Sustainable travel is one way to move around the world with the consciousness of leaving the place you visit without harm. Climate change has become a global discussion due to constant carbon emissions. We need to pay more attention to this new way of travelling, to have a shot at overcoming this problem. Responsible travellers are encouraged to adopt practices that reduce climate change triggers. This article will tell you everything about sustainable travel and its practices.
What is Sustainable Travel
Sustainable travel is interchangeably used with eco-tourism, which means to travel with the consciousness of benefiting your environment. According to the UNWTO, sustainable travel considers tourism’s present and future impact. This impact touches on social, environmental, and economic aspects. Every time you travel, your choices have a way of contributing to the ecosystem.
Statistics have shown that 8% of world greenhouse gas emissions from 2009 to 2013 are solely from tourism. These emissions are constantly rising at the rate of 3% every year. This is all because of our constant choices to abandon the green principles. Every time you choose to fly a plane or throw away plastic that can be recycled, you have negatively affected our climate. Whenever you successfully imbibe the practices of reuse, recycle and repurpose you have contributed your quota of saving the planet.
7 Sustainable Travel Practises For You
Now that you know what sustainable travel is, the question is: how can you be a part of it? Here are some sustainable practices for you to leave the community and environment you visit better.
Sustainable Travel Requires Mindful Packing
While travelling for vacation or business, you must pack as lightly as possible. The fuel efficiency of a flight is affected by the weight of the luggage. This in turn has a great impact on the emission of carbon. Go for an outfit that requires less washing, this will reduce your water usage. This is crucial especially when visiting desert resorts like Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, Namibia.
Move Slowly
Anytime you plan to travel sustainably, you have to drop or reduce carbon emission-intensive practices. Flight is a convenient option but it’s one of the biggest carbon emissions contributors. When it’s inevitable, it’s preferable to fly a non-stop flight. Other means of transportation such as ships, trains and public buses might not be as fast as planes but are best for the atmosphere. One of the most sustainable means among others is train travel.
Other means such as walking, electric biking and skating are better options for exploring the city. You will have fun while doing your wilderness activities and mountain cycling with any of these means of transportation. Sustainable travel practices do not take away your chance to explore after all.
Maintain a Green Approach
Eco-friendly lodges have presented us with an easy way to impact our environment. Unlike traditional tourism, they practise sustainable tourism where carbon emission is reduced. They have found an effective way around waste management and energy conservation. They make use of solar energy as a source of power. Involve in water recycling and create a proper wildlife relationship. This lodge involves the community by providing them with jobs. What is the best way to support sustainability, if not by getting a lodge there? This way you encourage them to do more.
Benefit Local Community
While benefiting the ecosystem, you also need to pay attention to the people of the local community. Ensure that you prioritise local stores when shopping for souvenirs over global brands. Buy directly from artisans to help small businesses and community growth. This way you have also contributed positively to the environment and local economy.
Water and Energy Conservation
Tourism has placed a high demand for energy consumption for heating, lighting or electricity. Aside from the need for energy, water usage by tourists is putting restraints on water and energy from local suppliers. This restraint has more potential to escalate global warming due to the rise in temperature and population growth.
Anytime you go on vacation, you must practice the act of minimising energy consumption. Keep the light off when not in use. Conserve water by taking a quick shower and hand washing. These sustainable travel practices will help to achieve our global goal.
Reusable Plastic Habit
For sustainable travel, travellers practise the 3Rs of sustainability (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle). Over 8 million tons of plastic litter the ocean worldwide, attributed to poor waste management in most countries. One time used plastics have contributed hugely to climate change. One way to combat this issue is to avoid the one-time use of plastics. When going on vacation, go with a reusable bottle to fetch liquid. Rinse plastics and reuse them anytime you care to use them. You can also join in cleanup activities while on vacation.
Protect Endangered Species
Sustainable travel practices encourage you to contribute your quota as an individual to the conservation of endangered species. This can be achieved when your travel itinerary includes park visitation. The gate fee and other changes help to encourage the park to protect some endangered species. It also keeps the park running,
It is easy to get carried away while taking a tiger selfie or a panda cuddle, but guess what? This is total wildlife exploitation. Wildlife exploitation causes changes in the natural behaviour of these animals. To ensure a better ecosystem, it’s best to act responsibly.
Conclusion
The future of this planet is in your hands, and you can decide how it will turn out in years to come. Sustainable travel practices help you become a better environmental steward, navigate social responsibility and build cultural respect. All of which ensure that the destinations you visit continue to thrive. This will leave more opportunities for future generations to have a good view of the World. Our conscious effort towards sustainable travel will make tourism one of the greatest weapons against global warming and constant climate change. This planet’s beauty and diversity can be preserved forever.
