Clearly, travel has a huge impact on our planet. Airplanes, cars, hotels, ships … contribute to climate change and the degradation of the natural environment. Giving up travel, staying home and gardening instead of sightseeing would obviously be the best choice if we want to reduce our contribution to these worrying changes.
We Have A Choice
But while giving up travel is an acceptable option for some, there are many of us who are not willing to make such a sacrifice. Which is not to say that we are not aware, that we simply don’t care or that we are not educated in the field.
By choosing greener ways to travel, by choosing more environmentally friendly activities and by respecting nature with all its fauna and flora, we can continue our travels without a guilty conscience.
Being friendly to the planet is not a way to travel, it is a lifestyle. If we are ecologically aware in our daily activities such as going to work, shopping, eating, cleaning, there is no reason not to continue these habits while travel.
By buying the things we really need, by choosing locally grown seasonal food, by ordering as much food as we will eat, by limiting plastic items, by leaving the beach as clean as we found it, by using natural cosmetics, by respecting the locals and their habits, … we are well on our way to becoming a planet-friendly traveler.
Transport
Transport is a key element of travel and cannot be avoided. We can’t all afford sailing from Europe to South America or a year of cycling across the continent. However, there are many situations when we can choose … and it is important to consider the planet and nature in these decisions: we can choose destinations closer to home, we can stay longer in one place, we can opt for a train instead of a plane, we can take a bus instead of by taxi, we can walk a kilometer or two, …
Accommodation
There are many hotels and other room providers that have acquired the Green, Eco, Sustainable and similar labels, although higher prices also seem to come with the label. Another option is an apartment rented by a local, or a small family-run hotel, as smaller facilities often put less strain on the environment than large international hotel chains. Simple accommodation with basic services is another solution, as luxury often means a greater impact on the environment.
Activities
Like elsewhere the choice of our activities can make a significant difference in whether our travel may be considered green and planet friendly or not. But sometimes the choice isn’t simple: Choosing a less green activity (such as a 4×4 safari for example) can bring more profit to the local community, which is therefore more inclined to preserve the original fauna and flora in its environment than it would otherwise be.
