Ways to go green
carbon footprint, here are some key resolutions to follow.
Holiday in eco-friendly destinations
If the world’s your oyster, choose a holiday destination known for its sustainable tourism practices.
Many Scandinavian countries are leaders in this field. According to the Global Destination Sustainability Index, Swedish city Gothenburg is the world’s most sustainable destination – approximately 95% of its public transport runs on renewables.
Sustainable Journeys (sustainablejourneys.co.uk), who curate trips according to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation’s definition of sustainable tourism, have a 14-day Low Carbon Grand Tour of West Sweden.
Book through an altruistic operator
Money isn’t the only motivation for running a business.
Many tour operators have charitable arms focused on giving back to projects.
Ramble Worldwide (rambleworldwide.co.uk), which offers walking holidays, has a wholly charitable ethos. With no shareholders, company profits are channelled into their Charitable Trust, and since 2000, £5million has been invested in preserving the outdoors and making it more accessible to others.
Stay in green accommodation
Several accreditations make it easier for consumers to pick green hotels, camps and lodgings. Green Key Global, Green Globe and LEED are some of the leading certifications.
These grade providers according to several criteria, including building methods, energy-efficient operations, use of renewable energy, water conservation practices and local sourcing of food.
Beyond the mechanics of a property, consider their impact on the wider community.
For example, a lodge that has reintroduced native wildlife into
the surrounding area. Audley has introduced Responsible Choice labelling on its website, to identify tours and accommodation that are leading the way in sustainability.
Pack light for your trip
Weight restrictions exist for a good reason – the heavier a plane’s cargo, the more fuel it burns. If you’re going on a short break, try packing less.
Some destinations are pioneering a rental service for holidaymakers. Any Wear, Anywhere is a clothing rental service for people travelling to Japan with Japan Airlines.
Some essential items to bring, however, include a reusable water bottle (ideally double insulated) to refill at hotels or stations found via apps and websites such as RefillMyBottle and Refill Not Landfill.
A reusable coffee cup, reusable cutlery set, spork and a fabric shopping bag will also reduce plastic consumption. Recycle any packaging at home before travelling as not all destinations have good recycling facilities.
Avoid bucket-list destinations in peak season
Clearly demonstrated in places such as Venice and Dubrovnik, overtourism can put a strain on local resources and infrastructure.
Consider visiting lesser-known places to alleviate the problem, or go in the shoulder season. By going at a quieter time of year, you’ll not only avoid the crowds but will also balance the flow of income to local people year-round. Prices are much more appealing too.
Use public transport
Instead of renting a car, use buses, trains, bike rentals, or walking to explore your destination. This reduces emissions and often offers a more authentic insight into the area.
Swap planes for trains
It’s a no-brainer, but wherever and whenever possible, choose trains over planes, even if it’s only one way.
More sleeper trains have been reintroduced in Europe with improved connectivity across the continent. Eurostar recently launched its Snow Train service, seamlessly connecting several French Alpine ski resorts via Lille.
If you do fly, consider off-setting
Sometimes flying is unavoidable, but there are ways to pay environmental dues through carbon offsetting schemes. Although a big help, admittedly these set-ups don’t solve the CO2 problem – it can, after all, take several years to grow a tree.
Reaping a more direct benefit is a new initiative from adventure operator Pelorus (pelorusx.com). Through a partnership with Neste, the global leader of Sustainable Aviation Fuel production, they’ve found a way for clients to invest in sustainably sourced fuel made from renewable waste and residue raw materials such as used cooking oil.
Using a ‘pay it forward’, concept, guests can offset part of their flight’s carbon emission by investing in an equivalent amount of SAF to be used in future flights.
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The heavier the cargo, the more fuel a plane burns, so try to pack light