Travel Sustainably | How to Make a Positive Impact on Your Next Adventure

As more travelers become aware of their environmental impact, sustainable travel is growing in importance. The choices we make on our adventures—from the accommodations we stay in to the products we bring along—can either help or harm the destinations we visit. Sustainable travel is about making mindful decisions to minimize our ecological footprint, support local economies, and respect the natural and cultural heritage of each place. If you’re eager to explore the world while making a positive impact, here are some practical tips to guide your next sustainable adventure.

Photo by Myles Tan

Choose Eco-Friendly Accommodations

One of the most effective ways to reduce your environmental footprint while traveling is by choosing eco-friendly accommodations. Today, many hotels and hostels are adopting environmentally responsible practices, from conserving water and reducing energy consumption to using locally sourced, sustainable materials. Here’s how to identify and support these green establishments:

• Look for Certifications: Many eco-friendly hotels are certified by organizations such as Green Key, LEED, or EarthCheck, which hold accommodations to high environmental standards. These certifications signify a commitment to sustainable practices, such as energy efficiency, waste reduction, and water conservation.

• Opt for Accommodations with Green Initiatives: Hotels committed to sustainability often have specific green programs in place, such as recycling initiatives, organic toiletries, and low-flow showerheads. Some establishments even use renewable energy sources, like solar panels or wind turbines, to power their facilities. Researching hotels’ sustainability efforts before booking can help you select an option aligned with your eco-friendly values.

• Consider Alternative Lodging: If traditional hotels don’t fit your sustainable travel goals, consider staying in eco-lodges, campgrounds, or locally-owned guesthouses. These alternatives often have a smaller environmental footprint and support local communities directly. Many eco-lodges are designed to blend with their natural surroundings, reducing their impact on the local ecosystem and promoting a close connection to nature.

  
  

Support Local Businesses

Supporting local businesses is a powerful way to make a positive impact on the economy of the places you visit. From dining at local restaurants to purchasing souvenirs from local artisans, small choices make a big difference in helping communities thrive. Here’s how to make sure your spending directly benefits the local people:

• Shop Locally: Instead of buying mass-produced souvenirs, look for handmade crafts and products created by local artisans. This not only provides you with unique, meaningful items but also helps preserve traditional crafts and generates income for the locals. Markets, craft fairs, and community shops are excellent places to find authentic, one-of-a-kind items.

• Dine at Local Restaurants: Avoid chain restaurants whenever possible and instead opt for family-owned eateries or food stalls. Trying the local cuisine is a significant part of the travel experience, and by supporting local establishments, you contribute to the community and enjoy authentic flavors. Many regions also have farm-to-table options that support local agriculture, reduce food miles, and give you a taste of the freshest produce.

• Book Local Guides and Tours: Instead of booking with large, international tour operators, choose local tour guides and small businesses. These guides often have a deep knowledge of the area’s history, culture, and ecology, offering a richer, more authentic experience. Small tour operators tend to follow ethical and sustainable practices that respect the environment and local traditions, allowing you to have an immersive experience while directly supporting local families and businesses.

  
  

Minimize Waste and Use Reusable Products

Reducing waste is an essential part of sustainable travel. Every piece of plastic or non-biodegradable item brought to a destination contributes to pollution and harms the local environment. To minimize waste while traveling, adopt reusable and eco-friendly alternatives to common travel essentials.

• Carry Reusable Products: Bring a reusable water bottle, utensils, coffee cup, and shopping bag. These items significantly reduce the amount of single-use plastic waste generated during your trip. Many hotels and hostels now offer water refill stations, allowing you to refill your bottle instead of purchasing disposable plastic bottles.

• Avoid Single-Use Plastics: Whenever possible, refuse plastic straws, cutlery, and bags. If you’re dining at take-out places, let them know you don’t need plastic cutlery or napkins. Also, consider bringing your own toiletries in reusable containers to avoid using disposable mini-bottles provided by hotels.

• Recycle and Dispose of Waste Responsibly: Some destinations may lack robust waste management systems, so do your part by recycling when possible. If there’s no recycling option, try to pack out any non-biodegradable waste you produce. Some travelers even bring a small “trash bag” to collect litter they come across, helping to keep destinations clean for future visitors.

  
  

Embrace Sustainable Transportation Options

How you choose to travel from one destination to another plays a significant role in your environmental footprint. Sustainable transportation options include taking trains, buses, or biking, which often generate fewer emissions than flying or driving.

• Opt for Public Transport and Walking: Whenever possible, take public transportation or walk to explore local attractions. Not only does this reduce carbon emissions, but it also allows you to experience a destination more fully. Walking and biking also provide a slower pace of travel, giving you more opportunities to interact with locals and explore lesser-known spots.

• Limit Air Travel and Choose Direct Flights: Flights contribute to greenhouse gas emissions significantly, so try to minimize air travel or choose airlines that offset their emissions. If flying is unavoidable, choosing direct flights helps reduce emissions, as takeoffs and landings are the most fuel-intensive parts of any flight.

Sustainable travel is about making conscious choices that allow us to explore the world responsibly, with a positive impact on both the environment and the communities we visit. By choosing eco-friendly accommodations, supporting local businesses, and minimizing waste, we can reduce our footprint and contribute to the well-being of the destinations we cherish. Sustainable travel offers a richer, more meaningful experience, as it connects us to the world in a way that’s respectful and lasting. So, on your next adventure, remember that every small choice counts—and together, these choices create a world where travel is both enjoyable and sustainable for generations to come.