Kiera Jefferson
Travelling is a fun and fulfilling activity, but it often comes at the expense of the environment and local communities. Tourism accounts for 8-10% of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide, with air travel being one of the biggest contributors to global warming. As the global climate deteriorates, it is important to consider how to travel without causing pollution. Sustainable travel is about making intentional choices that serve your destination and the planet well. This involves considering every aspect of your trip, from where you go to how you get there and what you do. This includes choosing sustainable transportation and accommodations, reducing waste, supporting local businesses, and being mindful of the natural environment. By adopting practices such as travelling lighter, eating local food, and seeking eco-friendly hosts, travellers can ensure a sustainable future for all.
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What You'll Learn
- Choose environmentally-friendly transport: Opt for trains, buses, bikes, or walking over flying or driving
- Avoid over-tourism: Explore lesser-known places to reduce the environmental impact of over-tourism
- Eco-friendly road trips: Hire hybrid or electric cars, and only as big as you need
- Sustainable tourism: Research and support companies that are taking action for sustainability
- Reduce, reuse, recycle: Minimize waste, reuse linens, and recycle newspapers, magazines, and beverage containers
Choose environmentally-friendly transport: Opt for trains, buses, bikes, or walking over flying or driving
When it comes to travelling, opting for environmentally-friendly transport is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and positively impact the environment. Here are some reasons why trains, buses, bikes, and walking are more eco-friendly choices than flying or driving:
Trains over Flying
According to the European Environment Agency, train travel is the most environmentally-friendly mode of motorised passenger transport in Europe when compared to travelling by car or plane. Two transport and environment studies published by the EEA highlight the impact of aviation emissions, which are much higher on a passenger-kilometre basis. Shifting from air to rail travel can significantly contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as outlined in the European Green Deal. Additionally, the production, transmission, and distribution of energy used by aircraft also contribute to their overall environmental impact.
Buses over Driving
Public transportation, such as buses, is one of the most effective ways for individuals to conserve energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By choosing buses over driving solo, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint. A single person switching from a 20-mile solo commute by car to public transportation can reduce their annual CO2 emissions by over 48,000 pounds in a year. This is equivalent to a 10% reduction in greenhouse gases for a typical two-adult, two-car household. Additionally, public transportation use exceeds the benefits of other energy-saving household activities, such as using energy-efficient light bulbs.
Bikes over Driving
Cycling is a highly sustainable mode of urban transport, suitable for short and medium-distance trips. It causes minimal environmental damage, promotes health through physical activity, is economical, and reduces congestion on local streets. Cycling has gained recognition as a legitimate mode of transport, with a dramatic increase in published research on the topic. Initiatives like bike-sharing programmes have also contributed to the growing popularity of cycling, making bikes more accessible and flexible for public transport users.
Walking over Driving
While not always feasible for long distances, walking is an excellent environmentally-friendly alternative to driving for shorter trips. Walking produces no emissions, is good for your health, and helps reduce congestion on roads. Additionally, by choosing to walk instead of driving, you can explore your surroundings more intimately and discover hidden gems that may be overlooked when travelling by car.
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Avoid over-tourism: Explore lesser-known places to reduce the environmental impact of over-tourism
Travelling is an amazing way to explore the world, but it often comes with a cost to the environment. One way to reduce your environmental impact when travelling is to avoid over-tourism and explore lesser-known places.
Over-tourism, also known as overfishing on land, can deplete a region's resources and leave it more polluted than before. It is caused by an accumulation of economic, social and environmental factors, and can have a detrimental impact on the environment, local communities, and the visitor experience. Tourist hotspots can become overcrowded, with excessive queues, crowded beaches, and exorbitant noise levels. The popularity of these destinations can also lead to skyrocketing prices and damage to historical sites and nature.
To avoid contributing to over-tourism, consider travelling off the beaten track to lesser-known cities, smaller neighbourhoods, country sights, and remote local villages. This way, you can still visit famous landmarks but without contributing as much to over-tourism and pollution. For example, if you're travelling to Italy to visit Rome, you could also experience what other Italian cities have to offer. This spreads the impact and benefits of tourism to a larger group of locals.
You can also practice responsible travel habits by staying informed about over-tourism issues, making conscious travel decisions, and engaging in sustainable behaviours. This includes visiting at off-peak times, respecting cultural norms, reducing waste, and supporting local businesses. Additionally, consider choosing more environmentally friendly forms of transport, such as driving or taking the train instead of flying, or renting bikes or walking at your destination.
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Eco-friendly road trips: Hire hybrid or electric cars, and only as big as you need
If you're planning an eco-friendly road trip, it's a good idea to hire a car that is kind to the environment. Hybrid or electric cars are more fuel-efficient and produce fewer emissions, so they are a great choice for eco-conscious travellers. If you don't own one, consider renting one for your trip.
