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Opinion: The Need for Sustainable Travel
written by Raven Steele | January 28, 2021
Taroko Gorge, Taiwan. đź“· @jaclynyost
With all that 2020 gave us, it can be hard to see the light at the end of the dark tunnel. But we as a society should take this time to find new and innovative ways of fulfilling a sustainable lifestyle. Sustainable lifestyles can start with travel. We can all agree that traveling will look a bit different for the next foreseeable years. But we can’t give up on losing our passion for travel and discoveries.
What is Sustainable Travel?
Sustainability is not a new idea and can be dated back to just under 30 years ago. Sustainable travel, however, is a relatively modern concept. In an article written by Charlie Marchant in March of 2019, sustainable travel is defined as:
“Finding a way that tourism can be maintained long-term without harming natural and cultural environments. Sustainable travel should minimize the negative impacts of tourism and ideally be beneficial to the area in which it takes place.”
Seoraksan National Park, South Korea. đź“· @jaclynyost
Without sustainable travel, our Earth’s gems will be no more. From mountains to oceans to rainforests and everything in between, we need to be more mindful about how we are potentially polluting the Earth with our means of travel.
Tips to Traveling Sustainably
Sustainability is viewed as a way of living. It is making adjustments to your daily life that will, in the long run, ensure a more sustainable future. Below you can find some tips on how to implement sustainability into your travel habits.
Air-Time
According to a Vox article written in 2019, aviation worldwide emits about 860 million tons of carbon dioxide annually. Still, every year, tourism’s global carbon footprint increases, and air travel accounts for over 40% of the carbon footprint for the entire tourism industry.
However, many countries rely heavily on tourism to help fuel their economy. So keeping these points in mind, it is important to think about alternative ways of travel as this can make a tremendous difference.
While we might not be able to take sailboats to every destination like Greta Thunberg, trains and buses are a great alternative to get around – especially in regions like Europe and South America, respectively.
But if you must catch that flight, to reduce your C02 emissions: choose non-stop flights over connecting when possible, sit in coach over first class, and pack light. And if you can squeeze in enough vacation time, the longer you can stay in your destination – & experience the art of slow travel – the better.
Transportation Alternatives
When in another city, it can be best to use green transportation. Depending on your destination, hiking and walking might be your best option to experience the land and city.
But if that isn’t possible, another new wave of transportation taking the world by storm: electric scooters and bicycles. Companies such as Bird and Lime have given a new meaning to traveling on foot. With the process being as simple as downloading an app, it can give you a better chance to explore local communities that you would’ve otherwise missed by having a driver.
Furthermore, depending on your destination, public transportation can be one of your best options for travel. It is found that electric trains emit 20-35% fewer carbon emissions than diesel trains. Specifically in Europe, there is the Eurorail. The Eurail is essentially a popular transit system that is only available to non-European residents. The Eurail Pass is a train ticket that you can use to travel across 31 countries by train and sometimes ferry. It’s best to use when traveling long distances and it gives you an unlimited. There are multiple variants for the pass as well as discounts for tourists.
Carbon Offsets
If avoiding flying isn’t an option, consider carbon offsets. Carbon offsets are projects started by individuals to create sustainable energy projects. With a small additional price to your initial ticket, you can help fund these projects worldwide.
Lodging
If you don’t mind sharing your space with a few other people and settling for basic accommodation, hostels are a great way to spend a little less and are more sustainable due to their economical nature. Typically in a hostel, there is communal living and private spaces, where you can meet other adventurous travelers and have a shared social experience. They are also a great option if you are on a budget, ranging from about US$7- $60 a night on average,
Extra bonus points: find hostels that have additional environmental and social practices in place to make your trip a little greener.
How to Pack
Packing is often a helpful yet overlooked tool when it comes to sustainable travel. It’s not just about how you pack, but what you fill. Using reusable toiletries, reusable water bottles, and bamboo straws and utensils are a great alternative to save plastic waste that otherwise wouldn’t decompose for hundreds and thousands of years after being thrown out.
To add to your sustainability collection, pack light. It is best to plan and think about what necessities you will need. Packing for “just in case weather” is a big reason why so many people end up overpacking. For clothes, have outfits put together beforehand; it can be smart to have at least one minimalist clothing item that can be reworn and paired with different styles. This can open up space for ethically made souvenirs and artisan crafts that you might find along the way.
Looking Forward
Fisherman in Sri Lanka. đź“· @jaclynyost
There is no perfect way to reduce carbon emissions on your own ultimately. But it is essential to be mindful of the world in which we live. We often take for granted all the world has to offer and focus on the quickest and most efficient planning ways.
Each year, more and more people are making conscious decisions to travel sustainably. And remember, no matter how small or large that contribution is, it can make a world of difference.
Recommended Sources:
Sustainable Travel Defined- here
Want to Learn More?
Carbon Offsets Explained- here
Millennial Travel Trends- here
Aviation Pollution in Depth- here
meet the author
Raven Perkins Steele
Raven is currently a college student residing in Charlotte, NC. Her interests include traveling and exploring the world through different lenses. Having a passport from before the age of walking has instilled the value of different cultures as a part of her identity. She is passionate about spreading awareness on political and social issues in the United States and abroad.
ecomadic 