As a budget traveler, it can be difficult to know how to save money and also do good by the planet. For Earth Month, I wanted to talk about some ways you can feel better about your travels and your carbon footprint, because we'd still like to be traveling decades from now.
If you care about the Earth like a lot of us do, you probably worry how your trips are contributing to a lot of different kinds of pollution, including air, ocean, and even trash. Not everyone is going to be like me and pack home recyclables when you can't recycle on your trip (yes, I've done this with flat items like cardboard and plastics when I learned a place - what's up, Hawaii - doesn't recycle, but that's not really the best option, so here are some other ways to be eco-friendly on your travels:
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| This Cascade backpack from Portland Gear holds so much. |
Pack Light
Am I a broken record when it comes to traveling with less stuff? You bet. You don't need everything from home with you on vacation. Choose a small mix-and-match wardrobe, do laundry if you need to, and even save money when you pack in just a carry-on. When traveling alone, I only carry what fits under my seat, including my big laptop. When traveling as a couple, we usually bring one big carry-on and two smaller personal items, but we've also travel with a backpack apiece. You're going to ask why you should pack light? I'll tell you! The less weight on a plane, the less fuel it uses to get to its destination.
Slow Travel
Instead of trying to pack as much as possible into a trip and visiting six countries in two weeks, choose just one or two destinations to explore. Slow travel helps you cut down on your carbon footprint, by avoiding unnecessary flying. You learn more about the places you visit this way, too. I'm often upset that I couldn't see everything in two weeks. I couldn't imagine planning a whole trip where I only have two or three days in a destination before moving on. Slow down. Enjoy one location for longer and really get a feel for that place.
Take Public Transportation or Walk
Public transportation is always more eco-friendly than taking cabs, ride-share or driving, so unless you are traveling as a family and it's cheaper to get a car, the bus or subway is always going to be a better option for the environment. I love the bus/train, because I get to see more the city than if I am driving. It gives me a chance to relax, as well. And if you want to be super good for the environment, pick a walkable city and pack some good walking shoes. You'll see more than you expected and different things, too.
Eat Local
A lot of destinations have the same problem we have in the US, in that they have a ton of chain restaurants and fast food joints that import food from their headquarters and end up being terrible for the environment. Choose local restaurants (and even small, locally-owned stores for shopping), as they generally get their food from as close to the community as possible.
I will often hit up farmers' markets and food trucks. It's a great way to talk with locals and get snacks for your trip or try a lot of different foods for less that sitting down for a meal. One of my favorite destinations for eating local is Edinburgh. Almost all the restaurants you go to have maps showing you which farms their ingredients came from and many were less than 20 miles away.
Bring Reusable Items
Packing things that can be used well on your trip are great. I always take along a reusable water bottle, grocery bag (I like this multipurpose bag), and my own travel utensils. This way I stay hydrated, am ready to eat street food without disposable forks, have a bag for groceries, other shopping, and a spare bag for purchases when I'm on the way home. You can also get these rechargeable batteries for any electronics that need them. They don't lose energy after a ton of recharges and they come in any normal size you need. I'll be reviewing paleblue soon.
Fly Non-Stop
The fewer amount of flights you get on, the less pollution you contribute to the world. If you can afford to fly non-stop, chances are you are already on it, but if not, now you have another reason to choose that flight and you won't need to drag your stuff through another airport.
Respect Nature
This should be a given. Just don't treat the outside like a garbage dump. Throw your trash away in a can, recycle anything you are able to, leave nature in nature (like don't take home things like plants, sand, or rocks), don't bother animals, and stay on walking trails.
A few easy changes to your travels can make them more eco-friendly and help you feel better about the choices you've made. How do you do better for the environment while out in the world?
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