tips for more sustainable travel

it’s no question that travel and tourism has its adverse effects on the environment. air travel alone produces astronomical greenhouse gas emissions that can’t simply be overlooked while travelling. because of this, being mindful of our air travel, flying less, staying longer in one destination, and being conscious of how we can offset these emissions is essential. moreover than just air travel pollution, tourism continues to impact our environment in ways that can unfortunately do more harm then good. but sustainable tourism does not focus on the environment alone, but also how we we can support the local economies, empower the communities we encounter, and help preserve the cultures we come in contact.

sustainability and travel are some of my greatest passions, and as I prepare to travel throughout central america I thought I would compile a list of ways we can incorporate more sustainable practices to be more conscious and have less of a negative impact on the environment and communities we visit while travelling.

reduce and REFUSE plastic

let’s start with the obvious! we are in a day and age where we are well aware of the plastic epidemic we currently live in. by refusing plastic bags, avoiding plastic bottles, bringing your own bags while grocery shopping and looking for alternatives to plastic wrapped items we can drastically reduce the amount of unnecessary plastics. start to monitor your intake of food packaging, to-go containers, takeaway juices, coffees, etc. I know this can be challenging in certain locations - (ie. living in japan last winter where literally everything is wrapped in plastic). but be mindful and do the best you can. continue to recycle and always look for environmental-friendly alternatives.

carry your own bottle/mug/cutlery/straw/bag

along with my first point, carrying these essential daily items will help to greatly reduce plastic waste. think about it - you eat three meals a day and should be drinking multiple bottles of water to stay hydrated. when you’re on the go and probably eating out more, you could be using several sets of disposable cutlery and plastic water bottles in a single day. multiply that by a couple weeks or longer and you have yourself a massive amount of wasted plastic items that could have been so easily avoided.

stay on marked hiking trails

trail markers along hiking paths are there for a reason. stick to the path to avoid harming any native flora and to avoid any critters that may be lurking in the underbrush. don’t get off trail for the perfect ‘insta-shot'. when one person goes off trail it’s easy for others to see and do the same. lead by example, it’s that simple.

support small group and local tour operators that value ecotourism

when choosing to travel with tour operators, do your research. seek out travel businesses that are locally run, do not harm the environment, and where you know the money is going directly back into the local economy to support families in the area. business memberships with organizations like The International Ecotourism Society is a good sign that the local tourism company tries to conduct more responsible and sustainable travel.

eat the local cuisine and shop at local farmers markets

not only is trying the local food such a wonderful way to learn more about the culture, it will also be the more affordable and sustainable option. eating at local, family run restaurants and walking through the different farmers markets is such a fun way of exposing yourself to the area. trying new, exotic local fruits and vegetables is easily one of my favourite parts of travelling. also, by eating the local cuisine you will have a far smaller impact on the environment. think about it, local dishes use the crops and food in the area. you are essentially shortening the supply chain, which includes transportation, energy cost, use of packaging, and ultimately benefits those at the bottom. local foods also provides a platform for community businesses to promote their cuisines to travellers and keeping the money in the community. it also provides a more authentic experience to the traveller. seriously, don’t be the guy who is eating a hamburger while travelling through india!

another piece of sustainability in regards to local cuisine is avoiding meat and dairy. not only will this eliminate your chances of picking up foreign bacterias from improperly cooked meats, but it also promotes lasting health for you and the planet. there are literally endless ways to experience a new country - trying local produce, checking out a museum, going to a concert/show, hiking or art. consuming meat doesn’t need to be one of them. the food we eat has a direct impact on the environment - regardless of where you are.

SUPPORT local and indigenous artisans

when you buy directly from a local artist, not only are you supporting them directly and helping their families, but in many cases you’re helping to preserve their culture. from my own experiences, I have found much richer connections, further understanding and pure enjoyment from going out of my way to connect and support locals crafts and artwork. remember - sustainable travel is not solely about the environment, but also about the local communities and cultures involved as well.

avoid tourism that exploit animals for the sake of tourists

a major example of this is riding elephants, swimming with sharks, or walking with lions. these activities affect the animals habitat and have large negative consequences to the health of the animal. if you are keen on finding ways to connect with animals during your travels look for animal sanctuaries, rehabilitation centres or conservation organizations. with that said, do your research beforehand to ensure the validity of the organization.

stay with locals or small guesthouses and avoid major hotel chains

one of the best ways to travel and integrate into the culture is staying with locals. I understand the option does not always present itself, but when you are able to, seek out forms of accommodation that are with locals or support the local economy. there are various forms of home stays, couch surfing or warm showers (similar to couchsurfing for cyclists), and many other options you can try. other good option is looking for small locally operated guesthouses. both these options provide a greater insight, understanding and appreciation of the culture. unfortunately, speaking of the large hotel chains, often times the money goes outside of the country and these larger corporations are more prone to having a negative carbon footprint.

try to limit your carbon footprint on transportation once you’ve arrived at your destination

when visiting a city, one of the best ways to get to know a place is walking the streets. not only does this provide daily exercise and fresh air, it also gives a great opportunity to find hidden gems you wouldn’t otherwise see in a vehicle. it also allows for more engaging and deeper connections with locals you may meet along the way. another great option is looking to rent a bike - one of my favourite ways to explore a new place! many hostels have cheap bikes for rent or you can pop into the local tourism office to see if any bike shops have rentals. if you need to travel further, prioritize public transportation like busses or trains. these environmentally friendly modes of transportation usually means you will spend less money and have more opportunity for genuine encounters with the local community.

seek cultural activities that are run by locals

whether it’s a cooking class, dance lesson, weaving, art, or a language lesson. engaging and learning about a destinations local customs, culture, and traditions is a fantastic way to support local community initiatives and build a high level of respect and regard for these places. when we take the time to truly understand and appreciate other cultures around the globe, it creates a connective shift in our focus to care for and sustain its people, culture, and environment. this is also a fantastic way to ensure the money you spend while travelling goes directly back to the local community and their families instead of leaking out

so there you have it - a few little travel tips to take greater environmental action, support local communities, and be more conscious of the planet when you are trotting the globe. have any other suggestions or ways to travel more sustainably? reach out, I would love to continue having the conversation!

seriously, sustainable travel is so fun. immerse yourself in the culture. act like a local. become a participant instead of just an observer. step outside your comfort zone. open yourself up to new opportunities. sincerely connect with the local communities. explore different traditions and ways of life. conscious consideration and proper care for the environment, culture, and communities can definitely be incorporated into how we travel when we make it a priority, educate ourselves, and do so with mindful and loving-awareness.

it is possible to see the world and simultaneously save it too.