Tourism is one of the ways to boost the economy of a country. However, we can not ignore the fact that tourist activities sometimes have a negative impact on the community. This is why there’s a need to provide efficient solutions to combat some of the negative impacts of tourism. Hence the need for sustainable travel practices.
When we talk of sustainable travel, what do we mean? In simple terms, sustainable travel is the art of cultivating sustainable practices to reduce the negative impacts that usually result from tourism. Let’s look at these practices.
Sustainable Travel Practices
Using public transportation
One of the sustainable travel practices tourists should cultivate is the use of public transportation. This reduces air pollution in society as there will be less carbon dioxide released into the air. Cultivating this practice will help beat down road congestion because there will be fewer cars on the road.
Use reusable bottle
When you’re packing for a trip, don’t forget to pack your reusable bottle. It’s a sustainable travel practice that helps reduce the use of single use plastic bottles during your trip. Recycling systems are not available in some countries; hence, these bottles end up polluting the environment. To reduce your impact, we advise that you travel with a reusable bottle.
Choose sustainable accommodations
Sustainable accommodations, or Eco friendly lodgings, are lodgings or hotels that implement sustainable practices. These sustainable practices include reducing energy consumption, waste generation and making use of organic products to impact the environment positively and reduce harm to the environment. There are different Eco friendly lodgings and one way to find them is by using Ecobnb. You can use this platform to find Eco friendly hotels in any country of your choice.
Buying locally made products
One way to practice sustainability during your trip is by patronizing the locals. When you buy locally made goods and products, it’ll improve the economy of the locals. Not only this, but these products have less packaging, and getting them also does not require transportation. When you embark on your journey, make sure you consume more local dishes.
Opt for better flight option
Practicing sustainability is a conscious effort. Your flight option can either increase or reduce your carbon footprint.
Air travel is one of the things that increases the carbon footprint of travelers. How can this be reduced?
One of the ways to control this is by using a direct flight. This reduces the carbon emissions of air travel by 100 kg per person when compared to connecting flights.
Using carbon free transportation
Transport takes up a larger share of what contributes to the tourism carbon footprint. And this is not limited to airplanes.
Instead of using rental cars to visit places or go sightseeing, travelers should make use of carbon free transportation like bicycles.
While carbon free means of transportation might seem slow, they help reduce transport emissions and are cheaper. Using a bicycle gives you a better view of the community and makes your travel experience more fun.
Don’t support unethical wildlife tourism
If viewing wildlife is part of your bucket list, there are certain things to consider. Make sure you only see wildlife in accredited sanctuaries.
Don’t support activities that encourage the abuse of wildlife, such as cub petting.
Conserve Energy and Water
Another important sustainable travel practice to consider is the conservation of water and energy. These are precious resources that should not be wasted. Make sure you turn off electric appliances, lights, air conditioning and lights when you are not using them.
Also, make sure you don’t waste water when you are having your bath. Turn the water off while brushing or shaving and take short showers.
Conclusion
It’s important for travelers to learn sustainable practices. Preserving the planet is our responsibility and we should prioritize Eco friendly activities in our everyday activities even during a trip.
Published by: Holy Minoza