Sustainable Travel
April is Earth Day month so I wanted to highlight some ways to reduce your carbon footprint while traveling. According to Sustainabletravel.org, travel contributes 8% of the world’s carbon emissions. Being eco-friendly has become more and more important to me over the past few years but I certainly don’t want to give up traveling so I’ve been trying to read more about how to travel sustainably.
It's so much harder to perform normal sustainable practices when you are traveling but the good news is that airlines, hotels and cruise lines (to name a few) are trying to implement more sustainable actions to make it easier for all of us. Below are a few things to consider when traveling and what some of the travel suppliers are doing to help.
Choose Eco-Friendly Transportation. Consider different modes of transportation when traveling. In order of emissions of carbon (Sustainabletravel.org), the following are the worst and best ways to travel:
Even if you have to fly to get to your destination, there are still ways to reduce. Consider the following:
When flying is necessary, choose nonstop flights, as takeoffs and landings are the most carbon-intensive parts of a journey.
Traveling for longer periods of time instead of taking multiple trips
Google Flights indicates the carbon load when they display airline flight options. This allows you to make an informed decision.
Once you have arrived in your destination, consider a mode of transportation that has a lower carbon footprint.
Take biking or walking tours instead of traveling by bus or car.
Airlines are also doing their part. According to i6, an aviation fuel company, many airlines are actively considering sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) alternatives and have committed to integration of these fuels by 2030. For more details, read here. In addition, the industry is working to reduce single use plastics and integrating local food sources.
Accommodations
Some hotels are working to incorporate sustainable practices. Supporting these brands, will have long term affects and continue to encourage other hotel brands to follow suit. Some ways that hotels are improving their impact:
Optional housekeeping - if you don’t need housekeeping every day, opt for less frequent visits. This saves on laundry and product use.
Most hotel brands are using larger shampoo, conditioner and body wash bottles and eliminating small bottles of each of these.
Some hotels are offering water refill stations so they aren’t providing/selling single use water bottles.
Most major hotel brands have committed to being carbon neutral by 2050. If you are traveling and want to stay in a “green” hotel, a quick google search will give you a laundry list of hotels to choose from.
Cruising
Most cruise lines have also committed to being carbon neutral by 2050. According to Cruise Line International Association (CLIA), cruise lines are looking at biofuels, shoreside power, battery storage and advanced wastewater treatment systems to reduce negative ocean impact (read more here). In addition, many of the cruise lines are innovating operations onboard their ships to support reducing energy, re-using/recycling resources, use local food sources and support ocean and wildlife ecosystems.
Incorporate your normal carbon friendly practices while travelling:
Bring a reusable water bottle, shopping bag, and travel mug to minimize waste.
Properly dispose of your waste, and support recycling initiatives at your destination.
Turn off lights, appliances, and air conditioning when leaving your hotel room or rental property.
Adjust the thermostat to save energy when you're not in the room.
Minimize single use plastic when possible
Making these changes may not be feasible in every situation, but every small effort helps. By being mindful of your choices and their environmental impact, you can travel in a more sustainable way and reduce your carbon footprint.
