Eight Ways To Travel Eco-Friendly and Go Green

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Imagine plastic waste over lush green landscapes. Imagine a rainy start to your day which was supposed to be a pleasant morning in your favorite destination. Imagine being greeted with garbage instead of the natural essence of that particular destination. Devastating, right? While just the thought of it is disturbing, imagine having to watch your favorite destinations lose their natural beauty just because humanity failed to practice few precautions to keep them clean, hygienic and still beautiful.

The entire idea of travelling and exploring depends upon the effortless elegance of nature and the selfless bounty of Mother Earth. It is this rustic depth and magic that pleases us and convinces us to lead fuller and meaningful lives. While it is difficult to save the planet and bring change overnight, a step in that direction is definitely the need of this hour.

Check out these eight ways in which you can not just travel but also take charge and responsibility of nature.

#1 Carry Your Own Reusable Bottle

You probably cannot use “I love to travel” and “plastic” in the same sentence for plastic is not nature’s best friend. While you march your way picking up experiences and exploring, make sure you stay hydrated and carry your very own reusable bottle. Use and throw paper cups are still fine due to their biodegradability quotient but plastic bottles are a big no. Hard plastic or steel water bottles can be used for years together, minimize waste and can be refilled and reused time and again thus not only saving money but also saving the environment.

Also, avoid using plastic straws and cutlery. Like it goes, it’s the little things that matter.

#2 Don’t Forget To Turn Off Your Lights When You Leave The Room

When it comes to working towards saving the planet, one day at a time, leaving a lower carbon footprint is of crucial importance. All you have to do is get responsible, be alert and check your rooms before you leave for a new adventure. Check the A.C., the lights, the geyser and unplug any other appliances in your room. No matter how wonderful/funky the bathrooms/washrooms are, remember that wasting water is a big no-no. Take shorter showers, do not leave the tap running whilst brushing and check the taps before you leave.

#3 Travel Local

Long drives and chauffeured cars will not do justice to the place you’re traveling to and planning to explore. Go local! Take the bus or pedal your way to spots located in close proximity. Use the train and rejuvenate yourselves as mesmerizing landscapes sweep through. Traveling local also gives you an opportunity to interact with the locals which ultimately gives you a deeper insight and a sneak peek into the lives people lead in that destination.

So, save, make wise choices, explore to your heart’s content and save the planet!

#4 Eat Local

Another effective way to reduce your carbon footprint is by treating your taste buds with the authentic delicacies of your destination. By doing this, you are not only tasting the essence of that region, but are also supporting the farmers therein. The best thing about this alternative is that you can live the place just like a local bringing along its significance. Also, local food is much lighter on your pocket and will treat your hunger pangs with variety.

#5 Bring Your Own Toiletries

Did you know that most hotels dispose millions of bottles every year right after the customer has used it once or twice? That is too much of waste. Cut out on the same by bringing your own toiletries and refilling and reusing them for all your trips. Even if the bottles that you might be using are not recyclable, use them for a longer period of time to minimize the waste in your own little way.

#6 Take Shorter Showers

Elaborating on what was just mentioned in #2, shorter showers will save not just your time, but also water (obviously!). Keep the flow of the shower low, that is, not unnecessarily high. Small steps like these can help greatly and evolving a habit out of it will enhance your sense of responsibility towards your destination as well as the planet.

#7 Carry A Garbage Bag and Dispose Off The Waste In A Proper Dustbin

The space a garbage bag will occupy in your backpack is negligible. While you plan on going local (now that we want to be responsible travelers), generation of garbage is quite obvious. Tissues, paper cups, wrappers and anything plastic that you can’t avoid can all be collected in a single garbage bag which can then be disposed at the end of the day in a proper bin or in your hotel room.

You wouldn’t want to litter around streets/valleys/alleys you loved and clicked pictures in!

#8 Use Towels Instead of Tissues

A hand towel that you brought from home can be useful in saving the planet in unimaginable ways. For quick hand washing, use a sanitizer. Use towels as and when required and make sure the use of tissues is minimal and that the used tissues are disposed in their rightful place – the bin! You can get the towels washed by the hotel’s laundry service and off you go the next day, exploring, traveling and again, saving the planet!

Small yet necessary precautions/preventive measures and spreading the word about the same can help greatly in making your holidays eco-friendly and preserving the nature we’re so much in love with.

SOTC