Your travelling choices have an indefinite butterfly effect on the world. What you pack, where you go and how you get there all need to be carefully considered if you want to travel safe in the knowledge that you’re not destroying the planet as you go. Eco travel has become a buzz word in the travel industry, but make sure you know exactly what green travel is before you sign up to anything. Here’s our guide…
Packing
Travelling is no place for hair straighteners, stilettos or a metaphorical wardrobe of clothes. Think carefully about what you want to lug around in your backpack. Travelling light will save you money and will save energy as you travel too. If you’ve bought new items for your trip leave the excess packaging at home, especially if you’re going to a developing country. Litter is a huge strain on country’s eco systems.
Accommodation
Stay at eco-friendly accommodation wherever possible. Choose hostels with a commitment to protecting the local environment, employing local people, respecting waste water and contributing to conservation. The best hostels will be dedicated to recycling and energy renewal and have outstanding recycling facilities, grey water recycling and energy-inducing solar panels. The most eco-friendly offer local trips at special rates to help guests understand the eco-aims of the area. Trips include wildlife-spotting, piranha fishing, bird watching and horse riding.
Transport
Nowadays there are lots of choices in your mode of transport. Sometimes flying is inevitable, but the most eco-friendly way to travel, in order, is: by foot, cycle, beast-powered travel (think elephants and camels), train, bus, ferry or car. If you’re flying short haul, think again. Trains can be more comfortable, cheaper and often even quicker if you account for check in.
Destinations
When you’re deciding where to go, think about what the destination does to protect its environment and how you travelling there can help. Switzerland is well-known for setting the standard for their environmental and green efforts. Their pristine waters are world renowned. Iceland is also a great destination for the eco-friendly traveller; they get virtually all their power from the renewable energy in the rich geothermal resources and the roaring rivers.
While you’re there…
1. Before you sign up to any tours, ensure the operator is environmentally responsible and dedicated to eco-tourism. Ask about the steps they have in place to safeguard indigenous wildlife. Always choose local guides who’ll have an intimate knowledge of the area, but ask to check their identification first.
2. Submerge yourself in the local culture, starting with the food. Eating from local restaurants and vendors instead of foreign chains supports the local food economy better, is often cheaper, and gives you a real taste of your destination.
3. Investigate any local volunteer programs in the area; you may even get a free meal for your time and you’ll get to know the locals better too.
4. Never buy anything crafted from endangered species, hard wood or ancient artefacts. The call for such items threatens eco-systems and encourages illegal activity.
Find out more about green travel…
