Green is a word that has entered our vocabulary in more ways than one and not just on St. Patrick’s Day. Eco- consciousness is the new buzz phrase – green living, green cars, green energy and yes, green travel. But exactly what does being a green traveler mean? It means traveling with an eco-conscious mindset. Also known as ecotourism, this is a travel trend that’s been changing the way we approach leaving home. Travelers are realizing the responsibility they have towards the environment when they buy their tickets. Green travel naturally attracts those who feel strongly about “responsible travel to natural areas conserving the environment and improving the well-being of local people,” according to TIES (The International Ecotourism Society), a non-profit organization that works to educate and spread awareness of this kind of travel. Anyone can become an eco-tourist by making a small effort to be conscientious. Here are some easy ways.
Planning and Preparing
Considering the environmental impact of your trip should begin in the planning stages and research is key. Make sure your hotel and the various restaurants you’ll be visiting have been recognized for reducing their impact: Are they a member of a green organization? Do they hold a green certificate? Also, how open is the organization about its commitment to staying green? “Greenwashing” (practice of falsely advertising as eco-friendly) has become prevalent since going green became trendy, so thorough research is important. Other choices, like booking an electronic ticket, will not only save a few trees, but also prevent you from losing the ticket. Purchasing rechargeable batteries for your most used electronics, or bringing a reusable water bottle can make a huge difference.
All of these considerations are in vain if you’re being wasteful at home while you’re away. Remember to turn off and unplug electronics which continue to consume electricity even when turned off. More than this, if you can, make sure your water heater and thermostat are turned down low or turned off altogether. If you get a newspaper delivered, consider temporarily stopping delivery or donating it to a school or library. These little things make a big difference.
Getting There and Getting Around
This is perhaps the most important way you can make a difference. When planning the trip, consider whether or not you need to fly — airplanes have some of the highest numbers for carbon emissions. Taking a bus or train could be a better way to see the region while helping to conserve the environment.
At your destination pick a hotel in a central location you want to see or experience. That way you can walk, bike or use public transportation to where you want to go. Beyond reducing your carbon footprint, you’ll be able to interact with the locals and immerse yourself in the area. If you’re somewhere out of the city center, rent a hybrid car. Some hotels may offer you a discount on parking and valet service with a green vehicle. Plus, being conscientious just makes you feel good.
Lodging and Food
Don’t stop at just booking a green hotel but make the most of the environmental programs implemented by the hotel, including recycling and linen reuse. Beyond the hotel’s own initiatives, there are some things you can do to make your stay environmentally friendly. Small things like turning off lights when you’re not in the room, using less water when you shower, and turning off the air conditioning and heating, can have a big effect.
You can also have a positive impact outside of the hotel. Voluntourism is a growing part of the travel industry. Humanitarian organizations arrange trips to regions struggling economically and engage travelers in an improvement project. It’s the best of both worlds, the tourists getting wide-ranging experience with the local culture and the region receiving vital economic support. If you’re not up for this kind of a commitment (voluntourism usually requires a few months of your time), you can still be conscientious by purchasing from local businesses and eating at restaurants serving locally grown food which supports the local economy.
Coming Home
Your impact doesn’t end with the trip. There are a few things you can do to show your support for ecotourism. It’s important to let your hotel, or the establishments you visited, know that you appreciate their efforts to protect the environment. This kind of feedback will encourage more green programs. You can also donate to a carbon offsetting program that will plant trees, support conservation and other energy saving projects reducing the carbon footprint and protecting the earth. Doing your part to be ecofriendly, even in a small way, helps to keep the places you love beautiful and their economies thriving.
Ecotourism is a growing trend and one which we should embrace. Remember, a little green goes a long way.