How to travel green
Travel and tourism have a large impact on the environment. Still, there are many ways to travel more responsibly.
Green travel covers many choices, from taking the train rather than the plane to trying ecotourism.
Using less energy on the move
Energy use is the main way travel harms the environment. More and more planes, often with empty seats, fly all over the world. Fortunately, there are several ways to reduce this.
For business trips, the first question is whether the trip is needed at all. Video conferencing, and especially modern telepresence systems, now come close to a face-to-face meeting. It is better for the environment and saves the company a lot of money. If you make or influence these decisions, keep business travel for the meetings that really matter.
For holidays, choosing a destination closer to home means a shorter journey and less energy. But distance is not the only factor: the type of transport and how full it is also count.
Trains are generally more efficient than buses, but a train running on coal-generated power can emit more greenhouse gases. And a half-empty train can use more energy per passenger than a full bus.
Over the same distance, a full train uses far less energy than a full plane. Taking the train, or even driving a well-filled car with average fuel economy, uses less energy than flying. It takes longer, but you see more of the landscape, and by car you can stop and explore along the way. In town, skip the rental car and use public transport, rent a scooter, cycle, or simply walk. Packing light also helps, since less weight means less fuel.
Ferries, helicopters, cruise ships, motorboats and private jets are among the most energy-hungry ways to travel. Avoid them when you can.
Cruise ships cause other problems too. They discharge sewage, grey water, solid waste and even hazardous waste. Because they gather in the same popular coastal areas, their combined impact can be severe. It is better to skip cruises, or to choose one of the new greener options now appearing.
Responsible activities and ecotourism
On the spot, avoid activities that can damage nature. Do not drive, sail, cycle, hike or climb in fragile areas unless you have checked beforehand that it causes no harm. Never hunt, fish or eat endangered species.
Ecotourism is a good alternative. It usually means discovering natural areas, their plants and their wildlife in a sustainable way. In many parts of the world, it gives local people an income where the alternative might be logging or mining. Supporting it gives you great experiences and helps green businesses grow.
When camping, follow all fire safety rules and take your rubbish with you. Bring reusable cups, cutlery and dishes.
Less waste and greener accommodation
The same idea works wherever you go. Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it at your hotel or hostel instead of buying drinks in plastic bottles. Avoid fast food outlets, which create a lot of waste.
If you do not mind less privacy, hostels are cheap and usually greener than hotels, since they use less space, lighting and energy per guest.
If you prefer the comfort of a hotel, look for a green one. More and more hotels save water and energy and apply the 3 Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle) to attract guests, so the choice keeps growing. Bring your own toiletries, and switch off the lights when you leave your room.
Green travel takes some thought and planning, but it is an important part of a green lifestyle.