How To See The World Sustainbly
Travelling the world is an aspiration for many, and we’ve had the privilege of experiencing it firsthand.
Our planet boasts a vast array of mesmerising destinations, rich cultures, and unique experiences. However, with the rise of global tourism, there’s an increasing responsibility when travelling to see the world sustainably.
According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), international tourist arrivals reached 1.5 billion in 2019, underscoring the sector’s potential impact on the environment. It’s crucial to be mindful of our travel choices to ensure we’re not inadvertently harming the places we visit. The ethos should be to leave a place in the same or better condition than we found it.
To assist travellers in adopting sustainable practices, we’ve curated a comprehensive guide, drawing from global best practices and research, to ensure that your adventures are both enriching and eco-friendly.
1. Slow down
Many people find themselves tempted to try and see as many destinations as they can on every trip.
While this may seem like it makes sense economically, in fact, you are increasing your carbon footprint and robbing yourself of half the fun of travel. One of the most wonderful things about seeing other countries is immersing yourself in the local culture, meeting the people, trying their cuisine, and discovering hidden adventure. If you do not spend much time in a place, you cannot hope to enjoy all these experiences. And the more places you try to visit, the more transportation you will find yourself using, thus increasing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions you create.
Take your time. Choose one destination and explore it thoroughly by walking or biking. Fully experience the destination.
2. Choose greener transport options
The travel industry is responsible for around 8% of the world’s global greenhouse emissions annually.
This might not sound like much, but it actually makes the tourism industry a hefty polluter. You can help combat this when you travel by avoiding the biggest polluting modes of transport; planes and cars.
Wherever possible, use trains, walk, or bike to your destinations. If you do need to rent a car, make sure you select an electric or hybrid model to minimise your carbon footprint.
3. Choose sustainable accommodation and services
All over the world, the tourism industry is starting to answer the call to be greener. But there are still some bad apples out there that you need to watch out for. Beware of places that claim to be green or sustainable and look closer.
Do they recycle? Do they employ locals (not just in service roles, but management positions)? Do they support local suppliers? Are they committed to water and energy conservation and what is the proof of this? Do they respect the wildlife in the area and promote positive practices?
Ask questions. Ask for evidence. And do not be seduced by “cheaper” options that are not genuinely sustainable.
4. Say no to single-use plastics
Plastic is one of the most polluting materials on the face of our planet. It relies on crude oil to create, which is not sustainable. And the manufacturing process pollutes even further, spewing dangerous chemicals into the air, soil, and waterways.
Single-use plastics make this even worse by ending up in landfills. They do not biodegrade and instead break down poorly into microplastics, which pollute the soil and waterways even more, destroying ecosystems.
Make sure you say no to single-use plastics when you travel. Bring your own reusable water bottle!
5. Consider less touristy destinations
Tourism is wonderful for tourists, but often devastating for the places they visit. Popular places like the Louvre in France, or the Taj Majal in New Dehli, are often so swamped with tourists that the experience is near ruined for everyone.
We are not saying not to visit these places. But we are saying to consider less well-known and tourist focused areas. You would be amazed what is out there if you take the time to ask the locals and have a closer look. You never know what you will discover!
6. Visit national parks
Most people do not realise that national parks the world over are almost totally reliant on tourism to operate.
They are such an important part of our world, preserving and protecting flora and fauna that might otherwise be in danger of extinction.
Take the time to check these places out for some truly rewarding experiences. And you will enjoy the added bonus of knowing you are doing your part to help support the wonderful work of our world’s national parks.
7. Be water and energy saving conscious
It is easy to forget to be greener when on holidays. You are relaxed, you are enjoying yourself, and the mind can sometimes slip into some very unhealthy old habits. But it is just as important for you to take care in using water and energy while on vacation as it is when you are at home.
Turn lights off in your accommodation when you are not there. Take short showers. Do not leave the tap running while brushing your teeth. All these seemingly little things that we likely do out of habit at home are just as critical when travelling.
8. Remember to offset your carbon footprint
This is something that most travellers do not even think to do, because it is not a well known phenomenon and few people even talk about it. But it is possible to ensure that you leave a zero carbon footprint on the places you visit.
How, you ask? Simple. Like most things in life, there is an app for that! There are also several online carbon footprint calculators that can make tracking your impact a breeze. Then all you need to do is make certain responsible purchases to offset your carbon footprint. It couldn’t be easier!
9. Prioritise local communities
Tourism is one of the most valuable commodities for many cities and towns around the world. People coming to stay, eat at their restaurants, and experience their local attractions are the reason some communities are able to thrive. And, the reason some are able to just barely survive.
You need to remember this and do your best to make sure your dollars are going to the locals and not international companies that may own certain hotels or businesses. Look hard, and make sure your money is going to the local community.
10. Be respectful
Above all else, respect should be your number one priority when travelling. And this refers to respect for the local people, the wildlife, the plants, the waterways, everything.
A destination should always be left the same, or better than how you found it. Do not litter. Do not interfere with flora or fauna. And when you haggle, as is expected in some cultures, pay a fair price. Obey local laws. You are in someone’s home country and need to act like a guest. Polite, respectful, and on board with local customs.
We hope you have found the above tips helpful. Following these handy little suggestions has certainly improved our travelling experiences and helped us to see the world sustainably.
Remember, sustainability is key for tourism. We need to preserve our planet so its wonders can continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.