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When you travel you seldom think about the environmental impact your trip has on the environment or where you are going. There are ways to travel that will be more eco-friendly and reduce pollution, reduce waste, and support eco-friendly tourism. We will discuss location, transportation, accommodations, food, and what you choose to buy as a way to reduce the environmental impact of travel.
Location and Mode of Transportation
Start by choosing a location closer to home that you can visit. The closer the location is the less fuel you will use. Perhaps you or your family can rent an electric or hybrid car for the trip, as these vehicles save money on fuel and produce fewer emissions. When you must travel by plane, look for airlines that have eco-friendly travel policies for customers. When you arrive at your destination, rent an electric or hybrid vehicle to get around. An expensive car like a Mercedes Benz will use more fuel and in 2019 the brand was valued at $23.63 billion in the US.
Some locations may be ideal for walking to tourist destinations and restaurants. This is ideal and supplies exercise too. Another way to reduce car use is to rent an electric bike or regular bicycle to get around. Some tourists will take the bus, subway, taxi, or tram services.
When driving, always have an adult designated driver for when you go to a restaurant and drink alcoholic beverages. It should be an adult that is responsible. Did you know that in Colorado they will charge a driver with DUI even without having any proof of impaired driving? That is why, when traveling, it is important to drive safely and drink responsibly. Do not drive when taking medication that makes you drowsy or sleepy.
The location you choose to visit can be a statement of your concern about the environmental impact of your trip. Many popular travel destinations are being ruined by air and water pollution. Some of the sites are Venice, Italy, Paris, France, Joplin, Missouri, Chicago, Las Vegas, New York, and the Gulf of Mexico. The cause of the pollution is chemicals that go into the air and water from manufacturing companies. Choosing a location that is not polluted is an excellent choice. Did you know that the Gulf of Mexico operates nearly 125 oil rigs?
Choose to stay at hotels, motels, B & B that are known for eco-friendly practices in their daily business practices. They may use solar power, conserve water, and practice recycling. Green accommodations may use low-flow fixtures in the bathroom, have a rooftop garden and grow some of their own food for their restaurant or food services.
Accommodations
A LEED certification is a sign that your hotel or motel has been awarded for eco-friendly practices. If you take luxury trips, an eco-resort or lodge will often be located in a remote area and offer recycling, energy-efficient rooms, locally sourced food, outdoor activities, and tours.
If you travel in an RV and go camping on your trips, look for campgrounds that are certified by KOA’s Kamp Green program. These campgrounds use solar power, conserve water, and recycle waste. They often supply many activities for families, adults, children, and seniors. Wherever you plan to stay on your trip, it is easy to find businesses that practice environmentally friendly services.
Food And Where You Eat
When you eat out when traveling, look for local restaurants that use local-sourced produce, meats, fish, and poultry. Shop at local farmer’s markets for snack foods and buy food to prepare meals. Look for restaurants that grow some of their own food or advertise vegetarian and grass-fed meats and poultry. When you shop, buy useful items you can use and not just tourism items.
These are some tips to make you travel more environmentally conscious and reduce the impact your trip has on the location you plan to stay at. Overall, budget and luxury travel both have ways you can reduce the impact of your trip on the environment.