Easy ways to travel more sustainably

Isn’t it time you lived a more sustainable life?

Being unable to travel for the past two years has had so many of us itching to hop on a plane, take some time off and explore. But, in the last few years, our priorities have changed, and we’ve become much more aware of the impact our air miles have on the rest of the world.

According to recent research by Booking. com, 71% of UK travellers have revealed sustainable travel is important to them. So, if you want to see the world and damage it as little as possible, here are five simple steps to start with.

1 STAY SOMEWHERE THAT CARES

The survey discovered 62% of travellers intend to stay in sustainable accommodation at least once in the coming year. But, how do you even know where to start looking for somewhere that isn’t totally unsustainable?

Well, you can look out for Travel Sustainable badges on booking sites and even search specific ecohotels. Ecohotels are classified as such because they have a strong commitment to limiting their impact on the environment, and are doing their bit in the fight against climate change.

3 PACK WITH LESS PLASTIC

If you’re travelling with limited luggage and space, you might be tempted to invest in some of those tiny travel-sized toiletries and cosmetics. You’re only allowed so much in the way of liquids for a carry on, so it makes sense, right? Well, not when each tiny thing is almost entirely made of plastic, and it might not be recyclable.

Founder and CEO of regenerative cosmetics innovator Ethique, Brianne West advises: “When you travel, pack with thought. It’s easy to open up a suitcase and throw in everything you own. With a little more thought, you’ll have less to lug around, and (can help) save the planet at the same time – transporting a lighter bag will burn less fossil fuel. To do that, pack multi-use products, and cut down on liquids.”

5 GO WHEN IT IS QUIETER

Overcrowding can be dangerous for local communities, wildlife and pollution. If you can, avoid peak times like August and Easter. And if you can’t, due to school holidays or diary restrictions, then aim to visit less popular destinations that are off the beaten track. You will get the chance to see more of the world, while also keeping your environmental footprint in mind.

2 THINK ABOUT YOUR TRANSPORT

In all honesty, you can’t fly sustainably. According to experts, there is lots of amazing research and development happening in sustainable aviation fuel, but we’re a long way from it being used in commercial flights.

A lot of sustainable travel is just about research, so if this is something you really want to commit to, spend as much time looking into your options as possible. When you are away, consider using trains as much as you can, avoid domestic flights and use electric vehicles. The less we are putting in the ocean, the better.

It’s easy to open up a suitcase and throw in everything you own. With a little more thought, you’ll have less to lug around, and (can help) save the planet at the same time...

4 CUT THE PRE-TRIP SHOP

We all want to look lovely on holiday, with new swimwear or sandals, maybe some shorts or a sundress. But, consider investing in a few better quality, sustainable pieces when you shop – items you’ll wear when you get home, rather than cheaper, fast-fashion ones.

Green living is a phenomenon which encapsulates all aspects of sustainability, waste reduction, and doing what we can to decrease our carbon footprint.

It’s all about doing what we can to lessen our negative impact on the world, and increase our positive impact. There are many ways in which we can do this, from small and easy changes to how our households operate, to considerable lifestyle alterations, such as going flight-free for a year, and each are just as important as the other.

Opting for electric cars and bikes rather than petrol or diesel-fuelled motors is something many people are doing these days, and is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint, while making minimal difference to your daily routine.

An amazing method of reducing your household’s intake of plastic is to make your own cleaning products at home. From window cleaners to furniture polish, we can reduce our plastic by using refillable bottles filled with solutions of our own making.

Recycling is a fast and easy way to get eco-friendly – it’s a way we can all ensure as little rubbish as possible ends up in landfills that can pollute our land, water and air.

The easiest way to start figuring out recycling is to look at labels. Every product you buy should have a label on it telling you if it’s recyclable. If they can, great! Then you need to check if your local council accepts them in your waste bins, or if they need to be put in special bins at recycling points and centres.

These are all simple suggestions but, thankfully, there are a range of quality sources for tips, information and practical solutions out there to help us all get a bit greener in our own lives. So, if you don’t know where to begin, speak to experts at local eco-friendly businesses, organisations and charities, all of whom will be happy to point you in the right direction.

Inside, we explore some great ways you can start to make a difference, and the best news is that you don’t need to turn your whole life upside down – just making a few adjustments in and around your home can have a major impact.