Exploring the globe is fun, though if travelers don’t respect the areas they visit, many of the world’s most beautiful places will cease to exist. By following a few simple tips, anyone can become much more environmentally savvy when they travel.
For the Jet Setters
Traveling by airplane has more environmental impact than almost any other form of travel. Airplanes burn fossil fuels, adding water vapor and heat trapping gases to the atmosphere. If you travel by plane, consider carbon offsets to reduce the impact.
Stay at green certified hotels and make environmentally conscientious decisions. Request new towels only every few days to save a ton of energy and water. When sightseeing, rent hybrid vehicles, take public transportation, drive scooters, bike or walk whenever possible.
Some companies like Travelocity allow you to buy carbon credits as part of your online booking. To figure out the carbon emissions for a particular route, use the calculator at ClimateCare. Look for Green Globe, Green Seal and LEED certifications, which provide reputable industry standards for green travel and tourism, and products and buildings, respectively. If your preferred destination does not have green certified hotels, you can still find the greenest option by researching the environmental practices of any destination you choose.
Tune-Up Before Heading Out
If you’re taking a road trip, take the time to prepare your car for greener travel. Getting a tune-up and oil change in advance is necessary before embarking on any road trip. Making sure your tires are inflated will add miles to your gas tank.
Packing less also makes your travel greener. The lighter your car, the better gas mileage you will get, so shed any weight you won’t need on your trip. If you must make repairs on the road, be sure to do so in a secure area and handle materials carefully. Leaks near drains can contaminate water and aquatic life.
Destination Weddings and Honeymoons
If your guestlist is on the shorter side, consider taking your friends and family along for a wedding and vacation combo. With a little research or the help of a green travel agent, you can find unique properties such as castles, old estates and B&B’s available for rent throughout Europe. Some locations offer organic and locally grown vegetables and meat. Small ecotourism boat trips provide another option for couples looking for a cruise-style adventure without the large environmental impact of a standard cruise liner.
Protect The Earth No Matter Where You Go
If you plan to visit ecologically sensitive areas, it is very important that you practice minimal impact travel. Be sure to research the habitats you plan to visit and ask your outfitter for tips on how to lessen your impact before you leave.
When scuba diving or snorkeling on your vacation, always follow these 4 rules:
1. Do not disturb the coral
Even the lightest touch of a finger or stirring up of sand nearby can kill or permanently damage coral. To avoid unintended contact, make sure you only dive in places with deep enough water where the current will not make you accidentally bump the ground below. National Geographic News reports that sunscreen also contributes to coral bleaching, so avoid slathering on excessive amounts of the stuff before diving in.
2. Do not feed the fish
Feeding fish can destroy their natural eating habits and tamper with the natural balance of the reef
3. Say no to Styrofoam or plastic cups and plastic bags
While on a boat or at the beach, avoid using these items. If blown into the water, they can sink to the sea floor and kill wildlife.
4. Do not support reef damage on shore
Stay away from all coral, starfish and other souvenirs harvested from the sea. Buying these items encourages others to plunder fragile habitats.
Taking a Hike
Though hiking is a wonderful way to be closer to nature, there are still guidelines you should follow. Stick to established hike trails and campsites whenever possible so that no pristine wilderness is disturbed.
Yes, wildlife is fun to admire from afar, though you should leave nests, burrows, creek beds, meadows and other nursery areas alone. Bring a good pair of binoculars so that you can get close without disturbing the fauna.
Caring for the Community
If you decide to do a trek or safari with a local outfitter, especially in a developing country like Nepal or Tanzania, ask what percent of the money goes back into the local community. It is important that local people profit from the wilderness around them or there is less incentive for them to protect and preserve it.
Select a tour operator like Rainbow Tours, which offers stays at leading fair trade lodges. This company also helps build recycling facilities and schools in the local communities. Pulling up close to the animals while on safari can distract predators (such as lions) from feeding. Let your driver know that you want to keep enough distance not to disturb the animals—and bring a great pair of field glasses or a high-powered telephoto lens to make up the difference!
Buy Gifts With Care
Stay away from products made from bone, exotic-animal hide and endangered wood species. Even if the sellers claim to be using sustainably harvested materials, trading in these products can inadvertently support the black market.
Always remember: every choice makes a difference!
*The Green Bride Guide was a huge help in the writing of this article. Green Bride Guide is a comprehensive and credible resource for eco-friendly wedding ideas, products and services. The site is a companion to The Green Bride Guide: How to Plan an Earth Friendly Wedding on Any Budget, written by Kate L. Harrison after she planned her green wedding in 2006-07. In 2009, she founded www.greenbrideguide.com to help couples use their weddings to promote social and environmental change and support the local green economy.
Article written by Amanda Harkness for Moxy Magazine, March 2012. Image by Flickr.com user Wandering Angel.
