9 Ways to Become a More Eco-Friendly Traveler
I’ve always been the kind of person who tries to find the silver lining in every situation. What the world is experiencing right now with the COVID-19 pandemic is devastating on so many levels. However, I feel that we are reaching a critical point in our society. We, as consumers and as human beings, have a choice to make about the direction we think our world should move in. More importantly, we have an opportunity to make real-life choices which will help forge the path forward. What if we could emerge from this global pandemic a better, healthier, more sustainable society? It won’t happen overnight, but it will never happen if we don’t try.
Part of being a sustainable traveler means taking into consideration the impact travel has on the environment.
According to the Cambridge Dictionary, ‘sustainable' means something that causes little or no damage to the environment and can, therefore, be continued for a long time. Based on this definition, the term ‘sustainable travel’ might seem like an oxymoron. After all, as this article by the Guardian demonstrates, one round-trip flight produces more CO2 than citizens of some countries produce in an entire year. The aviation industry is currently responsible for 2% of global emissions, and this will likely continue to rise as air travel becomes more accessible for more people.
I include this information because I believe it is important to recognize as travelers that our actions can negatively impact the world, and for a moment during this pandemic, the world got a break. For the first time in a long time, in the absence of worldwide travel, the smog cleared in Los Angeles, and the canals of Venice ran clear. If that’s not a wake-up call that we need to change the way we travel (and live, for that matter) I don’t know what is.
In this post, I’m going to focus on 9 eco-friendly travel tips which I hope all travelers can use to begin their journey towards becoming more sustainable travelers.
1. Bring a reusable mug and/or water bottle with you on your travels. And if you can’t, do your best to recycle.
Did you know that Americans purchase about 50 billion plastic water bottles per year and that it is estimated that only 23% of these bottles are recycled? (earthday.org) This is a major problem and one that needs to be fixed.
One of the best ways to cut down on your plastic consumption is to purchase a reusable water bottle. Metal bottles are very popular, but I prefer to drink out of glass because it is tasteless and odorless. Glass bottles often come with a protective silicone sleeve to prevent breakage. If you drink a large volume of water, you might consider purchasing a liter bottle like this one.
Unfortunately, however, sometimes drinking tap water is not an option. If you’re traveling in a 3rd world nation, the water might be unsafe to drink, and even if it is “safe”, there are all numerous chemical contaminants present in tap water, even within the United States. Unless you are willing to travel with a filtration system, you might find yourself stuck with those pesky bottles. Thankfully, many companies are making the shift to recycled plastic which is a step in the right direction, but still not ideal. If you must use plastic bottles, do your best to dispose of the waste in a recycling bin or center near you.
Note: Many countries do not yet have recycling programs, but more and more places around the world are slowly getting there. When in doubt, check with your hotel concierge. It couldn’t hurt to ask!
Bonus: Paper coffee cups are, sadly, not recyclable. Bring along a reusable mug to eliminate even more waste! (envirobank.com)
2. Bring a reusable shopping bag.
Another major source of single-use plastic is plastic grocery bags. Fortunately, this problem is more easily solved than the water bottle dilemma. I can think of no reason why you wouldn't be able to use your own reusable bag when making a purchase.
Whether you're shopping in the souks of Marrakesh or picking up groceries in a local Parisian market, come prepared to tote your purchases in your own reusable bag. Just let the cashier/vendor know that you won’t be needing a bag before they start to package your products. I love this bag because it clips onto my keychain, and I always have it with me.
3. Request a digital receipt whenever possible.
Did you know that that carbon recipe paper is non-recyclable? Unless you need to retain a copy of your receipt for business or some other necessary purpose, skip the receipt whenever possible! For small purchases like coffee or snacks, a receipt might not even be necessary. Many places now offer the option to email or text your receipt which is the better, more environmentally friendly option to choose.
4. Look for sustainable or eco-conscious hotels.
The Chesterfield Mayfair, the featured hotel on our ATC Trip to London, is a proud member of the sustainability-minded hotel group, Red Carnation Hotels.
An increasing number of hotels around the world are making changes that are better for the environment. Whether through the use of local building materials, a reduction in single-use plastic, or a switch to organic and biodegradable bath products, hotels are starting to realize that environmental consciousness is something that is becoming increasingly valuable to consumers.
By deliberately choosing a hotel that has committed to becoming more eco-friendly, you are sending a message that this issue is important to you. We, as consumers, have the power to influence society by choosing to only support businesses whose ethics and practices we believe in.