When choosing an electric vehicle, or EV, for your journey, it's important to select one that fits your budget and accommodates your passengers. You'll want to consider the number of passengers and the amount of cargo space you'll need. It's also crucial to look beyond the price tag and consider the cost of charging the vehicle. While some high-end models, like the BMW i7, are very expensive to purchase, there are also more affordable options, like the Tesla Model 3 Long Range, which offers a good balance of range and price.
Range is an important factor when choosing an EV for a road trip. Today's electric cars have impressive ranges, and new battery technology means they can travel far on a single charge. However, temperature can significantly impact an EV's range, with extreme conditions potentially reducing efficiency by up to 40%. So, when planning your trip, it's essential to consider the weather conditions and choose a vehicle with a suitable range.
To ensure a smooth journey, it's also important to plan your charging stops. The charging network is growing rapidly, and DC fast-charging stations can add 100+ miles of range in just 10 minutes. Keeping your battery between 20% and 80% charge will help it last longer. Additionally, look for vehicles with features like V2L (vehicle-to-load) charging, which allows you to power appliances or electronics from your car battery when camping or staying in remote areas.
Finally, remember that bigger cars require more fuel to carry more weight, so only hire a car as big as you need. By following these tips, you can enjoy a fun and eco-friendly road trip while reducing your carbon footprint.
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Sustainable tourism: Research and support companies that are taking action for sustainability
Sustainable tourism is about achieving a balance between economic growth, human well-being, and environmental health. It is important to research and support companies that are taking action for sustainability. Here are some ways to do that:
Choose sustainable transport
Most forms of transport contribute to climate change. To minimise your carbon footprint, choose a destination closer to home or one you can reach without flying. If you can, take a train or bus instead of driving, or even hire a hybrid or electric car. If you do need to fly, choose airlines that use biofuel and avoid layovers, as more fuel is used during take-off and landing.
Support eco-tourism
Many travel companies now offer holidays that support sustainable development, do not negatively impact the environment, and provide financial support to local communities. Sumak Travel, for example, is a tour operator that specialises in community-based eco-tourism, working closely with community organisations and networks in Latin America. Porino Ecotourism Ltd is a safari company that works with local Masai communities to help protect and preserve lands, using only renewable energy.
Avoid over-tourism
Over-tourism can deplete a region's resources and leave it more polluted than before. To avoid this, consider travelling to lesser-known cities or destinations beyond the typical tourist traps. This way, you can still visit famous landmarks but also bring attention to other lesser-known places.
Choose sustainable accommodation
Look for hotels that implement environmentally friendly design principles. For example, Pacific Sands Tofino was one of the first resorts to use geothermal energy, providing instant hot water, air conditioning, and heating.
Support companies taking climate action
Sustainable Travel International helps tourism companies address their carbon liability and strengthen their climate adaptation and resilience. They provide tools to measure carbon footprints and offer guidance on cutting emissions and achieving decarbonisation goals. Beyond Green Travel works with destinations and companies to build their brands and make travel a force for good, supporting conservation, cultural preservation, and economic development.
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Reduce, reuse, recycle: Minimize waste, reuse linens, and recycle newspapers, magazines, and beverage containers
Travelling can be an eye-opening experience, but it's also important to be mindful of the environmental impact of our travels. Here are some ways to reduce waste, reuse linens, and recycle newspapers, magazines, and beverage containers while travelling:
Reduce Waste
- Opt for an insulated reusable water bottle instead of buying plastic water bottles during your trip.
- Bring your own containers for takeaway food and drinks to reduce waste from disposable packaging.
- Choose solid toiletries like shampoo bars and cleansing bars instead of liquid products in plastic packaging.
- Avoid buying souvenirs from unsustainable production lines.
- When flying, consider choosing airlines that use biofuel.
Reuse Linens
- To avoid the need for frequent laundry, pack light-coloured linens that can be worn multiple times before washing.
- Hand-wash your linens and hang them to dry, or use a travel steamer or steam iron to smooth out wrinkles.
- Try the rolling method when packing linens to save space and prevent wrinkles.
Recycle Newspapers, Magazines, and Beverage Containers
- Newspapers and magazines can be recycled, but remove any shiny or laminated coating first.
- Glass, aluminium, and plastic beverage containers can often be recycled. Check with local recycling programs to understand what types of materials they accept and how to prepare the containers for recycling (e.g., rinsing or scraping off food residue).
- If you're staying in one place for a longer period, consider donating books, magazines, and newspapers to schools, charities, or local communities.
Remember, small actions can make a significant impact on reducing pollution and environmental damage while travelling.
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Frequently asked questions
Opt for ground transport, such as trains, buses, or coaches, instead of flying. If you do need to fly, choose direct flights and pack light to reduce payload weight.
Travel slowly and appreciate nature. Take leisurely strolls, go camping, and develop an appreciation for natural landscapes.
Eat local, seasonal food to support local farmers and businesses. Avoid single-use plastics and only order what you intend to eat to reduce waste.
Avoid giving money to beggars, as this can cause more harm than good. Instead, donate to a local charity that empowers people through skills development and education.
Choose destinations with sustainable transportation and lodging options, and access to nature and the outdoors. Visit during the off-season to reduce over-tourism.
