According to the 2019 Sustainable Travel Report, 55% of global travelers are more determined to practice sustainable travel. However, not everyone understands what green travel really is, nor does they understand sustainable packaging. There is also the possibility that travel agencies offering ecotourism are just greenwashing. So, before diving into ecotourism, it is better to understand what green travel is.
Definition of green travel
In a 2017 post on Washington PostJohn Bruno of the International Ecotourism Association explains: Green or sustainable travel as one way to create a positive impact on the communities you visit.However, this does not necessarily mean that you should sleep in a tent and cook with a portable solar stove.
Ecotourism is all about making simple travel choices that will help reduce your carbon footprint whenever you travel. It’s also about knowing whether a company offers eco-friendly travel or is simply a company promoting eco-friendly products. However, we’ve listed some quick tips on how to practice eco-friendly travel and do your part for the environment.
Zero Waste Travel Gear
The truth is that travel has a big carbon footprint, especially if it’s an international trip. Fortunately, there are things you can do to reduce the negative impact of your travel on the environment.
On the other hand, it is compatible with Carry-on baggage dimensions allowed on board by airlines So you can pack light. In case you didn’t know, a plane, car, bus or any other form of transportation consumes more fuel when it is heavy. The more fuel you use, the bigger your carbon footprint.
Second, make sure to pack the following items for waste-free travel:
reusable bag
You can buy a ready-made bag, such as: foldable backpackThis is easy and convenient, but you don't need to buy a new reusable bag. You can search around your home for an old eco-friendly bag that is large enough to hold all of your keepsakes.
Carrying a reusable bag is one of the simplest things you can do to live a zero-waste life while traveling. This is because it allows you to reduce your consumption of single-use plastic. For example, you can use it to store the souvenirs you have bought.
Shampoo and Conditioner Bars
Another way to reduce your single-use plastic consumption is to stop using shampoo and conditioner in small plastic bags or bottles. Instead, choose shampoo bars And conditioner strips.
What makes shampoo and conditioner soap special is that it does not contain any chemicals. It can also last up to 200 washes, depending on the length of your hair. You can also use shampoo soap as a body soap, so it is one of the items that you should exclude from your luggage list.
Reef Safe Sunscreen
Sunscreens contain chemicals that can be harmful to coral reefs and marine life. So if you’re going to the beach, be careful about what you put on your body. We recommend using Sunscreen is reef safe.especially for ethical diving and snorkeling.
Professional advice: Check if your sunscreen contains: Oxybenzone And Octinoxateas these chemicals are potentially harmful to aquatic life.
Solar Powered Portable Charger
Last but not least, bringing a solar charger will reduce your electricity consumption. All you have to do is place it on top of your backpack and let it absorb some energy from the sun. You can even charge your phone on the go!
If you're just going to stay in your home, you can leave the solar charger near a window so it can get as much sunlight as possible.
The importance of sustainable packaging
Tourism is expected to account for 40% of the world’s carbon emissions by 2050. Fortunately, we can offset this through the choices we make. Aside from the above-mentioned zero-waste travel packing, it’s also a good idea to practice sustainable packing. But why should you pack sustainably?
reduce waste pollution
The plastic you use and throw away can contribute to the amount of waste that already pollutes our land and oceans. So, we recommend that you use reusable bags And Water bottlesas well as coral-safe shampoo bars and sunscreens. The idea here is to use as few single-use plastics as possible.
Sure, your contribution to the environment may seem like a small thing. But imagine if more of us could travel more sustainably. It could result in tons of plastic waste that we could divert from landfills.
Save luggage space
Imagine carrying a bottle of shampoo, conditioner, and soap with you. Not only is it heavy, it takes up a lot of space in your bag. And even if you can fit it in your bag, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to carry it in your carry-on bag at the airport.
This is because airlines do not allow passengers to bring liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes that exceed 100ml in your carry-on bagSo, if you want to travel light, opt for small and sustainable travel gear.
Saving Money
The reason frequent travelers choose to carry light luggage is because they don’t want to incur extra baggage fees. Additionally, bringing a reusable water bottle prevents you from buying bottled water every time you feel thirsty. Instead, you can fill up your own bottled water. BPA Free Water Bottle At any water filling station.
Reduces negative impact
Last but not least, sustainable packaging allows you to reduce the negative environmental impact you may have while traveling. First, it allows you to reduce the amount of waste you may send to landfill. Second, it does not harm aquatic life. Third, you can travel light, which means less carbon emissions from your preferred mode of transportation. Simply put, you can do your part while doing what you love: traveling.
Having the time and money doesn’t necessarily mean you have to engage in “excessive flying.” Excessive flying refers to traveling more than is necessary. However, there are things you can do to help the environment as you embark on your journey. It’s just a matter of making the right choices and taking small steps.
About the author
Geraldine Mills She is a travel enthusiast from Australia! She funds her adventures by working as a brand consultant and travel writer. She loves sharing the appeal of wilderness and connecting with nature.
Hi! We’re Jen and Ed Coleman, aka Coleman Concierge. In short, we’re a Gen X couple from Huntsville sharing our stories of amazing adventures through transformative, experiential, activity-based travel.