5. Opt-out of daily linen cleanings.
“On average, a US hotel uses 25 gallons of water per room, per day, for laundry (hydrofinity.com).” Thankfully, more and more hotels are switching to a by-request linen-change service. This change is happening even more quickly following the COVID-19 pandemic as hotels are trying to minimize contact between guests and staff as much as possible. Unless you require your sheets to be changed and towels refreshed every day, leave the “Do Not Disturb” sign on your door and cut down on the immense amount of water waste that daily washing creates.
6. Conserve energy.
A gorgeous room featured on the ATC Trip to Marrakesh, Morocco.
Before you leave your hotel room, make an effort to ensure that you have turned off any nonessential electronics. It takes very little effort to flip the light switch to the “off” position when exiting your room, but this small amount of energy conservation makes a big difference. If you have control of the AC, consider bumping the temperature up a few degrees to save even more energy while you’re out.
7. Walk or bike around town.
Not only is walking or biking around a city an excellent way to gain your bearings, but it’s also the most eco-friendly way to get around. In addition, walking or biking allows you to gain a much more intimate understanding of your destination than passing through by car. As you stroll or ride along the street, you’ll have time to observe the businesses, restaurants, people, and the natural environment around you.
Exploring a city in this fashion gives you the freedom to pop into any place that catches your eye without having to worry about parking or any other logistical challenges. You’ll be able to get outside, feel the wind in your hair, and let the breeze take you wherever it might.
8. Shop local! It’s more fun!
Shopping locally is something I firmly believe in and support. When you shop local, you ensure that your tourism dollars go back into the hands of the local community rather than the pockets of CEOs of large corporations. When you support local vendors, you help to retain the local culture - something especially important in today’s society where global corporations threaten to dominate every inch of the globe. It’s the quaint mom-n-pop shops that give a place character, and I find it incredibly important to support these places. Not only this, but shopping locally cuts down on “transport costs” which include both financial and environmental costs caused by the transportation of goods. Shopping locally means you’ll end up with fresher foods, higher quality goods, and more authentic products. To me, this is a no brainer!
9. Leave no trace.
Places as beautiful as Jackson Hole, Wyoming deserve to be protected! View the ATC Trip to Jackson Hole here!
If you’re reading this post, I suspect you are someone who cares a great deal about the natural world and you wouldn’t dream of leaving your trash somewhere it doesn’t belong. Yet, I feel it’s important to include this reminder to properly dispose of your waste. Better yet, if you find yourself out on a nature trail, in a park, or on a beach and you spot discarded trash on the ground, do the world a favor and throw place it in the proper receptacle.
Imagine, if everyone picked up just 3 pieces of trash per day, how much cleaner our word and treasured green spaces would be. We’ve reached a point in our world where we can no longer turn a blind eye. Let’s make it our mission to leave this world better than we found it!
Sustainability and environmental consciousness is something we continually strive to improve at the AstridTravel Club. We’re making it our mission to not only provide our members with an experience that is both personally enriching, exciting, and meaningful, but to create a better world for all in the process. If you are interested in learning more about our kind of travel visit this page for more information and view some of our favorite ATC trips below!
Featured ATC Trips:
Key West, Florida
February 3 - 9, 2021
Eclectic, warm, and welcoming, Key West is a reminder of the cultural and ecological diversity present in the United States. Historic Queen Anne and Victorian houses that have been converted into restaurants, bars, boutiques, cigar shops, and art galleries give the island a distinct and charming character. Key West is a place where you can dip your toes into warm, crystal waters, watch boats sail in the breeze, gaze out at a painted sky, listen to the sound of Cuban music, and savor the taste of a fresh rum concoction. Also featuring a vibrant night scene, a plethora of mysterious tales, and an assortment of quirky characters, Key West is fun and funky. Join the AstridTravel Club on this exciting trip to the “Conch Nation”!
Lisbon, Portugal
February 17 - 23, 2021
As one of the oldest cities in Western Europe, Lisbon’s storied past reads like a drama - from Roman conquest to the establishment of the Portuguese Empire, this city was front and center in all the action. Because of Portugal’s neutral status during both World Wars, Lisbon’s grand boulevards, picturesque squares and gardens, majestic churches, charming neighborhoods, and historic monuments remained intact while the rest of Europe was largely destroyed. Take a trip back in time as you stroll along ancient cobblestone streets, let yourself be swept away by the distinctive sound of Fado music, dine like a local in quaint mom-n-pop tabernas, and fall in love with the relaxed character and charm of Portugal’s coastal capital city on this ATC Trip to Lisbon!
Savannah, Georgia
April 15 - 20, 2021
This southern city is overflowing with history, charm and intrigue. Savannah’s iconic moss-covered live oak trees, cobblestone streets, and varied architecture only hint at the stories and legends contained within it. This trip to Savannah is perfect for anyone looking to uncover the secrets of this gorgeous colonial city, and of course, experience a taste of true Southern Hospitality.
