The past five years have been the hottest on record globally. If the melting ice caps cause sea levels to rise even a few meters, it will wipe out every beach in the world. So, travel in the most Earth-friendly way to save the planet and save yourself a pretty penny. Here are seven simple ways to travel green:
1. Limit the use of air conditioning
This may come as a surprise, but limiting the use of air conditioning is rule number one of green travel. The energy consumption of air conditioning is huge, accounting for more than 1/5 of the total energy used in buildings worldwide. Not only that, the gases used for air conditioning are also extremely harmful to the environment.
So try to find older buildings with high ceilings, ceiling fans, open windows, and if possible, a courtyard. When you are in the car, roll down the windows instead of turning on the air conditioning. But if you still have to use the air conditioning, try not to set the temperature too low and never leave the air conditioning running when you are out of the room/car.
2. Fly less
According to a new study published in the European Geosciences Union journal Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, the negative impact of aircraft emissions on global temperatures will triple by 2050. The exhaust from aircraft jet engines condenses and freezes water droplets, causing them to accumulate and create a “heat-trapping” effect that warms the ground. So, while it may not be easy, seriously consider alternatives to air travel, such as taking the train or electric car.
3. Stay at a homestay
Homestays are becoming more and more popular and preferred by many travelers. With websites like Couchsurfing.com, Airbnb and HomeAway, you can freely choose homestays with full facilities and suitable for your criteria. Moreover, when staying at a homestay, you will not have to worry about contributing to the industrial processes that take place in large hotels that have a significant impact on the environment, including overusing air conditioning, wasting food or washing a huge amount of clothes and bedding.
4. Cook for yourself
Cooking for yourself not only saves you money, but it’s also better for the environment than eating out every day. So, visit your local market or convenience store to buy fresh ingredients and prepare your own meals. For example, you could make a simple sandwich for lunch, or eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. That way, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint (CO2every person born can have a harmful impact on the environment).
5. Use public transport
Most major cities in the world have a pretty good public transport system, and travelling by public transport will always be cheaper than taking a taxi or renting a private car.
Some people find public transport too stressful, but in reality it is both cheaper than taking a taxi and easier than driving. Driving involves navigating unfamiliar roads (sometimes on the wrong side of the road), staying out of bus lanes, avoiding intersections and going down one-way streets, and finding parking is not only difficult but also quite expensive.
6. Recycle
If you're diligent about recycling at home, don't just throw everything in the trash because you "don't understand the recycling system" abroad.
Keep your cans and glass bottles with you until you find a dedicated recycling bin – most major cities have separate bins everywhere. Before booking your accommodation, check to see if they offer recycling facilities.
Most importantly, never litter. It shows lack of care and respect, and your rubbish can potentially enter the water system and harm marine life.
7. Say no to plastic
The overuse of plastic has a serious impact on our oceans and marine life, even our own food chain.
It is estimated that if plastic waste is not reduced, by 2050 the oceans will have more plastic waste than fish. Therefore, when you travel, refuse all types of plastic utensils from straws, plastic bags to disposable cutlery. It is best to bring your own cloth bags, stainless steel cups or reusable cups that can hold both hot and cold drinks.
