(As seen on "The Green Tourist")
If you’re going on a trip soon, how can you be a sustainable traveller? One key way is to make sustainability a habit. Every time you’re about to leave, ask yourself: is this trip sustainable? It’s not always easy to avoid having a negative impact, but if you’re conscious about your actions, you can do your bit to minimise the effect you have on the environment.
Sustainable tourism and travelling have started gaining popularity in recent years. With increased awareness on the topic, more and more people have started to contribute towards sustainability now. Activists and the public have come together on several occasions in order to protest unjustifiable activities or decisions taken by authorities over environmental issues and have also educated the masses about these problems.
What does Sustainable Travel mean?
The term “Sustainable travel” has many definitions, but to sum it up, it refers to sustainable activities that take place in and around the travel industry. “Sustainable tourism is defined by the UN Environment Program and UN World Tourism Organisation as “tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities,” says GSTC. It includes travelling in efficient ways- leaving minimum carbon emissions wherever one goes, supporting local communities and small businesses than buying from big companies and supporting the local culture of the place (where you travel to) and helping in its preservation.
Picture credit: Ekjot Oberoi
How does travelling sustainably help with pollution?
Pollution in different forms and carbon emissions have lingered as a topic of debate in many environment-related discussions. This has resulted in a boost in public awareness and therefore, participation. The travel industry alone accounts for 8% of the world’s total carbon emissions, by virtue of aviation. “The true cost of flying could be far worse than we thought - with two-thirds of the climate impact coming from emissions that aren’t CO2. Alongside this greenhouse gas, aircraft engines emit other elements like nitrous oxides and sulphur dioxide as well as particulates such as soot when fuel is burnt. These all contribute to what is known as the non-CO2 climate impacts.” stated Euronews Green.
“We can only travel sustainably when we stop viewing travel as a means for consumption, and start viewing travel as a means for exchange”, explains Conor Armour in his travel article “What is Sustainable Travel?” (Hidden Lemur, 2022). It is also highlighted that the “triple bottom line” which consists of social, environmental and economic responsibility whilst travelling, is what makes travel sustainable. “More than a compulsion, sustainability should be a priority”, emphasises Atmost, Trippin World.
What would be the best way to ensure that you are being a responsible traveller?
Opt for tour operators who invest in the local communities. The governments in different countries have been promoting small businesses which is not only good for the local economy, but also saves a lot of money and reduces carbon emissions. It also helps in getting closely acquainted with the destination and its locals.
Travel off-season or use other alternatives to flights when possible, as it is budget-friendly and less harsh on the environment. When in a travel destination, use public transport as that will benefit on a personal level, and will also help control over-tourism.
Carry your own reusable and recyclable items such as bottles, cups and cutlery so that there is less waste of plastic and therefore, less pollution in oceans and land.
Book local accommodations for your stay as keeping money aside as a factor, it would also help meet new people and build relationships and connections and in- crease the possibility of learning something new under good guidance.
Opting for green key certification also is an option. “The Green Key award is the leading standard for excellence in the field of environmental responsibility and
sustainable operation within the tourism industry,” mentions Greenkey.
Be a minimalist, try not to carry heavy or large amounts of things. Use products that come in travel sizes and are environmentally conscious. Be aware of the harmful environmental consequences such as littering, minimalism is a way to get hold of it.
Try to eat sustainably. What we consume is very impactful on the environment in many different ways. When travelling, make an effort to have the local food as in that way one can experience the local delicacies and have a new experience.
How will that help?
Industry studies show both, a consumer interest for sustainable travel. Moreover, un- covering an absence of understanding and a need to educate/ teach travellers and industry partners in the action. By associating traveller understanding to the key maintainable travel topics that have been distinguished in a colossal manner, the travel industry organisations have a way to win this struggle against the substantial repercussions.
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