Tips for Green Travel
One of the most wonderful things about long term travel is that you have more time to travel you have a greater opportunity to choose to travel green. As someone who has traveled long term, I know it can sometimes be hard to feel like we can still make an impact. Here are some ways for you to help the environment and travel green:
Make an effort from the start
From the start, think about ways that you can make your trip green. Whether it’s by making a conscious effort to eat locally or walking a mile instead of taking the bus, be aware of your impact and think about the changes you can make to your travels.
Turn these Efforts into Habits
Once you made the initial commitment to traveling greener, turn your efforts into habits. Turn off the lights, carry a reusable bag with you (which is almost a must when traveling since many countries charge you for a shopping bag), or reuse a water bottle. Do these small things each and every day and make them habits. The more we get used to doing something, the more second nature it becomes.
Respect the Local Culture
Sometimes when vagabonding you begin to miss your home country, customs, and culture. As a green traveler you should remember to not only respect, but also to entrench yourself in the local culture. When I lived in Russia there was a bar run by an American expat and we visited this bar what in hindsight may have been too often. Yes it was fun to have a hamburger and banana split once in awhile, but we could have been frequenting truly local spots, sipping Baltika in beer tents or downing vodka in the park. The “Western lifestyle” usually has to be imported and transportation of goods is a sure way to increase your carbon foot print. Live locally…..you came there for a reason right?
Keep Traveling Slowly
The best way to be a green traveler is to keep traveling slowly. Bus, bike, walk, or train. Try to avoid air travel. Planes have a huge impact on the atmosphere and exacerbates climate change. Pick an alternative mode of transportation and see the countryside! There’s no rush to get to the next destination.
Practical Tips for the Green Traveler
Pack less stuff.
Why it’s Green: When you pack light, fewer resources are required to transport your stuff.
Why it Helps You: You’ll save your back and reduce waste
Carry a metal water bottle.
Why it’s Green: No waste created from empty bottles.
Why it Helps You: You don’t throw away plastic bottles all day and have to keep buying new ones.
Walk, walk, walk.
Why it’s Green: No carbon emissions when walking.
Why it Helps: You’ll stay in shape and save money.
When you can’t walk, take public transportation.
Why it’s Green: Fewer carbon emissions than a rental car or a taxi.
Why it Helps You: You get to really experience the local way of life and maybe meet an interesting local. (Plus it’s cheaper.)
Eat less food and eat locally
Why it’s Green: The “carbon footprint” of food is extraordinary! Eating less means there’s less waste and eating locally means a smaller footprint.
Why It Helps You: You’ll be healthier and save money. Also you’ll gain a greater appreciation for the local culture.