So you’ve sorted your composting, switched to an eco energy company, invested in some beeswax wraps and - ahem - subscribed to Earth-friendly toilet paper delivery. Sounds like you’ve got this whole ‘doing good for the planet’ thing on lock, which is pretty impressive, to be honest.
But what about when it’s time to leave your sustainable nest and go exploring into parts unknown? Despite best intentions, it can be tricky to keep up your green habits on the road. So we reached out to our ever thoughtful audience and asked: what are your top tips for being an eco-friendly traveller? No surprises, they had some great ideas.
“I buy small, clear bottles to squeeze my shampoo/conditioner/face wash into that can be cleaned out and reused - it means I don't need to purchase ‘travel size’ products!”
“Eco-friendly accommodation sites like bookdifferent.com calculate your carbon footprint per night and include eco-friendly ratings.”
“Pack light, stay in local hotels, don’t use the AC, use local transportation, eat what is in season and local, leave no trace.”
“Definitely take a reusable sandwich wrapper! Perfect for long train journeys, picnics on the go and making up sandwiches from leftover hotel breakfasts (shhh!). It’s an ideal way to save on expensive sandwiches wrapped in single-use plastic.”
“Cycle tours! They’re a great way to see the local sights, plus you get some exercise in at the same time.”
“Pack a capsule wardrobe, carbon offset your travels, and use Stasher bags for snacks or organisation.”
“I try to book direct flights where possible, so there’s less fuel used in take-offs and landings.”
“When we travel overseas we always take our reusable water bottles, shopping bags, and remember to ask for no straws. My husband has even packed recycling to take home!”
““Leave it cleaner than you found it.””
“If I'm staying in a hotel, I make it clear I don't need my towel washed and dried every day by hanging it up or putting a ‘do not disturb’ sign on the door.”
“Before I leave the house for a trip, I always make sure everything in my house is unplugged so it doesn’t seep out energy while I’m away.”
“Stay in your own country if you can. There is so much to explore! Travel light.”
“Shampoo bars and toothpaste capsules! Zero waste and no pumping chemicals into the environment. Also choosing to eat at least 90% plant-based food wherever we can!”
“Pack light and support local merchants selling local produce.”
“I avoid printing tickets and booking confirmations as much as possible. It saves so much paper, and at most attractions and accommodation you can just show them on your phone.”
“Trains produce fewer emissions than most other types of transport - plus you get to sit back and watch the scenery whiz by!”
“Find social enterprises in the country where you’re travelling and invest in their business and learning opportunities (eg. training hotels, restaurants).”
So there you go. Showing Mother Earth some love doesn’t have to stop when you head out on the road! And if you’ve got other great ideas for being an eco-friendly traveller, we’d love you to share them below or tag us on socials at @whogivesacraptp.