a water bottle with you to take on your trip, Earth will thank you. If you want to go the extra mile, you can even buy reusable straws, toothbrushes, and utensils if you are hiking or planning day trips while traveling!
Stick to the Trails
If you are hiking, biking, running, etc. be sure to stick to the marked trails! For one, it is safer as you never know what animals you will encounter and you don’t want to get lost. Secondly, you will avoid trampling or ruining any endangered plants.
Buy Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Heading to the beach or on a snorkel excursion? If the answer is yes, then it is time to purchase some reef-safe sunscreen. Most sunscreens have been found to damage the coral reefs in our oceans and we need the reefs to stay alive! So save our oceans and swap your current sunscreen with some reef-safe sunscreen! There are a variety of reef-safe lotions that you can purchase, simply google “reef-safe sunscreen” and several options will pop up for ya!
Eat and Drink Local
This is the easiest way to be eco-friendly, plus the most fun. While you are traveling, choose to eat and drink at local markets and restaurants! Personally, when I travel that is all I do because I want to experience the culture of the place I am in and explore new foods and drinks. That’s one of the best parts about traveling! I wasn’t about to travel Europe and not try some local beer.
Treat Your Accommodation Like Home
Do you turn off the lights at your house when you leave? Take shorter showers to save water? If you answered yes, then do the same when you are traveling! Whether you are in an AirBnb, hotel, or hostel, treat them the same as if you were at your own house.
Don’t Litter
Don’t throw your garbage on the ground, it’s as easy as that! Find a trashcan or even better than that, a recycle bin! A lot of major cities are full of travelers and we all want to see famous landmarks, buildings, statues, etc. without garbage everywhere. If you don’t see a trashcan, please hold on to your garbage until you locate one.
It is a privilege to travel and you need to take care of the planet we live on so that everyone can enjoy its beauty for many years to come. I believe we as humans have done immense damage to our planet, but also have the power to change it. If everyone made small easy changes to be more eco-friendly in their lives our world will be a cleaner place for all species on Earth. So to entice you to want to be more eco-friendly here are a bunch of pictures of how amazing and gorgeous our planet is, enjoy!
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