Part II: Road or air—Eco-friendly tips for getting there.
Whether you head out on the open road or kick back for a plane ride across the skies, journey gently with these environmentally-friendly tips for getting to your destination and during your stay.
(And in case you missed it, check out Part I: Sustainable travel tips for preparing to leave in this two-part series.)
Traveling by Car
Mapping out an efficient route, minimizing your vehicle's idling time and maintaining the speed limit are all good ways to get the most out of your fuel. Here are a few other road trip pointers:
Service your car. A little preventative maintenance can go a long way in helping your vehicle run more efficiently. Check the oil and tire pressure prior to your trip and change out any dirty air filters.
Avoid fast food and takeout. Though both are convenient, food packaged to go often produces a lot of unnecessary waste. In addition to packing snacks for the car, when it’s time to break for meals consider dining in at locally-owned restaurants on the route. Not only will you avoid a lot of single-use packaging, but you’ll also be supporting local producers and will likely have better access to healthy options.
Leave no trace. One of the best parts of a road trip is being able to stop to enjoy the outdoors or an unexpected roadside attraction, but remember to be mindful of your footprints. Stick to designated paths or trails, don’t disturb wildlife, leave nature as you found it and pick up any trash you bring with you. Though it may be new scenery to you, to the local biodiversity it's home.
Traveling by Plane
The air travel industry faces a lot of hurdles when it comes to sustainability, but as passengers there are a few ways we can help to mitigate our own impacts:
Travel direct flight. Though it’s not always possible to take a direct flight due to budget or airport routing, doing so can significantly help to reduce your carbon footprint. Direct flights mean less carbon emissions from fuel—not to mention the perks of a lower-hassle traveling experience.
Book economy seating. If you’re used to traveling economy, you’ve probably passed through first or business class with eyes of envy at some point—but your trip in the back of the plane actually comes with a greater environmental advantage. The International Council on Clean Transportation estimates that premium seating in business or first class accounts for nearly 20% of CO2 emissions caused from commercial aviation. Economy seating results in lower carbon emissions per traveler because it enables space for more passengers per flight.
Opt for mobile boarding passes. There are valuable reasons to print a boarding pass, but if you have a smartphone and you are comfortable using it, mobile boarding passes are a convenient way to keep track of your tickets, streamline the boarding process and reduce paper waste and printing resources.
Sustainability When You Stay
Eco-lodging is a growing trend, and a good one to explore as you book your next trip. Look for hotels/rental spaces working to prioritize sustainability in their daily operations through water- and energy-efficiency measures, waste reduction, dining practices, recycling efforts and more.
These are some ways to remember to be a mindful guest and tourist:
Conserve energy. You probably wouldn't leave every light on in the house when you are home, so remember to apply the same mindset when lodging somewhere else. Turn off lamps and overhead lighting when you leave your space, and adjust the thermostat to a moderate temperature until you return.
Reuse linens. A lot of water use goes into laundering towels and bed linens. If possible, deny daily room service and only wash items as needed.
Pick destinations that are easy to get around. When you arrive at your destination, there are a lot of benefits to traveling by foot or bike beyond lessening vehicle pollution. Along with being kinder to the environment, it’s good for your health, helpful to your wallet and easier to explore new corners of your destination.
Rethink souvenirs. Choose mementos thoughtfully by spending your tourist dollars in a meaningful way. Avoid mass-produced trinkets made from non-sustainable materials, items that contribute to the unethical treatment of wildlife (such as coral jewelry, animals skins, furs or ivory) or purchasing clothing you know you’ll never wear again. Seek artisan products that supports people in the local economy, or consider making memories through new cuisine or recreational experiences.
Stay awhile! According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, 8-10% of global carbon emissions are due to travel and tourism, largely caused by traveling to and from destinations. When you have the opportunity to take a trip, take the time to really enjoy it. When you do, you will be nurturing your own well-being and the planet while you're at it.
—Jill Span Hofbauer
Sources:
"CO2 Emissions from Commercial Aviation 2013, 2018, and 2019."October 2020. The International Council on Clean Transportation. https://theicct.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/CO2-commercial-aviation-oct2020.pdf
"A Net Zero Roadmap for Travel & Tourism." November 2021. World Travel & Tourism Council. https://wttc.org/Portals/0/Documents/Reports/2021/WTTC_Net_Zero_Roadmap.pdf
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