World Environment Day: How to reduce carbon footprint while traveling
Traveling and exploring new places is exciting for most of us. However, in the midst of fun, we tend to forget how much our travels and activities impact the climate and planet. You can still enjoy your trips while being mindful of a few things. Remember every small action matters. Adopt sustainable travel with these easy and doable steps.
Make your travel greener
The greatest fuel is expended by airplanes during takeoff and landing. Therefore, choose a direct flight to cut the overall fuel burn. You can also travel between cities or some countries via other alternatives that have a smaller carbon footprint such as a train or a bus. Pick a compact hybrid automobile if you want to drive or rent one while traveling.
Pack reusable items
We frequently purchase products like plastic water bottles, shopping bags, coffee cups, and food containers just to toss them away after use. Additionally, the production of each of these goods requires natural resources, energy, and water, and their disposal contributes to landfill and water pollution. Instead pack refillable water bottles, straws, coffee cups, reusable food storage containers, toothbrushes, and shopping bags.
Book hotel stays carefully
Over the past few years, the effects of climate change on the ecosystem have gotten worse. Many hotels and lodges all over the world started using alternative energy sources in an effort to preserve water and electricity. Thus when traveling, seek eco-friendly lodging to lessen your carbon footprint. Search online for environmentally conscious stay options before making a reservation.
Each step counts
Walking and bicycling are the best way to explore a city. This is the ideal method to see as many locations as you can without having to worry about parking in areas with narrow and winding roads. Not to mention, it provides you with a ton of exercise. When traveling abroad, take public transportation whenever and wherever it is available.
Eat local
Eating locally grown food has several advantages. You get to experience the fresh produce-based local cuisine, contribute to the neighborhood, and lessen your carbon footprint all at once. When visiting a new place, learn about the local specialties and cuisines and search for seasonal foods. You reduce greenhouse gas emissions from food transportation when you choose locally grown food over imported food.
