3 sustainable travel habits we can all adopt
Simple actions can make a big difference.
Multiple studies have shown that global warming is unquestionably occurring and that its primary driver is human activities. Itβs not too late to actβnot quiteβbut weβve got to start right now and work together. Itβs in everyoneβs interest to make certain lifestyle changes, even when travelling.
You can make a difference yourself by adopting a few simple sustainable travel habits, which donβt need to affect the quality of your experience. Besides reducing your own environmental impact, youβll be supporting the local economy and culture of the country youβre visiting.
These three habits can be easily applied wherever your travels take you. Youβll also feel good about doing your part to safeguard the planet for the enjoyment of future generations.
1. Use public transit
Getting around at your final destination is an integral part of any trip. It needs planning, taking into consideration cost, efficiency, distance, value and more.
Most major cities worldwide have good public transit services that will get you around at a reasonable cost. Any method is better than renting a car: bus, tramway, train, bike or even car-sharing services.
Tourism is one of the largest producers of CO2 emissions, and thatβs due to transportation, among other things. Using public transit will also give you a chance to blend in with the locals and experience their way of life. Now thatβs a great way to travel!
2. Bring a reusable water bottle
This is an easy habit to get into since clean drinking water (from a tap) is easily accessible in most developed areas of the world. A water bottle can be hooked onto a backpack or suitcase to maximize space, making it a highly practical travel companion.
If clean drinking water isnβt available at your destination, and purchasing plastic water bottles is unavoidable, make sure you recycle the bottle properly when youβre done.
3. Buy local products
In addition to supporting local businesses financially, youβre consuming products that were farmed/produced nearby, which means they didnβt travel from afar. Itβs astounding the distance that fruit can travel, even if itβs a type thatβs grown in that area.
Whether itβs food, clothing, cosmetics, souvenirs, etc., make a point of buying local so youβre supporting small businesses and contributing to your host countryβs economy.
These three simple behaviours are examples of just how easy it is to adopt sustainable travel habits that will be good for the local environment, community and economy. Start now and help give future generations the chance to travel the world for years to come.
