Updated: April 8, 2024
Minimize waste and avoid single-use plastic.
Bring a reusable water bottle for destinations that offer drinkable tap water. Pack a reusable shopping bag and consider packing a reusable straw and utensils. Avoid products with excessive packaging and dispose of waste properly, following local recycling and composting guidelines.
Limit your laundry.
Hotels and resorts are notorious water wasters. Use your bathroom towels multiple times. Request less linen changes throughout your stay and if you are on a longer trip, consider bringing clothes that are reusable and versatile – and can be washed or rinsed in the bathroom sink for a refresh.
Be responsible with your choice of sunscreen and toiletries.
Don’t pack just any sunscreen. Hawaii and other areas have banned specific sunscreens that contain oxybenzone and octinoxate. These two chemicals are harmful to coral and can cause coral bleaching. Look into what goes into your sunscreen prior to taking a dip in those beautiful warm waters – sunscreen labelling as ‘reef safe’ is unregulated – so search reviews/ingredients prior to purchasing (look for a natural, biodegradable brand that does not include oxybenzone and octinaxate).
Instead of stocking up on travel sized toiletries – purchase a refillable/reusable toiletry case that offers the ability to use your own toiletries from home (look for biodegradable products).
Choose your wildlife experiences carefully.
Seeking animal encounters on your travels can be an unforgettable experience. Focus on experiences where you get to observe the animals in their natural habitat – if visiting a wildlife facility, check their international certifications, if they are working with any wildlife organizations and whether they promote animal welfare policies.
Travel during the off-season.
Not only can travelling during off-season result in saving a bit of money – one of the biggest perks to travelling during this time is less crowds. Off-season timing will vary depending on the location so plan accordingly. Travelling to destinations during less touristy times will support local businesses and contribute to their ability to sustain themselves year-round.
Choose a tour operator or travel agency that supports social enterprise and gives back.
Choose a sustainability-conscious operator that supports social enterprise, local businesses, and communities, both at home and abroad. This helps to give back to local communities and ensures that the places you visit benefit directly from tourism. When you’re in a destination, supporting local, independent businesses helps to keep your dollars supporting the local economy.
Minimize your footprint.
Leave No Trace: Leave natural and cultural sites as you found them by staying on designated trails, refraining from littering, and avoiding damaging flora and fauna.
Consider offsetting your travel carbon emissions. Through Sustainable Travel International’s carbon offsetting program, you can contribute to initiatives that also benefit local communities, protect threatened forests, regenerate degraded ecosystems, and accelerate the clean energy transition. By conserving critical wildlife habitats, many carbon offset projects also prevent biodiversity loss and safeguard endangered wildlife species.
Calculate your estimated travel emissions and find out more by visiting: https://ellisontravel.com/calculate-your-carbon-footprint/
