For those who are looking to check off more destinations on their bucket list, there’s something to keep in mind: sustainable tourism. This is the new way to explore the dreamiest places while being socially conscious of the environment. According to National Geographic, sustainable tourism is the practice of traveling in a way that’s sensitive to the climate and nature emergencies, ensuring that the visited location gains long-term benefits. Essentially, it’s a way to maximize the best of travelling while reducing all the negatives.
In 2024, reports indicate that over 80 percent of global travelers believe sustainable travel is significant due to the global rise of greenhouse gas emissions, overcrowding and the loss of sociocultural authenticity in tourist hotspots. Although travelers won’t see their efforts take effect overnight, these minor changes will make a vast difference over time. Read on for the many ways to practice sustainable traveling this new year.
Choose Sustainable Transportation
For most travelers, practicing sustainable traveling can start before you even take off. It’s also as easy as searching for more non-stop options when booking your flights. Reports show that a large part of a plane’s fuel consumption occurs during take-off and landing, so choosing direct flights over connecting flights reduces emissions.
For nearby destinations, choose driving over flying to reduce your environmental impact. If it’s a group trip, take others to carpool with you—it’ll make for a memorable experience. While on the trip, try walking, biking or even using public transportation to get to different places. It’s better for the environment and gives travelers the chance to take in scenic views.
Pack The Essentials
Traveling with minimal items doesn’t just help you save a couple of bucks at check-in, but it’s also a great way to travel sustainably. Trust us when we say, you won’t need those 10 pairs of jeans on a two-day trip. It’ll just add to your load and take up meaningless space that you barely even have.
What most overpackers fail to realize is that their poor packing decisions not only affect them, but they also negatively impact the environment. Heavier luggage and travel bags use more fuel, which releases more carbon emissions. However, travelers who opt to pack light by building a capsule wardrobe and bringing multi-purpose items help reduce waste production while limiting their carbon footprint.
Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
As cliché as it may sound, the most effective way to stay green while on vacation is to reduce, reuse, and recycle. If you’re traveling with a cellphone, one way to reduce your waste is to use an e-ticket instead of the typical paper ticket. Another way to create an eco-friendly travel experience is to limit the use of housekeeping services by reusing hotel towels and sheets and requesting services only when necessary.
Also, avoid single-use plastic, such as plastic bottles, bags and straws. Although it appears harmless, these items break down slowly, and the microplastics released are consumed by marine wildlife—causing serious health issues for humans when ingested. Instead, pack refillable water bottles, multi-use containers, and reusable bags.
Support Local Businesses
Purchasing goods from locals is the easiest way to support the surrounding community and the environment. Most business owners source their ingredients locally, which makes for a better alternative than buying from chain restaurants and businesses. Additionally, locally sourced goods produce fewer carbon emissions than imported goods.
If you’re also looking to take home a little trinket, choose to shop at a local market for hand-crafted souvenirs. Their products are usually made using recyclable materials, which is better and more sustainable for the environment. Overall, supporting local restaurants and craftspeople is the most effective way to support sustainable development.