Sustainable travel tips

Did you know?

• There was an 87% increase in greenhouse gas emissions from aviation between 1990 and 2006.

• Cruise ship passengers generate 30,000 gallons of human waste and 255,000 gallons of grey water per day.

• One flight from New York to Europe or New York to San Francisco generates 2 to 3 tons of carbon dioxide per person.

• Arctic ice is decreasing at a rate of approximately 13.2% per decade.

• Carbon dioxide levels are currently at the highest level they have been in 650,000 years.

• Over the course of a year, one golf course can consume as much water as what an average of 60,000 rural village inhabitants use for daily necessities.

Tips for being an environmentally responsible travel This is not an exhaustive list, but if you want to reduce the carbon footprint your travel is having, consider these top tips:

Accommodation

• Choose shared accommodation (hostels, Airbnb, Couchsurfing) over hotels

• Before booking, research the reputation of your accommodation

• Take short showers 

• Turn off the lights and electronics before heading out for the day

• Reuse towels by hanging them, rather than leaving them on the floor

• Put the do not disturb sign up when you leave a hotel so they don’t clean every day

Transport

• Book non-stop flights Choose land transport over air transport

• Choose an airline that offers a carbon offset program

• Use public transport to get around, instead of renting a car If you do rent a car, choose a hybrid

Eating

• Choose locally owned restaurants that use local products

• Familiarize yourself with local products and choose local cuisine over imported plates

Packing 

• When flying, pack lightly 

• Bring a refillable water bottle

• Bring along a reusable bag to use instead of plastic

• Bring along eco-friendly products 

Other general tips

• When walking, stay on marked paths

• Don’t touch things off the marked paths 

• Buy local products as souvenirs

• Do not buy products from endangered species 

• When booking a tour, choose tours that use small groups