Ways To Help The Environment While Travelling

Using Public Transport
Instead of using private taxis or renting a car while you’re travelling, there’s a cheaper and more environmentally friendly way to get around. Public transport can cut carbon emissions as well as being accessible in many countries - every country I’ve visited I’ve used public transport in one form or another to get around the city without breaking the bank too. For example, in New York I could see yellow taxis as far as the eye could see but there’s also an extensive metro system as well as the use of trains to get to and from the airport. One better than public transport would be walking, in some instances public transport is absolutely needed, but there are some journeys that can be considered walkable. Not only is walking a way to keep healthy but it’s also one to see the sights around the place you’re visiting. 

Try and Pick Direct Flights 
Flights are the guiltiest members out of all forms of transport for the increasingly high CO2 emissions - with hundreds of flights leaving a day it’ll take a huge impact to cut these down. However, if you go out of your way to book direct flights then this will reduce the demand for a second flight to take you to your final destination - such as from London Heathrow to New York and from there to Las Vegas. Or, if possible, there’s the option of travelling by train and ferry to certain destinations both in your country and surrounding countries. Not only can a train and ferry hold over double the passengers that an aircraft could, it also works out environmentally friendlier in the long run. The Man in Seat 61 found that travelling from London to Paris by plane creates 240kg of CO2 emissions compared to only 22kg of CO2 by using the Eurostar. Additionally, the journey time is less and overall more efficient in terms of being environmentally friendly as the CO2 emissions are reduced by 91% when using the Eurostar instead of a plane. 

Bringing Eco-friendly Materials
Nothing can be overlooked when trying to be environmentally friendly - even the simplest of things such as a reusable shopping bag and a water bottle (preferably one made out of stainless steel or one which is completely plastic free). Plastic bags take hundreds upon hundreds of years to decompose and more worryingly most of it ends up in the ocean which in turn hurts our ocean wildlife. Around most cities there’s at least a few water fountains around which allow visitors fill up their water bottles for the day ahead. In reception areas there may be a water bottle for the same use also, if not then there should be some form of drinkable water on site - if in doubt then there’s no harm asking. If you have the money and are willing to invest in a bamboo toothbrush and hairbrush then go ahead - they’re environmentally friendly and I’ve heard that they’re better than plastic toothbrushes and hairbrushes. There has now been a rise in the availability of metal razors rather than using plastic ones and the use of menstrual cups rather than menstrual pads and tampons - every little act helps the environment in one way or another. 

The Simple Things
The small things lead to a bigger picture and this case your small actions can lead to a big environmental impact from just an individual alone. In your accommodation these small actions can be reusing your towels rather than asking for them to be washed everyday as well as the same principle being applied for bed sheets. As someone who washes their bed sheets weekly as well as their towels every other day - I wouldn’t expect any more at a hotel than what I’d usually do. Even avoiding the single use shampoo, conditioner and soap given to guests complimentary - even the single use shower caps should be left alone. Everything is made of plastic as this material is cheap and seems to be a reliable way to keep products fresh. The majority of hotels and establishments still supply single use plastics but hopefully in the near future they will resort to more sustainable materials that will help the environment. Guests should try not to have long showers and turn off the lights when out or not needed - these tips sound simple but the majority of people don’t understand how these small acts can make a big difference. Even asking if you can recycle items such as shopping bags made from paper in your hotel is better than simply throwing them away when they’re recyclable products. Most hotels just supply one bin - used for rubbish, which cleaning staff simply bin as that’s what a bin is for - rather than seeing what can be recycled and what can’t. Overall, the best way to be environmentally friendly would be to avoid single use plastic in all shapes and forms - from plastic cups to the plastic that sanitary products come in that are sometimes offered. 

Watch What You Buy As A Souvenir 
In certain countries there may be souvenirs made out of endangered species which not only endangers our wildlife even more but you may be found to be breaking the law when you return home. If tourists keep buying these souvenirs then it’s a sign that these products are in demand which mean more endangered animals will be killed - supply and demand. Avoid small plastic souvenirs that seem mass produced - for example if you see lots of small plastic toys that clearly say “Made in China” they’re not representing the country you’ve visited. Instead buy local - it’ll be more likely that your money will go directly to local people and help a small business rather than supporting a large business. Buying from local shops and people will also mean you’re helping the economy and helping these people carry on their work. If you have your heart set on getting a souvenir then make sure it’s a practical one - not something that will stay on a shelf and collect dust over time. Even the best memories can be recorded in a journal or by taking pictures on your phone that can be developed once you’re back home. 

Flights
When flying there’s numerous ways to save the environment - from taking reusable straws with you to then rejecting the plastic covered materials given on-board. Reusable cutlery is one of the cheapest options for those wanting to reject the plastic spoons, forks and knives which are then covered in plastic during flights. If you bring your own earphones or headphones then you can then reject the single use earphones which are also covered in plastic too - you get the idea with flights and single use plastic. Single use plastic is also used on the blankets and pillows given to passengers on long haul flights - even though this keeps the blankets and pillows clean and new - there are other environmentally friendly alternatives. If you really want to research how to be environmentally friendly, then you can research what airlines are doing to reduce their carbon footprint.  

Plogging
No I didn’t just create a random word by headbutting my keyboard - plogging is the new trendy term for jogging and picking up litter. Not only can you stay healthy but you can reduce the impact of litter on our beautiful beaches and surrounding areas. This trend really took off in recent months and for the better - you can recycle and throw away items that you find to prevent them from going into the ocean and harming wildlife. As the slogan goes “The rubbish way to get fit” really means what it says - you can make a difference to both your body and the environment in one small step - or preferably lots of small steps. 

Eating Locally
While abroad, what's the point of going to chain restaurants and even worse fast food restaurants that you know and potentially love. Why travel across the world to eat the same fast food that you eat in your home country? Eating locally not only allows visitors to experience new flavours and food but uses local produce and ingredients - which in turn prevents food waste and reduces the travel time between farm and table. Street food is also cheaper than restaurants allowing visitors to get incredible food for a fraction of the price while getting an authentic experience. If you do visit a restaurant and have some food leftover - ask for a doggy bag so that you can prevent your food from going to waste and straight into the bin. Too Good To Go is an incredible app that prevents food from going to waste - click here to read about it! 

Eco-Friendly Hotels
With the notion that people are trying to become more environmentally friendly in all possible ways there has been a rise with eco-friendly hotels across the globe. These hotels ensure that they operate in a sustainable manner which is seen through all aspects of a guests visit. The smaller things consist of low energy light bulbs, buying in bulk as well as encouraging and providing information on how guests can reduce their carbon footprint and help the environment. Information about the hotel itself and maps are used with recycled paper as well as breakfast consisting of organic produce which can either be grown on site or bought locally. Any waste that comes directly from the hotel will be put into a compost - such as food waste from breakfast such as fruit and bread. Solar panels will be found across the roof to prevent the use of electricity as much as possible and furniture such as beds and tables will be made from sustainable source material. In some of the rooms there may be plants dotted around the room as these absorb toxins from the air as well as just creating a nice little touch for travellers.