When planning an exciting trip, sustainable resources can be far from your mind. But travel can take a toll on the environment and local resources. The Earth needs us to be kind to it as we are to each other. Let’s explore ways to have a fun and safe adventure while protecting the planet.
Traveling Sustainably
No matter where you’re planning to go, getting there taxes the natural environment. But there are ways you can minimize or reduce your impact. Flying, driving your own car, or a rented car has the greatest consequences.
Consider traveling by train, if possible. When traveling across the U.S., you could consider Amtrak. According to their website, it’s 46% more efficient than driving and 34% more efficient than flying. It does take longer to reach your destination than flying, so that’s a consideration. But if you’re planning to drive, you can relax for the trip, and there’s even food service available. You can even find YouTube videos of folks who traveled with Amtrak to get a better idea of what it’s like.
If flying is the only way you can travel for the trip, choose an airline that makes sustainable practices a priority. In an article from June 10, 2024, Sustainability Magazine listed United Airlines as the best option in this category. They cited that United Airlines is working towards net-zero carbon emissions and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Delta Air Lines was listed as number two on the same list.
Once you reach your destination, use local public transportation like trains and buses. It can be nice to leave the driving to someone else! If you do have to rent a car, consider electric or hybrid models if they’re available.
Lodging Sustainably
Once you arrive at your destination, you’ll have to have a place to stay. Before making your reservations, research the options and check on how sustainable their practices are. There are so many hotels you can choose from that it would be impossible for us to list all of them here. But we did find a list from 2023 of the most sustainable hotel chains in North America. We recognized Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott right away.
Wherever you stay, there are steps you can take to reduce your footprint. A hot shower can be tempting, but shoot for a shorter shower and reduce the temperature. Reuse your towels instead of leaving them on the floor. Unless they somehow got very dirty, it’s not necessary to have them washed every day of your stay. When you leave the room, turn off the air conditioning (or heat) or, at the very least, adjust the temperature. You might like an arctic temperature in your room, but it doesn’t need to be that way when you’re out.
You can reduce waste in the room by bringing your own toiletries in reusable containers. This way, you take them away with you when you leave rather than leaving trash behind. If you have a reusable coffee cup or water bottle, you can use that in place of disposable cups at the continental breakfast. Consider other things that frequently end up in the trash. What can you replace with something reusable instead?
Touring Sustainably
When you’re touring around your destination, it’s important to be sustainable and reduce your impact. Before you go, find out if there are any local customs you should observe. Check with travel resources about the destination and, if they speak a different language, learn some important phrases so you can communicate more easily.
Here’s where your reusable water bottle comes in handy again. Having that on hand when you’re doing a lot of walking is far more sustainable than buying a plastic bottle of water whenever you’re thirsty. When you do produce trash, make sure to dispose of it properly. If you’re visiting natural areas, stick to marked trails, don’t bother the wildlife (they are not as friendly as they appear to be), and clean up. Take trash with you and leave no trace that you were ever there. Even a small thing left behind can have a big impact.
Look into sustainable tours, eco-friendly activities, and consider some ecotourism. That’s where you travel to a location where conservation is particularly emphasized, and you will find activities that benefit the local environment and people. We can even leave a place better than when we found it.
Almost everyone who travels wants to bring back some souvenirs and gifts. Choose your shops and items carefully. Local merchants are a good option. Don’t purchase items made from endangered species. Be mindful of disposable items or items that weren’t produced using sustainable practices. The things you bring back will be more meaningful.
Wrapping it Up
These are only some of the tips for making sure your travels are sustainable and enjoyable. There are sure to be many more ideas out there. And, depending on where you’re going, some will be very specific to that place. So, the best advice we can offer is to research your destination and reach out to local resources to find out anything you should know before going. Have safe travels and be kind to our Earth!
