With 2018 quickly approaching, plenty of Kiwis will be flirting with the idea of travel in the New Year. While we’re always up for an adventure, very few people stop to think about the environmental impact of their trip. From global CO2 emissions to local landfill, here are easy ways to evolve as an eco-conscious traveller in 2018.
Be smart about water
Did you know that the average person sips through around 170 plastic water bottles a year? Throw travel into the mix and this number can soar. Unsurprisingly, the countries that consumer the most plastic water bottles also have poor water quality. While this can make bottled water seem essential, it’s not. Many hotels offer free water canisters in the lobby, and you’ll find plenty of refill stations scattered across South East Asian cities. All you need to do is remember to pack your reusable water bottle. If you really want to take your plastic crusade to the next level, consider investing in smart technology like a SteriPEN or LifeStraw water bottle.
Stay close to home
While there’s something magical about whisking yourself away to an exotic destination, the environmental impact is enormous. The average plane produces over 53 pounds of carbon dioxide per mile, which means for every hour in the air a Boeing 747 belches out over 30 tonnes of CO2. This means that a seven-hour flight equates to driving an average car for 356 days non-stop. With so many incredible destinations to explore in New Zealand why not opt for an adventure in your own backyard? Or, if you want to minimise your eco-footprint consider offsetting your emissions with platforms like myClimate.
Choose eco-friendly accommodation
Whether you’re escaping to the Costa Rican jungle or booking a hotel in midtown Manhattan, you can always look for hotels with eco-friendly credentials. While off-the-grid eco lodges are the ultimate way to minimise your travel footprint, you’ll also find environmentally conscious urban hotels across the globe. For example, right now we love Eco Villa in Christchurch. Set in the heart of the city, the boutique hotel proves that eco-friendly can be on trend. Across the pond, hotels like the Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas are proving that eco-credentials and luxury can go hand in hand. Thanks to an innovative design the hotel’s facade blocks heat and maximises natural light. The entire establishment is fitted with compact fluorescent light bulbs, the furnishings are toxin-free and the inhouse sushi bar champions sustainable fish.
Consider cruising
While in the past cruising has harboured a bit of a dirty reputation, today’s lines are more environmentally friendly than ever. Sustainable sea travel is gaining momentum, and lines like Windstar Cruises are spearheading the movement. Powered by both sails and engines, they reduce fuel use while whisking passengers to deserted Caribbean islands, rugged Alaskan fjords, sun-drenched Mediterranean ports and beyond. Even on mainstream cruise lines you’ll find an increased focus on eco-friendly, sustainable practices.
Use local transport
Another easy way to minimise your travel footprint is to rethink the way you get around a destination. Rather than opt for a taxi why not learn to navigate the local public transport system, or even better take advantage of bikeshare programmes.
Embrace eco-tourism
Being an environmentally conscious traveller means choosing your activities wisely. While touring island on a motorised yacht may seem like a luxurious experience, the reality is that the engine is plaguing the ocean with both CO2 emissions and noise pollution. Instead, opting for a kayaking tour or sailing trip is a much more responsible choice.
Stay on top of recycling
At home it’s easy to stay on top of your recycling habits. But throw travelling into the mix and your efforts can crumble. While it may seem like a chore, making an effort to recycle while you’re travelling is an important part of becoming an eco-friendly traveller.
Give back
From volunteering at an orangutan sanctuary to organising your own beach clean-up, think of ways you can give back to the environment while travelling. From big commitments to small gestures, all it takes is a little creativity.
Be aware of your souvenirs
While tortoise-shell jewellery and colourful corals can be tempting, be sure to think twice about what souvenirs you buy. The same goes for controversial elephant parks in Thailand, posing with chained tigers, visiting subpar zoos and so on. Often there’ll be disclaimers in your guide book so do a little research and make sure you’re not contributing to an industry that’s harming the local ecosystem.
Buy eco-friendly travel products
Hitting the beach? Did you know that the chemicals in sunscreen can have a negative impact on local marine ecosystems? If you really want to take your eco-credentials to the next level it’s worth upgrading to biodegradable, coral safe sunscreen. Right now we love the offerings from New Zealand based brand Aloe Up.
Travel can be incredibly rewarding, but without the right approach it’s all too easy to become a burden on Mother Nature. So as you’re planning your 2018 getaway dedicate a little time to giving it an eco-friendly edge. Not only will you be helping to minimise your environmental footprint on local communities and ecosystems, but you’ll also be protecting the planet for future generations. And there’s nothing more important than that.
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