eco-friendly travel
Summer is the time when most of us try to get out and travel. Something about that warm sunshine that instinctively provokes a craving to get outside try something other than the mundane clockwork of the typical day or work week. School is out, making it easier for families and college buddies to take trips they have been waiting for all year. Traveling is positive in various ways like stimulating mental well being by trying new things, learning about yourself, other cultures and environments, and so much more. When we travel we are taking away from our everyday reality, this can pose a problem. Traveling is positively correlated with increased consumerism, which is correlated to increased energy use and increased waste. It seems that people forget about the importance of being a conscious consumer while traveling. The effects that the traveling industry has on this planet are not so pleasant, but eco-conscious traveling is possible and not too hard.
Before you leave your house for your vacation make sure that everything is unplugged and your thermostat is modified to safe energy, which will save you money as well. When traveling to and from your destination try to travel with as many people as possible, the less cars on the road the better also better for your wallet as well. If traveling on an airline, go for the e-ticket option, helping to eliminate the waste of paper.
If possible try eco-friendly travel and hotels. Eco-friendly travel encourages activities that revolve around the local culture and environment. This makes a trip so much more genuine. Personally, nothing bothers me more than franchises and mainstream corporations when I am trying to engage in the authenticity of my destination. Eco-travel also helps to boost the economy of that particular destination, rather than fork out money to a rich CEO removed. Eco-friendly hotels are becoming more popular in a wider reach of cities. Check out what your destination has to offer, but if there isn’t an eco-friendly hotel consider a locally owned boutique hotel or bed and breakfast. Where ever you choice to stay be conscious of turning off the appliances and lights whenever you leave the room.
Another option is camping. I love camping. Something about sleeping outside and being closer to nature that makes me feel so alive. Camping is very eco-friendly for obvious reasons, so try it. It is a great way to really come in contact with the natural environment of your destination. While camping try adventurous activities like surfing, hiking, biking, kayaking, whitewater river rafting. Engaging in these activities develops a deeper respect and understanding of nature.
Here are some other tips for your travels:
-If renting a car go for a hybrid
-when taking pictures to capture memories of your trip, use a digital camera, the chemicals used to process the film are high impact
- buy souvenirs from local artist, store owners and manufacturers, help boost the local economy
-bring your own reusable travel containers of any toiletries (one 300 room hotel in Las Vegas goes through 150,000 plastic bottles of shampoo a year)
-travel and volunteer with groups that conduct scientific field research in order to improve the environment and the climate change ( www.earthwatch.org )
Becoming aware of the impacts of your actions in the first step, often times the most important, in creating change. It is possible for traveling to be just as fun as it always has been while embracing the eco-conscious lifestyle. Check out informative websites such as www.gogreentravelgreen.com . Most travel websites are developing a green traveling section, which is refreshing. Just be informed : )
Lots of love,
Natalie McGuire
