Nowadays, eco-friendly hotels are in high demand amongst vacationers. They are more and more prepared to shell out cash for eco-friendly and environmentally responsible vacations. Over eighty-seven percent of those in a survey expressed an interest in ecotourism.
The first step on your green journey is here, and we can show you the way. In order to minimise your trip’s impact on the environment, consider these eight suggestions.
There are several reasons to take an eco-friendly vacation.
Let’s start by talking about some of the benefits of eco-friendly vacations. To start, it helps the planet, which is a very big deal. Global warming is exacerbated by CO2 emissions from transportation modes including aeroplanes, vehicles, and ships. It’s safe to say that global warming will have some very terrible effects.
There are several reasons to try to stop this from happening, including the loss of biodiversity and the flooding of large cities.
Many respondents mentioned other motivations for seeking out eco-friendly modes of transportation. Over half of those who have travelled report feeling more motivated to protect the environment as a result of their time spent in natural settings (60%). The following are examples of such events:
Having seen the stunning natural wonders of the likes of rainforests and coral reefs (60%), 5.4% said they saw negative effects of tourism in the area they visited.
Having seen the benefits that ecotourism may bring to the local community (47%).
Having seen (42%), firsthand, the damage that non-sustainable tourism can do to a nation, There are several additional things you can do to lessen your trip’s environmental effect than just staying at an eco-friendly hotel. Here are eight simple suggestions for greener vacationing.
1. Don’t fly
To minimise carbon dioxide release, it is advisable to forego air travel. However, if you really must take a flight, try to avoid booking back-to-back flights that cover very tiny distances. Compared to other modes of transportation, short-haul aircraft generates the highest level of pollution per unit distance travelled. One short flight is preferable than two lengthy ones, but taking the train is much more preferable.
So, skip the layovers. The more stops you make along the way, the more time you’ll spend in transit, which in turn increases your fuel consumption and your contribution to global warming pollution. You’ll be glad you spent the extra money on a direct flight instead of taking the cheaper option.
2. If you do fly: offset your CO2-emissions
Use a flight search engine, like FlyGRN, that gives you the option to offset your flight’s CO2 emissions at no extra cost. FlyGRN receives a fee for each ticket sold, which is then invested in tree-planting and solar energy initiatives in India to compensate for your carbon footprint. How we do this is detailed in the following pages.
3. Get economy class and pack light
Perhaps this is something you’ve never considered, but flying economy is preferable than flying business. Airline passengers in the business class section produce much more greenhouse gas emissions than those in the economy section. To start, there is a huge difference in the amount of room required for business class and economy class.
Consider, second, all the resources needed to maintain the business-class airport lounges, spas, and other posh amenities. Both their water use and their trash output are far greater than those of economic class.
Do your best to minimise the weight of your belongings, too. Carrying a big baggage around on an aircraft uses more fuel than a lightweight backpack. You’ll be helping out your own back by doing this, too!
4. Hitchhike
Sharing gas money, cutting down on pollutants, and meeting new people are all fantastic reasons to hitch a ride. And you don’t have to hold out a piece of cardboard and stand in the rain, hoping to get picked up. You may hitchhike without much hassle in the modern day by downloading an app like BlaBlaCar, iThumb, or Rideshare4less.
5. Travel with sustainable, eco-friendly or fairtrade travel agencies
Another method to reduce your impact on the environment is to book your lodgings and transportation via eco-friendly travel companies. Although it is better for the environment to be close to home, there are instances when a longer trip is desired. If so, I recommend booking a room at an eco-friendly hotel like Loola Adventure Group. The best eco-hotel in Indonesia may be found here.
Choose a responsible tour operator, like Better Places Travel, to create your custom itinerary. They focus on eco-friendly luxury travel and exclusively use local guides. Keep in mind that although vacationing can increase your carbon footprint, it may also benefit your community.
6. Don’t eat (as much) meat
The meat business, and specifically the production of beef, is the single largest source of pollution worldwide. Some experts claim that reducing one’s carbon footprint even more than giving up vehicles would be giving up beef and other animal products.
So, try to limit your consumption of meat, eggs, and dairy when on the road. You needn’t restrict this to the Christmas season, of course. The impact is dramatic if you also change your diet at home to include fewer or no animal products.
7. Never, ever, do something touristy with wild animals
Do you know about the photographs of tourists cuddling tigers? The tigers are kept in substandard conditions and are only partially sedated. If the orphanage claims that the animals are being cared for, that they will be returned to the wild, or that they help preserve their species, it’s essential to verify these claims independently. Do not go on any elephant rides, either. Riding on the backs of elephants is one of the worst kind of tourist activities.
There’s a good reason why wild animals are still wild, and it’s not to draw in tourists. Only in their natural habitat can they really fulfil their role as a tourist attraction.
8. Bring your own bags, bottles and eco-friendly products
Don’t waste money on the hotel’s little shampoos and body creams; bring your own in reusable containers. This way, you won’t be adding to the garbage situation in your vacation spot. You may help reduce the use of disposable plastic by bringing your own reusable water bottles and bags.
