How to Travel Greener
Travelling is a necessary part of life.
We do it to go to work, buy stuff we need, see our friends and family, go to events, and explore and see the world. And we live in an age where there is a wide variety of travel options available to us, allowing freedom of choice.
But it is important when making these choices, to ensure you consider your carbon footprint and how to minimise the impacts you are having on the planet.
We have done the research and tested these methods ourselves and have compiled a handy guide for you on how to travel greener. All you need to do is follow our tips and you will be making a greener choice for all your travel in no time.
Top 3 Ways To Travel Greener
Embarking on a sustainable travel journey begins with opting for the least polluting and most eco-friendly modes of transport. We’ve sifted through the data so you don’t have to.
The top contenders for green travel are walking, cycling, and train travel.
Walk
Walking stands out as the pinnacle of green travel and the most sustainable mode of transport.
Besides being eco-friendly, walking offers numerous health benefits, serving as a holistic workout suitable for almost everyone.
As a low-impact exercise, it offers numerous health advantages, including strengthening the heart, improving circulation, and aiding in weight management.
Beyond the physical, walking provides a therapeutic escape from the daily hustle, allowing for mental rejuvenation and clarity. It fosters a deeper connection with one’s surroundings, encouraging mindfulness and a greater appreciation for nature’s nuances.
Needless to say, walking is such a great habit as it not only benefits the human body, but also the earth.
Bike
Riding a bike is another excellent green travel alternative, especially when destinations are a tad too distant for walking.
As you pedal, not only do you engage multiple muscle groups and boost cardiovascular health, but you also contribute zero emissions to the atmosphere.
While the production of bicycles does have an environmental footprint, the daily use of a bike for commuting or leisure generates no carbon emissions, making it a sustainable choice for travelling.
Train
For longer distances where walking or cycling isn’t feasible, trains are your best bet.
Riding a train is increasingly recognized as a sustainable mode of travel, offering numerous environmental advantages over other transportation methods.
According to a study from ResearchGate, rail transport is energy-efficient, consuming up to 50% less energy than road transport. This efficiency translates to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, making trains a cleaner option. Furthermore, trains help alleviate traffic congestion in urban areas, leading to decreased air pollution. The infrastructure required for rail transport, such as tracks and stations, also has a smaller environmental footprint compared to roads and highways.
To put it simply, among all public transportation options, trains have the lowest emission rates. Electric trains, in particular, emit up to five times fewer greenhouse gases compared to cars.
Travel Modes to Rethink
Conversely, certain travel methods are notorious for their environmental impact.
If you’re aiming for a green travel lifestyle, it’s best to steer clear of these:
Automobiles
Cars alone emit approximately 6 tonnes of pollutants annually.
Road transport, in general, is responsible for a whopping 72% of global transport-related carbon emissions. While electric and hybrid cars are making strides, their impact is still minimal.
Surprisingly, buses, despite their capacity, have a significant carbon footprint. If green travel is your goal, minimise road travel.
Air Travel
The environmental impact of airplanes is alarming. They emit carbon dioxide at rates over 100 times higher than buses.
While they offer speed and convenience, their contribution to greenhouse gas emissions is substantial. It’s advisable to limit air travel, especially short-haul flights.
Boats
Considering a sea voyage as an eco-friendly alternative to flying? Think again. Large vessels, including cruise ships, are significant polluters.
While speedboats have a smaller footprint, they’re typically recreational and not practical for long-distance travel.
More Tips On How To Travel Greener
Do you get a picture on what to do now?
You might be scratching your head, wondering how you can realistically make greener choices in your life when it comes to transport. Well, we have the answers.
Employment
If you could choose a job close to home, enabling you to walk, cycle, or take the train, opt for that. Most workplaces can allow flexible working these days, and anything you can do to lessen your travel is a good thing.
Embrace remote work opportunities, as many companies now offer flexible work arrangements.
Leisure
Recreation is vital for physical, mental, spiritual, and overall well-being. You need to have a positive balance in your life, and you need not have a large carbon footprint to achieve it.
Be wise in your choices. Look at what is close to your home that does not require a large amount of travel. Opt for local activities that have a minimal environmental impact.
Explore local attractions and nature spots; you might be surprised by the gems in your vicinity.
Vacation
This is likely the area that has you most perplexed when it comes to making a greener choice. We’re not advocating for a complete ban on air travel, we are simply saying avoid it where possible. For example, if you choose to travel through Europe or the USA, there is no harm in flying there from your home country.
But once you’re there, opt for the train rather than taking short flights between closer destinations. Favour walking and biking where possible. Slow down, and enjoy the view while you’re at it.
As mentioned above, we can not deny the fact that sometimes you just can’t avoid hopping in a car or catching a flight, especially when there aren’t any practical alternatives.
If you find yourself in such a situation, consider offsetting your carbon footprint.
Many organisations offer carbon offset programs where you can invest in environmental projects, like tree planting or renewable energy initiatives, to balance out the emissions from your travel.
Carpooling or sharing rides is another great way to reduce individual carbon footprints. And if you’re flying, try to book direct flights – they generally produce fewer emissions than multiple shorter trips.
Remember, it’s all about making the best choices within your means and every little bit helps.
FAQ
What is eco-friendly travel?
Eco-friendly travel, also known as sustainable or green travel, refers to making travel decisions that minimise the negative impacts on the environment and promote conservation and sustainability.
Why is eco-friendly travel important?
Eco-friendly travel helps in reducing carbon footprints, conserving natural resources, supporting local communities, and ensuring the preservation of our planet for future generations.
Which modes of transport are considered the most eco-friendly?
Walking, cycling, and train travel are among the most environmentally friendly modes of transport.
How does air travel impact the environment?
Airplanes emit significant amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, contributing to global warming. Short-haul flights are particularly inefficient in terms of emissions per passenger-mile.
How can I reduce my carbon footprint while traveling?
Opt for direct flights, use public transportation, stay in eco-friendly accommodations, support local businesses, and consider offsetting your carbon emissions through reputable organisations.
What is carbon offsetting in travel?
Carbon offsetting involves compensating for your carbon emissions by funding projects that reduce or capture an equivalent amount of greenhouse gases, such as reforestation or renewable energy projects.
How can I practice responsible tourism?
Responsible tourism involves making travel choices that respect the environment, local cultures, and economies. This includes following local customs, reducing waste, using resources sparingly, and supporting local businesses.