The world might be closed right now, but that doesn’t mean we can’t look ahead to the future and start making some serious travel plans. But in your eagerness to hit the road, you might not have considered how harmful travelling the world can be. Not only is air travel one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, but the travel industry also puts pressure on wildlife and the natural environment. Much of the money derived from the tourism industry is piled into large corporations, not the local economy. As well as all of the above, the loss of cultural identity and even animal exploitation is often all in the name of tourism.
All these issues don’t necessarily mean we should avoid international travel, they should inspire us however to approach travel differently, or more specifically, in a more sustainable way. Here we’ll look at how you can plan your next overseas trip with sustainability in mind.
Start with your travel essentials
Your sustainability pledge should begin even before you hit the airport. From choosing swimwear made from ocean plastics to packing sneakers with sustainably sourced rubber soles, there are plenty of ways you can help the planet by being selective over what you put in your suitcase. These recycled sunglasses in Australia are incredibly popular with those who are hoping to do their bit for the planet by stepping away from fast fashion, whilst still looking great by the pool. Recycled from old, broken sunglasses, Szade works tirelessly to bring us high quality, stylish, fully UV protected eyewear with the whole planet in mind. Click the link to get your pair before you hit the road.
Choose eco-conscious accommodation
Making a positive change to your travelling habits doesn’t mean you have to miss out. In fact, certain choices can enhance your travel experience, such as choosing eco-conscious accommodation. From stunning carbon-neutral hotels to plastic-free resorts and parks, even solar-powered huts nestled in the countryside, when you choose accommodation with the planet in mind, you really are spoilt for choice.
Reusable items are essential items
One of the biggest issues with international travel isn’t just air pollution and the use of fossil fuels, it’s also about waste and the amount of trash that accumulates in landfills and on beaches and in oceans because of it. Not only will packing light help reduce the amount of waste you accumulate over your travel period, but travelling with some essential, reusable items will help keep your waste output down. From reusable bottles (consider water purifying tablets for peace of mind) and reusable cutlery to refillable toiletries, straws, coffee cups, shopping bags and food containers.
And finally, spend your money with the locals
Rather than spending your money on those big chain corporations, go a little further and spend your money locally instead. Eating in locally-owned restaurants, travelling with independent guides, buying produce from markets and vendors, even choosing accommodation run by locals are all ways you can reduce your travel footprint and preserve the culture and livelihood of those who enrich your overseas experience.
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