Do you want to be a more responsible traveler? One of the easiest ways to do so is to minimize your waste while traveling. While we are on the road, we often shift towards convenience: single-use plastic, “to go” food containers, and plastic bags. However, these small decisions add up and leave a negative impact on the planet. This can put extra environmental stress on destinations.
For ecosystems to maintain their proper flow, we need to ensure that the destination’s environment stays intact and undamaged. What may seem harmless to us, like taking shells as souvenirs when going to the beach, in fact, can cause a big effect on the environment. Just as taking away from nature is not good, leaving waste behind is much worse.
As travel lovers, we have the responsibility to reduce waste as much as possible, here are 10 tips on how to do so:
Invest in reusables to avoid plastic
Opt for a reusable water bottle instead of plastic bottles. You can fill up on filtered water at hotels, hostels, or even tap water. You can also purchase purification tablets to add to tap water, or water bottles with inbuilt filters such as GRAYL, one of our brand partners. We’ve tested this across the world with 100% satisfaction and many plastic bottles saved, and Traverse clients can receive a 10% discount!
Carry along a set of reusable cutlery, a metal straw, and a coffee/tea mug like this one from HydroFlask.
Carry along with your favorite tote bag for any spontaneous shopping spree. They are easy to pack in your daypack and they usually have very cool designs that will combine with your adventure outfit.
Try out a wooden or bamboo toothbrush to reduce your plastic waste. You can also try out toothpaste tabs such as Bite. As for dental floss, go for adorable refillable glass containers that are a 99% zero waste product
Try using shampoo bars and conditioners, or otherwise make sure to reuse your shampoo and conditioner bottles. Sea to Summit also has great reusable bottles for travel instead of relying on single-use plastics!
Consider your accommodation:
It’s easy to get swept up in the hotel perks and amenities. But the truth is that hotels do create a lot of waste. Hotels are notorious for using a lot of water, and also creating a lot of food waste. This is why it is important to consider staying in smaller, local hotels, which tend to be more mindful about their consumption. (This is why we work with sustainable accommodation at Traverse Journeys!)
You can also help by taking shorter showers, reusing your towels and sheets, and not using too much AC or heat.
Opt for eco-friendly transportation:
There is no better way to feel and embrace a new destination than acting like a local, and one of the best ways to do so is by taking public transportation. This can be a great way to explore a city by bus or train and practice slow travel. Another great way to take eco-friendly transportation is by walking or biking. Not only is it great exercise, it also helps reduce your carbon emissions.
Learn about the local recycling culture:
There are some countries, such as Switzerland, that have a very accessible, simple, and organized recycling structure. However, there are some other places that still haven't fully developed the habit yet, but are in the process of implementing a recycling process. Ask around and get familiar with ways to do your own recycling, even that small gesture is a great deal for the planet.
Go digital:
As long as you have a smartphone in your hand, you won't have the need to use paper to print your tickets or itineraries. You will be able to have your e-tickets for almost everything.
Do local:
While traveling abroad aim to purchase and invest in local businesses. Get the best seasonal fruits and veggies and artisan crafts from the local farmers and have home-grown meals at farm-to-table restaurants. When you shop locally, you are reducing the use and waste of plastic and energy. due to less packaging and transportation processes. Additionally, you would be supporting the local economy.
Find Sustainable Tours & Activities:
Image by Anastasia Gepp from Pixabay
Before going on vacation, do some research on ways you could help out the community, through activities that could help the environment and support the people. For example, if you are traveling to the coast, look for organizations or groups setting the standards for sustainable tourism by incentivizing recycling and educational programs along with coastal communities, beaches, shores, and oceans. Not only is it a wonderful way to meet like-minded people, but your efforts will be greatly appreciated by the locals and the environment.
Mexican culture and Mexico as a whole is filled with unique opportunities for adventure and pleasant surprises. Every time we go back, we get to relive and reconnect with its people, experience and discover the culture, and learn about its history, proving every single time why it is one of our most popular destinations.
For the ladies:
Consider investing in a diva cup or Thinx undies for your periods. Not only are they going to help you reduce your expenses in pads and tampons, they won't take a bunch of space in your bag.
Learn local phrases:
Speaking the local language is definitely one of the best things you can try to pursue before your travels. Even if you only have time to learn the most important phrases and questions, it will come in handy. In this case, before your trip, look up and write down the way to say “no plastic”, “no bag”, “without a straw”. It won't be a success every single time, so having your metal straw or tote bag can help you send a clear message.
Local souvenirs:
Moroccan Souk by Josh Telles
Whenever we travel, we tend to go shopping for souvenirs and gifts for our loved ones. We know it might be tempting, but try to avoid the massive fast fashion stores where most of the clothing is very cheap, but also very bad quality. On your next trip, seek artisanal crafts or local and sustainable clothing stores. As a gift, these locally sourced gifts will have a greater meaning to anybody.
Even though the reduction of waste and carbon footprint is a priority, it is equally important to leave a positive impact on local communities and cultures. It just takes a slight switch in mentality to start implementing these habits while travelling. Not only will it definitely make a difference, it will encourage others to give it a chance. It might take a little bit more thought, commitment, and pre-planning at first, but it will come naturally with time. Becoming more conscious about our responsibility and duty as travelers is the first step towards becoming a sustainable traveller.
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More travel tips for you:
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