Many of us are more aware of our carbon footprint than ever before. However, while many of us are willing to make changes to our fashion choices and consumption habits, few people consider the environmental impact that their vacations are having. The tourism industry is responsible for 8% of global carbon emissions, making it a worse offender than many industrial and agricultural sectors.
Before you start thinking about tearing up your passport, there are many other ways you rethink your vacation plans and commit to eco-friendly travel. From choosing environmentally friendly tour operators to choosing brands that invest in carbon offset initiatives, it’s easier than you think to become a green traveler.
6 Practical Tips to Become an Eco-Friendly Traveler
Keen to embrace the spirit of sustainable tourism? With just a handful of changes to the way you travel, you can dramatically curb your carbon footprint and do your bit to protect the planet.
1. Pre-Shop for Eco-Friendly Travel Items
If you’re already thinking green, this shouldn’t prove too much of a challenge. Apply the same mindset when stocking up on travel products as you would when buying things for your usual routine.
Need to replenish your wardrobe? Shop from sustainable brands that use organic materials. Fair Trade certification is a good indicator you’re dealing with a brand with genuine green credentials.
When it comes to toiletries, think about switching it up a little. Instead of taking a bottle of shampoo with you, opt for a shampoo bar instead. They’re incredibly long-lasting, plus you don’t have to worry about plastic packaging. Need a new toothbrush? If you don’t feel like taking your electric one with you, go for a bamboo one instead.
Looking forward to a week spent on the beach? Consider the sunscreen and aftersun products you usually use. Some of these contain harmful chemicals that can pollute ocean waters and damage marine life. Look for reef-friendly products that don’t contain toxic chemicals like oxybenzone. Need something to soothe the aftereffects of sunburn? All-natural ingredients like aloe vera are effective and eco-friendly.
2. Use Efficient Modes of Transportation
Sometimes, boarding a plane is unavoidable. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t take steps to commit to responsible travel. Rather than drive to the airport or take a cab, think about using public transport instead. This isn’t always practical if your flight is leaving in the middle of the night or traveling with younger children, but it shouldn’t cause any issues for the solo traveler.
Once you’ve arrived at your vacation destination, stick to trains and buses whenever possible. As well as saving you a small fortune on cab fares, you’ll be contributing to the local economy.
Vacationing closer to home or planning a cross-country road trip? Forget about the usual gas guzzlers and hire an eco-friendly electric car instead. To make sure you’re not caught short in the middle of nowhere, keep an eye on those battery reserves and do your homework so you know exactly how far away you are from the next EV charging point.
3. Avoid Single-Use Plastics
Plastic pollution is becoming a serious problem. It’s thought as many as 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic are in our oceans alone. You can help tackle the problem by avoiding plastic packaging when shopping for travel essentials. Are you taking toiletries with you? Decant your go-to lotions and bathroom staples into reusable bottles. Like to stay hydrated? Rather than spend on dozens of plastic bottles during your trip, invest in a high-quality reusable water bottle.
If you need to stock up on the basics before you fly, head to your nearest refill shop, rather than buy giant-sized supplies in plastic bottles you’re likely to throw in the garbage. While some countries are pretty strict when it comes to recycling, few hotels make it easy for travelers.
You should also take a few reusable bags with you. You’ll make a saving by not having to purchase plastic bags abroad, while a heavy-duty tote can be used for everything from shopping for souvenirs to storing supplies for a trip to the beach.
4. Power in Numbers
The number of sustainable tourists is rising. The majority of travelers want to reduce their footprint during their trip, but unless everyone is taking a green initiative, it’s a drop in the ocean. If you can’t avoid flying to a destination, think about paying to offset your carbon footprint. However, don’t feel too guilty about boarding a flight for a dream escape. That annual getaway isn’t contributing that much to CO2 emissions. In fact, half of all aviation emissions are caused by just 1% of flyers.
As well as making greener choices when you travel, you can spread the message of sustainability to friends and family. Discovered an eco-friendly brand that offers all those travel essentials? Let your loved ones know. Happened upon an environmentally friendly resort? Don’t forget to share recommendations and travel tips with your nearest and dearest.
5. Unplug Your Home
Before heading off on a long-overdue vacation, make sure you’re switching off or unplugging anything around the home that doesn’t need to be on. As well as reducing unnecessary carbon emissions, you’ll be making a saving on your next energy bill.
Unless it’s the middle of winter, you won’t have to leave your heating running. If you are traveling during the colder months, use your thermostat to ensure you’re not heading your home to balmy levels. Televisions, computers, and other electronics can all be switched off. Many so-called vampire appliances continue to sap electricity, even when turned off. To play it safe, unplug them from the main power supply.
You need to be a bit more careful in the kitchen. While appliances like coffee makers, washing machines, and microwaves can all be turned off and unplugged, you’ll need to keep your freezer and refrigerator running. Anything that runs on a timer should also be left on.
You might also want to switch off the router for your home Wi-Fi network. However, if you’re leaving any smart home appliances switched on, turning off the broadband will render them useless. Do you want to keep a home security system running while you’re away? You’ll need to leave your router online.
If you live in an older property, it might also be worth turning off your water supply. Leaky pipes often go unnoticed until they become a major issue. The last thing you want to return home to is an unsightly water stain on a downstairs ceiling.
6. Don’t Forget Your Eco-Friendly Hulken Bag
It’s all well and good planning for sustainable travel, but without a decent bag at your disposal, those vacation plans can fall flat. With the Hulken, you have a heavy-duty tote that’s ready for any adventure.
