With summer officially upon us many of us are thinking of our next travel
adventure. When booking your great escape, take a moment to consider your vacation’s
environmental impact. With sustainable travel a rapidly growing industry there
are ample resources for travellers seeking ways to trek lightly. Here we
outline easily implemented yet valuable steps to reduce your ecological
footprint, whether touring a remote island or relaxing in your own backyard.
Before Leaving Home
Before heading off on your trip unplug
appliances to reduce Standby Power, energy used when appliances are in standby
mode. (Global Standby Power consumes up to 480 TWh/year, nearly triple Mexico’s
total electricity consumption.) Turn off or lower thermostat and water heater
settings and suspend newspaper delivery. Such measures will help you save
energy and money. Lastly, leave pets at a shelter or with a sitter.
Transportation
Vacationing need not be distant or exotic
to be memorable and fun. “Staycationing” is the easiest way to save money and
the environment. By vacationing within driving distance and overnighting at
home you not only support your local economy and save money on accommodation
but also help the environment by reducing your carbon footprint.
But whether home or away, try to opt for greener or shared modes of transportation such as trains or buses. If renting a vehicle select a hybrid or low emissions compact model. Compared to other forms of transportation, planes produce the most emissions. To reduce your travel footprint, fly in the daytime, fly direct or combine flights and pack light. Finally, purchase carbon offsets to counteract the environmental impact of your plane’s emissions. (Learn more about airplane emissions in our article about The Green Passport Initiative!)
In selecting accommodation, look for
certified green hotels that carry Green Seal, LEED, Blue Flag or equivalent
designation. Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec
provide a visual breakdown of criteria that make them LEED certified.
Travel websites like Travelocity
maintain a directory
of certified green accommodation and multiple ecotourism websites like the Rain
Forest Alliance, Green Globe
and Sustainable Travel
International list earth-friendly tour operators and travel
companies.
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While staying in a hotel there are
several simple steps to you can take to reduce your footprint. Be active in
your hotel’s environmental conservation program. When out the room, turn lights
off and lower your room’s thermostat. Close drapes and blinds in warmer climates
to keep the room cool and the opposite in cold climates. Leave unopened
bathroom amenities in the hotel.
Conserve water by turning off taps when
not in use and taking shorter showers. Hand wash clothes in the bathroom sink
and hang to dry.
Many hotel bathrooms include retractable
clotheslines mounted between bathtub walls for this express purpose! When
shopping for souvenirs buy locally produced goods and avoid goods made from endangered species or valuable, historical or cultural
artifacts.
Activities
Local, sustainable tourist activities support
the environment and local economies. Visit farms, participate in guided walking
tours or wine tasting, hike local park trails or take a cooking class. Gather
activity ideas from travel guides like Lonely Planet that are available
in digital format and use digital maps or applications. As much as possible self-propel:
walk, rent a bicycle, or support a community bike-share program like Bixi. Alternatively,
use local public transit systems, many of which now have real-time schedules
available via mobile app. Reduce plastic waste by carrying a reusable water bottle. Use local recycling facilities and carry trash until you can properly dispose of it – i.e. pack out what you pack in! Stay on marked trails when hiking or camping and refrain from disturbing local flora and fauna.
Regardless of your destination be mindful of your impact both culturally and environmentally. Seek to educate yourself on local traditions, practices, and culture and environment; limit any negative impacts you may have on the local environment.
Practicing any of these simple measures
you will easily have a fun, memorable and sustainable vacation. Happy travels!
