6 Ways To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint While Traveling
While traveling, I am always looking for ways to reduce carbon footprint while ensuring I have a great time! The following tips are great ways to maximize good times while keeping energy usage low.
1) Choose eco-friendly transportation
When traveling, transportation is a great way to cut down emissions. A couple of ways you can do this are the following: taking public transportation, walking, or traveling by bike. Often times traveling by foot or using public transportation is a great way to explore a city like a local.
2) Utilize reusable products
Bring reusable items such as water bottles, coffee cups, and food containers with you on your travels. This can help reduce waste and the need for single-use plastics and also help you save a ton of money on water!
3) Explore environmentally friendly activities
When planning your activities, consider those that have a low impact on the environment. Hiking, cycling, and wildlife watching are examples of activities that don't require much energy or produce much waste. These activities are often great ways to explore unique and beautiful parts of cities you are traveling to.
4) Stay longer in one place
Rather than visiting multiple destinations during a short period, consider staying in one place for an extended period of time. This reduces the need for frequent transportation and allows you to immerse yourself in one location.
5) Reduce paper waste
Try to reduce paper waste by opting for digital options when possible. For example, use electronic tickets instead of paper ones, read guidebooks on your phone and or tablet, and avoid printing other travel documents when possible. I always recommend downloading different articles and podcasts before traveling to a new city. It's a great way to spend time while traveling to your destination.
6) Choose eco-friendly accommodations
When you're choosing an accommodation, look for hotels or lodges that have eco-friendly practices in place. Many hotels, hostels, and home rentals have programs to reduce energy consumption and waste, such as using solar panels for electricity, providing guests with reusable water bottles, and encouraging guests to reuse towels and sheets instead of changing them every day. I'd also recommend looking for a hotel that is a Giving Bag partner, allowing you to easily donate unwanted items to local charities.
