7 Strategies to Be a More Sustainable Globetrotter

It's only natural to want to see more of the planet you're trying to protect. The only issue you might run into is that most elements of the travel and tourism industry aren't designed to be eco-friendly or sustainable. Until everyone else steps up to the plate, it's up to you to find sustainable workarounds for many of the issues that come with globetrotting. Thankfully, there are plenty of easy steps you can take.

1. Buy Local Goods

If you're buying the same products you buy at home, those goods needed to be shipped to your destination. Instead, buy local goods. Local brands didn't need to travel very far to get to you, and have likely generated less waste in the process. Best of all, you're getting a more authentic experience by enjoying the same things the natives enjoy.

2. Avoid Tourist Traps

Tourist traps are designed to make as much money as possible. While most of that money benefits the local economy, it doesn't necessarily benefit the planet. In order to keep the costs of goods and services as low as possible for travelers, most tourist traps don't use sustainable options to keep their businesses running. It's easy to tour a place without having to act like a tourist. Choose your souvenirs and experiences wisely.

3. Stay Away From The Hotel Industry

The hotel industry uses up a lot of energy and generates a ton of trash. The majority of hotels circulate a lot of single-use products and offer amenities that prioritize a luxury experience, rather than the health of the environment. Instead, try camping in the forest. If you need to be indoors, you can always rent a room from a local.

4. Carefully Interact With Nature

If you love nature, you probably want to spend as much time exploring it as possible. Camping and hiking in a new place is a fulfilling experience, but you need to be sure that you're doing it respectfully. Always keep your campsites clean, and don't disturb the plants. Be careful not to litter - anything you leave behind could harm the wildlife.

5. Bring Your Eco Products With You

Your solar charger, reusable travel bottle, and even your reusable food containers should come with you. If you use them at home, there's no reason you can't use them while you're away. If you need to stop for a quick meal, you can request your food and drinks be served to you in your personal containers, rather than single use disposables.

6. Do Good While You're Away

If you're an animal lover, you can volunteer at a wildlife sanctuary. If environmental cleanup efforts are underway, lend a hand. There are going to be natives that share the same values that you do, and they'll love your help in meeting their goals. You'll get a real sense of the flora and fauna of your destination, and you'll be leaving a positive impact behind.

7. Offset Your Footprint

While you're at your destination, try to use as many eco friendly transportation methods as possible. Rent a bike, or rely on public transit to get where you need to go. If you have to take a plane to where you're going, you can calculate your carbon footprint. Some environmental groups allow travelers to purchase carbon offsets, which mitigate the damage done to the environment by air travel.

As long as you maintain the same environmental consciousness while you're away as you do while you're at home, you're already a more eco friendly traveler than most. Common sense counts for a lot, and it's important to respect every new place you visit the same way you would respect your hometown.

About the author

Sarah Davies is a self-improvement supporter, a blogger and a traveler who enjoys spending her time among people of other cultures. Feel free to follow her on her Twitter: @sarah_davies_au.