Made from high-quality materials and boasting a sturdy construction, the Hulken bag is built to last. Whether you’re looking for a versatile carry-on bag for long-haul flights or need a hard-wearing companion for overlanding excursions, the Hulken is the perfect choice.
Can the Hulken Be Used as a Travel Bag?
The Hulken rolling tote makes getting around easier than ever. Perfect for vacations, this user-friendly bag takes all the effort out of packing and provides secure storage for those travel essentials. Despite its lightweight design, the Hulken can carry loads of up to 66 lb (around 30 kilograms) comfortably. Even if you’ve stuffed your Hulken with enough items for a week-long trip, you’ll have no trouble carting your cargo to and from the car, through the airport, or along busy streets.
The stainless steel wheels make it particularly flexible. These durable wheels cope well on most surfaces, even if you’re traversing cracked sidewalks or uneven cobbles. Unbreakable grab handles make it even more convenient, meaning you don’t have to worry about your vacation essentials spilling out at the worst possible time.
The Hulken is your perfect travel bag with wheels, but also wheeled tote for work, shopping bag with wheels, foldable laundry basket, and foldable grocery bag with wheels. Opportunities are endless.
What Are the Benefits of Eco-Friendly Traveling?
Green tourism is enjoying a boom time. While travelers can take comfort in the fact that they’re doing their bit for the planet, the ecotourism sector has many other benefits.
For starters, many green tour operators are heavily involved in wildlife conservation. Travelers can encounter endangered species in their native habitat, without causing any undue stress to the animals or damaging the habitats they depend on.
If you’re serious about eco-friendly traveling, you should also be aiming to buy local. Whether you’re heading off for a city break or exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, shopping locally means you’re supporting communities and economies.
The 5 Best Eco-Friendly Destinations
Even if flying is your only travel option, you can offset your carbon emissions by choosing an eco-friendly destination. Need some inspiration? We’ve picked out 5 of the best for you to consider.
1. Costa Rica
Costa Rica leads the way when it comes to green travel and sustainability. This Central American country gets more than 90% of its electricity from renewable sources. What’s more, more than 30% of Costa Rica is designated as protected land. It’s one of the most biologically diverse countries on the planet, with no less than 26 national parks waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re looking to spend a weekend in the capital city of San Jose or want to explore the many nature reserves and forested areas of this enchanting country, you can do so knowing your carbon footprint is as close to zero as possible.
2. New Zealand
While getting to New Zealand will incur some air miles, there’s no denying this is one of the most eco-friendly destinations in the world. More than a fifth of the country is taken up by national parks, wildlife reserves, and protected forests. There are more than a dozen national parks scattered between New Zealand’s North and South Islands. This country doesn’t just aim to keep tourism sustainable, it’s actively involved in regenerative travel. In other words, the aim is to leave popular tourist sites in a better condition than they were before being visited.
3. Singapore
Despite being a relatively small island nation, Singapore has emerged as one of the healthiest economies on the planet. While it lacks much in the way of natural resources, Singapore has become one of the greenest cities around. Energy efficiency and resource management are key to Singapore’s success story. Walk through any urban environment in Singapore and you’ll be able to marvel at the city’s green credentials. Promoting biodiversity isn’t just encouraged here, it’s mandated. The capital itself is considered a garden city and is regularly voted one of the most liveable places on Earth. In recent years, new tree-planting initiatives have been introduced to restore Singapore’s mangrove forests. What’s more, with 300 national parks on the island, ecotourism has become a significant revenue stream.
4. Iceland
Here’s another island that’s been getting eco-friendly tourism right for years. Iceland’s ecosystem is particularly fragile, so the Icelandic government has taken steps to promote sustainability in recent years. By 2030, Iceland aims to reduce its carbon emissions by 55%. By 2040, the country aims to be carbon neutral. Many corners of the country are home to endangered species like the Atlantic puffin. Meanwhile, several coastal communities are at risk thanks to climate change. Travelers to Iceland are encouraged to support carbon offsetting and invest in climate-fighting technologies, such as carbon capture and storage initiatives.
5. San Francisco, USA
San Francisco is one of the most eco-friendly cities in the United States. The local transit system, the Muni, is one of the greenest you’ll find anywhere in the western hemisphere. Made up of light rail, hybrid buses, and San Fran’s iconic trolleys, it’s easy to get from A to B without generating much in the way of CO2. There’s also plenty of open space here. Golden Gate Park provides the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Meanwhile, this coastal city lies close to natural attractions like Lands End Lookout and Muir Woods. Looking to venture further afield? There’s always Yosemite National Park.
Start Planning a Sustainable Getaway Today
Ready to rethink your approach to travel? Being greener has never been easier. Before you head out, make sure you’re stocked up on eco-friendly travel essentials. If you need to shop for clothing, make the right choice with sustainable brands. In the market for travel toiletries? Opt for all-natural ingredients and choose plastic-free packaging whenever possible.
Once you’ve arrived at your destination, make eco-friendly choices whenever you can. Avoid international retailers and shop locally to support communities. Can’t face the trek to the other side of town? Instead of hailing down a cab, make use of inexpensive and efficient public transport instead.
Oh, and you’ll need a good bag to take with you. With the Hulken, you have a high-quality and hard-wearing rolling tote that will serve you well for years to come. Explore the full Hulken range online today.
